10 Ways to Make a Fast and Fancy 3-Ingredient Mocktail
Juice, soda, and seltzer are just fine, but let’s be honest with ourselves — we can do so much better when it comes to serving up non-boozy drinks. And what might surprise you is that it really takes very little effort. Each one of these mocktails is easy to stir together, full of flavor, and just as refreshing as it is pretty. Here are 10 fresh mocktails that feel a little fancy, are totally fun to sip on, and come together with just three basic ingredients.
Fast and Fancy Mocktails
These drinks will prove to you once and for all that making a fancy drink doesn’t necessarily require fancy ingredients, tools, or even a lot of time. Instead it’s about pairing ingredients to create just the right balance of sweet, tangy, tart, and fresh flavors. Often it takes no more than a single, unexpected ingredient to give your mocktail a surprising twist to make it feel fancy.
Infuse a simple syrup for more flavor.
One of the easiest ways to make a minimalist mocktail is with an infused simple syrup. Simmered with sliced ginger, simple syrup gives drinks an unexpected sweet and spicy twist. Woody thyme leaves give simple syrup an earthy twist that’s just right for balancing a fruit-forward sparkling peach mocktail. Lean on lime juice for a twist on classic simple syrup to make a fizzy pineapple mocktail stand out from the crowd.
Learn the basics: How To Make Simple Syrup for Cocktails
Repurpose your tea.
You already know you have a thing for fragrant and flavored teas — now put them to work as the base for a sparkling mocktail. Pair vibrant hibiscus tea with a drizzle of honey and splash of tonic for a sparkling drinks that’s as refreshing as it is stunning. Start with floral jasmine tea for a fast and fancy mocktail that’s delicate and balanced with a pop of bitter tonic bubbles. Calming chamomile is the star of an herbal sparkler that’s light on your tongue.
Start with muddled fresh herbs or fruit.
Fresh herbs are the simple ingredient that give drinks you know and love a special twist. Sweet basil instantly upgrades everyday lemonade with its sweet and spicy flavor. The pungent, woodsy flavor of rosemary is bold enough to match the bitter sweetness of grapefruit juice. Muddled mint leaves tame sweet mango juice and leave a tropical mocktail tasting especially fresh and cool. Muddled strawberries and cucumber are the start of a simple yet flavorful non-boozy drink inspired by a classic Pimm’s cup.
Fast and Fancy 3-Ingredient Mocktails
It’s time to go beyond seltzer, soda, and juice — shaking up booze-free drinks that actually feel fancy and fun is easier than you think. This series on sober celebrations will show you how to whip up super-impressive mocktails with just three basic ingredients.