20 Simple Mocktail Recipes That Are Perfect for a Gathering

updated May 6, 2022

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slushie with mint sprig on a table — Credit: Photo: Tara Donne; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell

Nowadays, it seems like “mocktails” are almost as popular as their alcoholic counterparts, and for good reason! No matter the time of year, everyone enjoys a good, refreshing drink that doesn’t skip on flavor, even if it doesn’t have non-alcoholic. Plus, “mocktails” have become so much more than just a mixture of sodas and juices. Today, there are all sorts of fun and unique options, whether they’re store-bought or homemade.

While going out for drinks is always an alternative, there’s something special about making drinks at home and serving them to friends (see our guide on how to properly salt the rim of a glass). Bartending at home is also a great way to get your creative juices flowing and put a tasty spin on drinks like lemonade and fruit punch. We’ve rounded up 20 of our best non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks – they’re a little bit fruity, a little bit tart, and all about fun and celebration!

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Sparkling Peach Punch

What makes this punch unique is the base of green tea, which adds a fresh, grassy note that offsets the inherent sweetness of the peaches.

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Orange and Elderflower Spritzer

Here, water lightens up thick orange juice so it’s more refreshing, while elderflower syrup adds a note of floral sweetness.

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Hibiscus Ginger Punch

Hibiscus and ginger is probably one of many underrated flavor combinations – this punch is easy, sweet, and tart in the best way.

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2-Ingredient Lemon Slushies

Creamy lemon slushies are the ultimate beach fare. Here's how to make the very best ones at home.

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Kiwi-Banana Detox "Cocktail"

If you didn't know that both bananas and kiwis are great in refreshing fruit cocktails, you'll surely know after trying this recipe out.

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Iced Green Tea with Ginger, Mint and Honey

Kick your iced tea up a notch with this flavorful drink. The combination of cooling mint and the kick from the ginger is a match made in heaven.

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Spicy Ginger Lemonade

Sure, lemonade is great on its own, but it's even better when you add some heat to it!

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Mock Mojito Spritz

Here, sparkling water adds a little pop-fizz fun, and the bright lime and mint accents make it feel celebratory.

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The Bright & Bitter

Non-alcoholic bitters add a grown-up note to this orange and cranberry juice mocktail. It makes for a drink that's aromatic, herbal, just slightly bitter, and extra refreshing.

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Smoked Watermelon Agua Fresca

This agua fresca combines juicy sun-kissed watermelon and crisp lime juice with smoked salt and paprika, which add notes of smoke coming off a grill.

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Pomegranate Tonics

This herbal, fizzy mocktail is both sweet and tart thanks to the help of tonic water and pomegranate molasses.

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Creamy Coconut Kiwi Smoothie

This creamy and flavorful cocktail has the smoothest texture and it tastes like the beauty of the tropics all in one glass.

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Mango lovers rejoice! While this dish might be good with something like rum, making it completely non-alcoholic is more than encouraged! Try garnishing it with your favorite citrus fruit before serving.

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Ginger Marmalade Pu-erh Iced Tea

This is a traditional tea in Yunnan Province, China. Even without alcohol, the flavor of this drink is complex and multidimensional.

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English Garden Cocktail

This simple, fruit-forward refresher is inspired by the Pimm’s cup, a quintessential British drink.

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Shrub-A-Dub-Dub (Sparkling Fruit Shrub)

Making a shrub is an at-home practice of sustainability, because it allows you to preserve the freshness of the season with whatever fruits and veggies you have around.

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Blackberry & Sage Spritzers

Earthy sage is a wonderful counterpart to juicy blackberries. While you don't have to strain the blended mixture before adding the sparkling water, it's worth it for seed-free spritzers.

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Non-Alcoholic Sangria

When summer rolls around, sangria is a go-to drink for a crowd. This version is delicious, non-alcoholic, and filled with fruit flavor that packs a punch.

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The julep is a simple drink, and so is this version. Rather than bourbon, the base is a very strong, steeped black mint tea. It's sweetened with a citrus-y simple syrup, and bourbon smoked sugar for smokiness.

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Watermelon Strawberry Cooler

This cooler brings together some of summer's most popular fruits. The result: a drink that's easy to mix up and even easier to enjoy on a beautiful day.

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