20 Simple Mocktail Recipes That Are Perfect for a Gathering

Cory Fernandez
Cory FernandezAssociate Food Editor
Cory is a New York City–based associate editor at The Kitchn, who covers food trends, lifestyle, wine, liquor, spirits, food-related travel, and food features. Before working at The Kitchn, he worked as an editor at Food Network Magazine and was a contributor to The Pioneer…read more
updated May 6, 2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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!

1 / 20
Emily Han
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.
Go to Recipe
2 / 20
Faith Durand
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.
Go to Recipe
3 / 20
Emily Han
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.
Go to Recipe
4 / 20
Photo: Tara Donne; Food Styling: Anna Stockwell
2-Ingredient Lemon Slushies
Creamy lemon slushies are the ultimate beach fare. Here's how to make the very best ones at home.
Go to Recipe
5 / 20
<a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/authors/MaureenP">Maureen Petrosky</a>
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.
Go to Recipe
6 / 20
Karen Biton-Cohen
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.
Go to Recipe
7 / 20
Sarah E Crowder
Spicy Ginger Lemonade
Sure, lemonade is great on its own, but it's even better when you add some heat to it!
Go to Recipe
8 / 20
Stephanie Russo
Mock Mojito Spritz
Here, sparkling water adds a little pop-fizz fun, and the bright lime and mint accents make it feel celebratory.
Go to Recipe
9 / 20
Rachel Joy Barehl
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.
Go to Recipe
10 / 20
Amelia Rampe
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.
Go to Recipe
11 / 20
Stephanie Russo
Pomegranate Tonics
This herbal, fizzy mocktail is both sweet and tart thanks to the help of tonic water and pomegranate molasses.
Go to Recipe
12 / 20
Michaela Cisney
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.
Go to Recipe
13 / 20
Sara Kate Gillingham
Mango Colada
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.
Go to Recipe
14 / 20
Apartment Therapy
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.
Go to Recipe
15 / 20
Amelia Rampe
English Garden Cocktail
This simple, fruit-forward refresher is inspired by the Pimm’s cup, a quintessential British drink.
Go to Recipe
16 / 20
Amelia Rampe
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.
Go to Recipe
17 / 20
Gina Eykemans
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.
Go to Recipe
18 / 20
Emily Han
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.
Go to Recipe
19 / 20
Gabriel (Gabi) Bucataru | Stocksy
The 1875
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.
Go to Recipe
20 / 20
Emily Han
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.
Go to Recipe