Recipe: Mock Mojito Spritz

After a battle with alcohol addiction, my friend Lauren struggled with how to socialize without booze. For her, parties always meant having a glass of wine or a cocktail in her hand at all times, so when she emerged from rehab, she simply avoided seeing her friends. Soon, though, she learned how to ask politely for non-alcoholic drinks, often bringing them herself so she knew she’d have safe options.

When Lauren started entertaining again, a mock mojito was her go-to drink as a hostess. Sparkling water adds a little pop-fizz fun, and the bright lime and mint accents make it feel celebratory. I’ve simplified her version, which uses fresh lime, by leaning on a good jarred limeade. It doesn’t matter what brand you pick, as long as it’s a limeade you love drinking.

Of course, any time of year, it’s great to have cold drinks ready-made for when guests arrive. To make this drink for a crowd, freeze a dozen canning jars the night before a party. About half an hour before go time, make a dozen mocktails in the cold jars, seal them with lids, pack them into a cooler or drink tub with ice, and you’re ready to go. When folks walk in, instead of frantically jumping between greeting friends and stirring drinks, you can just point to the tub. If you want, make both mocktails and cocktails. Presenting a combination of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mojitos (with well-marked lids!) enables people to choose whether or not to get boozy with a little less judgment.