1. Start with Attractive Drinkware
Just because you aren't serving spirits doesn't mean you need to resort to juice cups. Stemware has other benefits aside from its elevated silhouette. For instance, a stem provides a spot to rest the hand without warming a chilled beverage. Their tapered bowls also help keep drinks cool by minimizing the surface area in contact with air. If your recipe calls for ice cubes, slices of fruit or sprigs of fresh herbs, use oversized wine glasses that allow enough room for all the ingredients. Serving up carbonated recipes or ones with pureed fruit instead? Try champagne flutes to deliver smaller servings of sweet options.
For other nonalcoholic specialty drinks, repurpose traditional cocktail glasses, including highballs and coupes, for enjoying mocktails or fruit infusions. A tall tumbler or double old-fashioned glass leaves room for ice to keep drinks cool and hydrating—especially for ones containing iced tea, soda or lemonade bases. They also double as drinkware for simple juices and cold brew coffee. If you prefer a more rustic approach, serve iced mocktails from mason jars at your next gathering. For a special occasion fête, wind colored ribbon beneath the rim to enhance the display. Want to sip a slushy drink to keep you cool in hot weather? Consider sturdy coupe and margarita glasses that can also be used for other frozen treats such as ice cream, sorbet and gelato.
2. Choose Versatile Mocktails
When crafting a nonalcoholic version of a popular cocktail, sometimes the mix requires substituting more than one ingredient for the spirits. If you're embracing the sober-sometimes movement for health reasons, incorporate low- or no-sugar ingredients such as flavored sparkling water in the place of sodas and syrups. But if you want the taste of traditional cocktails without the side effects, look for flavored shrubs—an infusion of fruit, vinegar and sugar— that contain a bit of a bite. Either way, there's no need to worry about going wrong when it comes to mocktails, as long as you enjoy the taste. Here are a few examples of common substitutes to use in alcohol-free versions of your favorite cocktails.
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For virgin mimosas and bellinis, blend fruit into a puree and then swap out the champagne for another carbonated option. Sparkling cider, tonic water and even flavored sparkling water help put a booze-free spin on these classics.
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For a mocktail version of a mojito, grind sugar or your preferred sweetener along with a few mint leaves with a muddler or mortar and pestle. Next, juice half a lime into each highball glass (or more if you prefer a stronger citrus taste) before stirring in the mint and sugar mixture. Then, fill highball glasses with ice and top them off with soda water.
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A nonalcoholic version of the Moscow mule stays cool when served in iconic copper mugs. First, juice half of one lime into each. Then, muddle a few mint leaves at the bottom. Add ice and spicy ginger beer for a simple take on this favorite. For a summer twist, blend ingredients to create a frozen mule.
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For a sober strawberry daiquiri, puree strawberries in the blender with crushed ice. Squeeze in lime juice in addition to a couple teaspoons of sugar to taste. Then, add either apple or white grape juice until you reach the desired consistency. For an option with less sugar, swap the juice out for flavored sparkling water.
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Wine-less sangria makes for a refreshing summer drink. Substitute grape juice for the wine, and then juice a lime before tossing in slices of your favorite fruit. Think anything from berries and peaches to oranges and apples.
3. Don't Limit Yourself to Only Mocktail Recipes
While mocktails tend to put a virgin twist on popular alcoholic versions, stepping away from the imitation game opens you up to a wider variety of creations. Instead of mimicking an existing cocktail, combine complementary flavors for an alcohol-free speciality drink. A simple way to contrast flavors in the same glass includes incorporating sweet flavors along with sours or herbs. For instance, pair peach and elderflower, blueberry and mint, lemon and hibiscus or rosemary and cucumber.
Wondering how to design your own nonalcoholic cocktail?
First, choose a base.
Some popular choices include soda, shrubs, juice and tonic water. Nonalcoholic ginger beer brings a touch of spice, even when paired with other mixers, while shrubs mimic the bite of alcohol. Versatile tonic water comes in a variety of flavors, including aromatic florals. Some popular ones include rose, lavender and cherry blossom, as well as more traditional fruit and citrus flavors.
For the health- and sugar-conscious, opt for sugar-free club soda, flavored sparkling water or iced tea instead. When working with teas, don't be afraid to depart from traditional black teas for more variety. Greens and herbals also have several advantages—including boosting antioxidants. Another option: use mix-ins with health benefits, such as aloe or coconut water, kombucha or nutrient-rich vegetable juices, as well as antioxidant-containing cranberry, acai and pomegranate juices. Additionally, these refreshing options keep guests hydrated, which is especially important when hosting outdoors.
Next, combine sweet and sour flavors.
Fresh and frozen berries lend sweetness to simple bases, while the addition of lime brings a sour bite. If sugar consumption isn't a concern, consider store-bought syrups as well as homemade varieties made by combining sugar with fruit or other flavors. Otherwise, rely on natural fruit for sweetness. For a smooth mocktail, use a countertop blender to puree fruits and vegetables, in addition to crushing ice.
Lastly, finish off the drink with a garnish.
Some suggestions include slices of orange, lime or whole berries. If your drink contains herbal aromas, mint, lavender, rosemary and edible flowers look decorative while fitting with the theme.
4. Use Drink Dispensers for Parties
Even when you're hosting, you deserve to relax and have a good time at the party. Preparing batched drinks in advance allows your guests to serve themselves—and you to enjoy their company without dashing off to refresh glasses. Let a drink dispenser take on the workload for you.
When considering drink serveware, first determine how many guests will be partaking. A carafe holds enough for 6-10 servings. If you're hosting an even larger gathering, depend on a dispenser or punch bowl for 15 servings or more. When offering solely nonalcoholic options at a large gathering, it's best practice to plan on two varieties, in addition to the standard fare of canned soda and fresh water. Go for two distinct flavors: if one drink is fruity and pureed, aim for a second that's less sweet. This gives your guests options depending on their palate—and encourages them to taste both.
On a nearby serving tray, include fresh glasses and reusable straws. A small bowl holds garnishes for guests to adorn their glasses using a small serving spoon or pair of tongs. Keep an eye on the dispenser throughout the gathering—if it runs low, simply refill with more fruit, base and mixers.
If you're new to sober entertaining or are looking to introduce friends and family to the diverse flavors afforded by mocktails, consider hosting a DIY mocktail bar at your next get together. Count on one or two versatile bases, but allow guests to choose their own mixers and garnishes from an arrangement.
Not sure how to set up a DIY mocktail bar?
First, designate a table or wet bar area as the mocktail station. Depending on the number of invitees, set up standing drink dispensers or smaller carafes to hold your mocktail bases. If you're offering more than one option to a big group, opt for a stacked drink dispenser that holds both varieties. Beside them, arrange smaller pitchers containing your mixers. Leave an ice bucket nearby or chill your pitchers in a beverage tub so guests can enjoy their creations cold. Finally, multi-part servers or pinch bowls host an array of garnishes—a mix of fruit, herbs and citrus.
On-theme decor brightens the presentation. Consider candle holders, botanicals and party decorations to make an impression. In case guests need further direction, display mocktail ideas on place card holders. This gives them a place to start. Listing the health benefits of the different ingredients also provides a fun twist—especially if your friends and family are particularly health-conscious.
Ready to try sober curious entertaining? Whether you're hosting a baby shower, outdoor party or small gathering, get started by choosing drinkware and serveware. Then, show us your own mocktail ideas at the hashtag #CrateStyle.