3 Tips for Mastering Mocktails

Mocktails are festive, flavorful, non-alcoholic drinks that make you feel fancy without the hangover. Plus, they’re customizable to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, curling up by the fireplace or just want to sip on something special, mocktails are the way to go. And trust us, they’re much easier to master than you might think!

1. Start with the Basics: First things first, you need a good base. Sparkling water, ginger beer, fruit juice and flavored teas are all fantastic foundations. Your go-to could be a simple combo of cranberry juice and soda water — it’s tart, refreshing, and feels festive with a few cranberries tossed in for good measure. But really, the possibilities are endless. Want something tropical?
Try pineapple juice and coconut water.

2. Don’t Skimp on the Garnish: Let’s be real: half the fun of a mocktail is how it looks. A well-placed garnish can take your drink from “meh” to “wow” with minimal effort. Think citrus slices, fresh herbs like mint or rosemary, sugared rims or a fun skewer of seasonal fruits. For the holidays, a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick add a pleasant aroma and make the drink feel much more festive.

3. Make it Special with Simple Syrups:
Add a special touch with a quick, homemade simple syrup. It may sound fancy, but it’s just sugar and water simmered together until it thickens. You can easily infuse it with common ingredients like lemon peel, mint or vanilla. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for whenever the mocktail mood strikes.