dry january

All About Mocktails – Stir up a Storm with our Tips, Info, and Recipes

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Become a mocktail maestro as we offer some insight into the pros of mocktail enjoyment, plus some delicious mocktail alternatives to some of the world’s best-known cocktails

With the demand for tasty, fun-to-make alcohol-free beverages increasing in recent years, the term ‘mocktail’ has been appearing more and more. Some will turn to mocktails following a New Year’s resolution, some during a health kick, and some just fancy learning a few new recipes!

Read on to learn a little about mocktails as we detail what they are, situations where they come in handy, and tips to make them as enticing as possible. We also have seven delicious mocktail recipes that we hope will help inspire you, whether you’re trying to evolve your drinking habits or simply looking to broaden your horizons when it comes to drinks.

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What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed beverage, i.e. a soft drink version of a cocktail. Typically, mocktails will take the recipe for a classic cocktail, such as an old-fashioned or a margarita, and replace the alcoholic component with a soft drink alternative to create a mocktail that closely resembles the original cocktail in appearance and flavor. There are plenty of original mocktail recipes out there too, so there are sure to be options you’ll enjoy regardless of your preferences.

In the past, it could be a challenge to create a mocktail that tastes exactly like the cocktail it replicated due to the difficulties in replacing the qualities of the spirit component of the cocktail. Nowadays, the emergence of zero-alcohol spirits means that many mocktails can taste almost identical to their cocktail counterparts, expanding the range of mocktail possibilities considerably!

Why do people drink mocktails?

There are numerous reasons why people enjoy mocktails and why mocktails can be a great option to consider. For example:
  • Mocktails can spice up the night for designated drivers. If you are tasked with getting everyone home at the end of an evening out with friends, it can help to have a soft drink option that allows you to be a little fancy. Of course, it’s fine to stick to water or a regular soft drink during the evening, but colorful mocktails as an option can provide a welcome extra bit of excitement to the designated driver’s night.
  •  They’re an inclusive option for those who can’t drink cocktails or choose not to. There are many reasons why someone might avoid drinking cocktails, be it for religious reasons, health reasons such as allergies, or personal choice. But that shouldn't mean they can't have fun with their beverages, and mocktails can be the perfect remedy for these circumstances.
  •  Mocktails suit any event. Sometimes, you may host an event where alcoholic beverages are not suitable, but you still want to make glamourous drinks that will catch the eye. Think baby showers, or family parties where children are present. During such occasions, mocktails fit the bill perfectly as an option that helps to create a celebratory atmosphere using only soft drinks!
  •  They can be healthy! Mocktails can contain their fair share of sugar, so this doesn’t always apply. However, for those aiming to drink healthful beverages, there are plenty of mocktail recipes that contain lots of nutrients and not too much sugar. Keep an eye out for mocktails that center around freshly-squeezed fruit juices and ingredients such as fresh ginger if these are the kind of mocktails you're after.

 The many perks of mocktails can be great news for bar, hotel, and restaurant owners too! By having a wide range of delicious mocktails available, you help to create an excellent drinking and dining experience for customers who either don’t wish to drink alcohol, can’t drink alcohol, or maybe fancy having a couple of cocktails before moving on to soft drinks. A strong mocktail list broadens your appeal and stands you in good stead to cater to all occasions and demands.

      

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How to make your mocktails stand out

At RIEDEL, we are passionate about optimizing the sensory experience for any drink. That goes for mocktails as much as wine, cocktails, beer, or spirits. A well-made mocktail can be a sensory delight that ticks all the boxes when it comes to looking for a satisfying beverage. To achieve this, before sure to:
  • Use fresh ingredients. If the mocktail you are making calls for freshly-squeezed orange juice, use freshly-squeezed orange juice. Processed juice form concentrate won’t exactly ruin the experience, but the standard of your beverage will be much higher if you use quality, fresh ingredients.
  • Garnish your drinks. One of the main elements that sets mocktails apart from regular soft drinks is the inclusion of fresh garnishes. Garnish adds flavor and style to your beverage and really acts as a stamp of authority that your mocktail is a legitimate alternative to your favorite cocktail.
  • Use ice where appropriate. This is another example of treating your mocktail exactly as you would a cocktail. If your mocktail benefits from shaking in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, try not to be tempted to skip out on this part for the sake of ease.
  • Use the right glass. If you are making a mocktail negroni alternative, use the same glass as you would for the real thing. The same goes for any other mocktail. With our RIEDEL Drink Specific Glassware Collection, you have the right glass for just about any mocktail you concoct.

7 magnificent mocktails to help keep you motivated

Thanks to innovative minds and the emergence of more alcohol-free spirits in recent years, there are now more delicious mocktails that you can enjoy than ever before!

Here are seven mocktail versions of some of the world’s most popular cocktails that we feel sure will provide something for everyone:

Discover more delicious mocktails

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RIEDEL Drink Specific Glassware