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Inspiration & Tips/Scandinavian lifestyle & Recipes/Easy mocktail recipes
A mocktail with grapefruit juice in a Holmegaard Cabernet cocktail glass sits on a kitchen counter with cocktail utensils in the background.

Easy mocktail recipes: 14 non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy anytime

Whether you're hosting a summer garden party, enjoying brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence – mocktails are having a moment. These non-alcoholic drinks are no longer just substitutes for traditional cocktails; they match them in flavour, appearance, and creativity. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes mocktails so special, how to serve them in style – and share a collection of easy mocktail recipes for every taste.
Monday, 14 July 2025
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What is a mocktail?

Mocktails – short for “mock cocktails” – are drinks that skip the alcohol without compromising on taste or presentation. Instead of spirits like rum, gin, or liqueur, mocktails use juices, syrups, herbs, teas, or alcohol-free spirits to create complex and delicious flavours.

The result? A sophisticated drink you can enjoy with zero regrets – whether you're behind the wheel, pregnant, or simply looking to treat your body well.

Professional cocktail accessories are also recommended for mocktails. Here, the shaker, measuring cup and ice bucket from the Rocks collection by Zone Denmark stand on a bar trolley.

Why mocktails are more popular than ever

More and more people are choosing to reduce or completely avoid alcohol – for health, personal, or religious reasons. At the same time, the desire for stylish, flavourful drinks remains strong. That’s where mocktails come in: full of flavour, beautifully presented, and 100% alcohol-free.

From everyday moments to special celebrations, mocktails are the perfect choice for those who appreciate good taste and creativity – no alcohol required.

Discover our best mocktail recipes

  1. Virgin Caipirinha
  2. Virgin Mojito
  3. Virgin Daiquiri
  4. Virgin Mai Tai
  5. Virgin Gin & Tonic
  6. Virgin Long Island Iced Tea
  7. Virgin Margarita with Lemon & Thyme
  8. Peachy Herb Fizz
  9. Summer Breeze
  10. Grapefruit Grove
  11. Red Velvet Cooler
  12. Violette Finesse
  13. Zesty Fire
  14. Ruby Spice

Timeless Classics – Without the Alcohol

1. Virgin Caipirinha

Fresh and tropical – a non-alcoholic twist on the Brazilian favourite.

With non-alcoholic Cachaça:

  • ½ lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 6 cl alcohol-free Cachaça
  • Crushed ice

Without substitute:

  • Lime + sugar as above
  • 6 cl sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Optional: white grape juice for added depth

How to: Mix lime and sugar in a glass. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Stir and serve.

2. Virgin Mojito

Green, minty freshness with a touch of sweetness – perfect for warm evenings.

With non-alcoholic rum:

  • 6–8 mint leaves
  • 2 tsp cane sugar
  • 2 cl lime juice
  • 6 cl alcohol-free white rum
  • Soda water
  • Ice cubes

Without substitute:

  • Same mint and sugar
  • 4 cl lime juice
  • 6 cl sparkling water or ginger ale

How to: Gently mix mint and sugar in a glass. Add ice, then top with remaining ingredients.

3. Virgin Daiquiri

Elegant and zesty – a citrus classic reimagined.

With non-alcoholic rum:

  • 6 cl alcohol-free white rum
  • 3 cl fresh lime juice
  • 2 cl sugar syrup

Without substitute:

  • 6 cl coconut water or white grape juice
  • 3 cl lime juice
  • 2 cl sugar syrup

How to: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

4. Virgin Mai Tai

A tropical tiki-style drink with sweet and spicy notes.

With non-alcoholic rum:

  • 4 cl alcohol-free dark rum
  • 2 cl orgeat (almond syrup)
  • 2 cl lime juice
  • 2 cl orange juice
  • 1 cl sugar syrup

Without substitute:

  • 4 cl pineapple juice
  • 2 cl lime juice
  • 2 cl orange juice
  • 2 cl almond syrup
  • Dash of apple cider vinegar for depth

How to: Shake and serve over ice in a tumbler. Garnish with mint.

5. Virgin Gin & Tonic

Crisp, elegant, and full of flavour – minus the alcohol.

With non-alcoholic gin:

  • 4 cl alcohol-free gin
  • Tonic water
  • Garnish: cucumber, rosemary, or citrus peel

Without substitute:

  • 2 cl cucumber juice
  • 1 cl lemon juice
  • Tonic water
  • Fresh rosemary or mint

How to: Serve over ice in a glass and garnish as desired.

6. Virgin Long Island Iced Tea

Bold, layered, and refreshing – Long Island, reimagined.

With alcohol-free spirits:

  • 2 cl each: non-alcoholic vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, tequila
  • 2 cl lemon juice
  • 1 cl sugar syrup
  • Coke to top

Without substitute:

  • 6 cl strong black tea
  • 2 cl lemon juice
  • 2 cl orange juice
  • 2 cl sugar syrup
  • Coke to top

How to: Shake all ingredients with ice. Serve in a long drink glass and top with cola.

7. Virgin Margarita with Lemon & Thyme

Citrusy and herbaceous – a refined take on a favourite.

With non-alcoholic tequila:

  • ½ lemon, cut into chunks
  • 1 tsp agave syrup
  • 6 cl alcohol-free tequila
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • Crushed ice

Without substitute:

  • Same lemon and agave
  • 6 cl cloudy apple juice or white tea
  • 1 sprig thyme

How to: Mix lemon and syrup in a glass, gently press the thyme. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Stir and garnish. Optional: salt rim.

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Signature Mocktails – Unique and Creative

8. Peachy Herb Fizz

Floral fruitiness with a herbal twist.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cl peach juice
  • 2 cl lemon juice
  • 1.5 cl rosemary syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 egg white (optional, for foam)
  • Soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice for garnish

How to: Dry shake all but soda (without ice), then shake again with ice. Strain into tumbler, top with soda. Garnish with lemon and rosemary.

Homemade rosemary syrup: Simmer 100 g sugar and 10 cl water with a rosemary sprig for 10 min. Cool and strain. The syrup will last in the fridge for approx. 1 week.

9. Summer Breeze

Light and refreshing – a garden-party favourite.

Ingredients:

  • 8 cl white tea (cooled)
  • 2 cl lemon and lime juice
  • 2 cl sugar syrup
  • 4–5 mint leaves
  • 10 cl soda water
  • Ice cubes

How to: Mix mint with syrup, add ice and remaining ingredients. Top with soda, stir gently, garnish with mint.

10. Grapefruit Grove

Bitter and aromatic – ideal for moody afternoons.

Ingredients:

  • 10 cl grapefruit juice
  • 1.5 cl lemon juice
  • 1.5 cl rosemary syrup (see recipe 8)
  • 10 cl soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice for garnish

How to: Add all ingredients to a glass with ice. Top with soda, stir lightly. Garnish with lemon or rosemary.

11. Red Velvet Cooler

A vibrant aperitif-style drink with fresh citrus flavour.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cl clear currant or cranberry juice
  • 1 cl lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 10 cl tonic water
  • 4–5 mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

How to: Gently press mint with zest. Add to glass with juice and ice, top with tonic. Garnish with mint or berries.

12. Violette Finesse

Floral and elegant with a touch of colour.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cl violet syrup
  • 1.5 cl lemon juice
  • 8 cl white grape or pear juice
  • 10 cl soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Fig or thyme to garnish

How to: Shake syrup, juice and lemon with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a glass, top with soda. Garnish with thyme or a fig slice.

13. Zesty Fire

Crisp and spicy with a bold citrus punch.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cl lime juice
  • 3 cl agave or honey syrup
  • 10 cl white grape or cloudy apple juice
  • 2–3 slices of jalapeño
  • 10 cl soda water
  • Crushed ice
  • Chili-salt-sugar rim

How to: Wet glass rim with lime juice and dip in a chili-salt-sugar mix. Lightly press jalapeño, shake with remaining ingredients, pour over ice. Garnish with lime.

14. Ruby Spice

Warming and wintry – a festive aperitif for cold days.

Ingredients:

  • 10 cl pomegranate juice
  • 3 cl lime juice
  • 1.5 cl cinnamon syrup
  • 4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
  • Crushed ice
  • Rosemary sprig to garnish

How to: Shake juice, lime and syrup with ice. Strain over crushed ice, top with seeds and rosemary.

How to make your mocktails stand out

Mocktails don’t have to be simple or boring – quite the opposite! With a few creative touches, you can elevate any non-alcoholic drink into a showstopper:

  • Stylish sugar rims: Rub the glass rim with lime juice and dip it in sugar or coloured crystals for an elegant touch.
  • Flavoured ice cubes: Freeze edible flowers, berries, or herbs in ice cubes for a stunning look – and extra flavour as they melt. Pro tip: Boil the water before freezing or cover with foil to get clear cubes.
  • Beautiful presentation: Serve in quality glassware and add fresh garnishes like mint sprigs, citrus twists or herbs for a sophisticated finish.
Give your mocktails a special touch by dipping the rim in a plate of chilli flakes, as pictured here.

Non-Alcoholic, Full of Joy

Mocktails prove that you don’t need alcohol to create something festive, stylish, and full of flavour. Whether you’re looking for a quick refreshment, an elegant party drink, or a creative way to impress guests – these easy mocktail recipes offer something for everyone.

So grab your shaker, stock up on fresh ingredients, and let your creativity flow. Cheers to great taste – without the alcohol!

More drink recipes with and without alcohol: Refreshing summer drinks

Find the right glass: Glass Guide - Cocktail glasses

Photos: Holmegaard, Zone Denmark, Dorre, Sagaform, Nachtmann, Spiegelau, Angeliqa Daldorph Nielsen, Ardijan Mahmutaj, Lyngby Glas, Viners

Anja Wahnig
Author

ACCESSORIES FOR THE PERFECT MOCKTAIL

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