Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks, beautifully presented. They are perfect for parties, can be served to the whole family, and paired with special foods. You may have noticed that they are popping up on bar and restaurant menus as a beverage option. Here are recipes for five especially easy ones to make at home. They require no shaking, just measure, pour, and stir. Use fancy glasses and be sure to garnish the drinks. To chill them, crushed ice is preferred. Once you craft a mocktail, we are sure you will be creative and invent some of your own.
Orange Sunrise – Fill a glass 1/3 full with orange juice. Top with lemonade, leaving a little room in your glass. Slowly pour a shot glass of grenadine into the glass where it will sink to the bottom to create the look of a sunrise. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cranberry Spritz – Fill a glass ¾ full with club soda and top with a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with four fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick.
Pineapple Prize – Mix 1/3 glass of pineapple juice, 1/3 glass of lemonade, and 1/3 glass of lemon/lime soda. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple on the rim of your glass or a slice of lemon.
Autumn Spice – Fill a glass ½ full with apple juice and top with club soda. Add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice and stir to completely mix. Serve with a slice of apple on the rim of your glass and a cinnamon stick to garnish.
Tomato Love – This is a perfect drink for the tomato juice lover with a little heat. Fill your glass ¾ full with tomato juice. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of pickle juice, and a dash of tobacco sauce and stir. Garnish with a stalk of celery or a twist of lemon.
Try mocktails at your next brunch, with a charcuterie platter or to kick off a special dinner. With the holidays coming, they are especially festive!
Top photo: Bigstock
