Finding the ideal drink for your next occasion can be a daunting task, especially after scouring countless recipe books and websites. Luckily for you, we’ve curated a list of the most popular and creative drinks out there, spanning from sweet and refreshing to bold and bitter. Whether you're planning a lively get-together or a cozy night in, these fun and inventive recipes are sure to elevate your drinking experience!
Fuzzy Berry Punch
Perfect for a fruity, fresh flavor, this berry punch packs a delightful kick for all of you craving the taste of sweet spring in a glass. If your sweet tooth is yearning for something to satisfy its cravings, this mocktail is the perfect fit for you.
You will need: a 2-liter bottle of blackberry ginger ale, a 12-ounce container of peach nectar, a 12-ounce container of strawberry nectar, 1 quart of orange juice, and a 1/2-gallon container of orange sherbet
Once you’ve gathered these ingredients, simply add them to a punch bowl, give it a good stir, and enjoy!
Sweet Sunrise
It might be tough to shake off that alcohol craving when you're missing your favorite tequila sunrise, but fortunately, there’s a virgin option available. Without the tequila, this mocktail offers the perfect replica of the tequila sunrise, with its orange and pineapple-infused flavors not only satisfying your craving but leaving you wanting more.
You will need: 2-3 dashes of orange bitters, 4 oz. orange pineapple juice, and ½ oz. grenadine syrup
Slice up a grapefruit or pineapple to garnish your sweet drink and indulge that sweet tooth!
Virgin Mary
For all the Bloody Mary enthusiasts out there looking to cut back on alcohol, this is the perfect alcohol-free option for you. With the same tomato, celery, and Worcestershire flavors as your favorite cocktail, this drink doesn’t require much to achieve that bitter, healthful taste you crave late on a Sunday afternoon or early in the morning.
You will need: 6 oz of tomato juice, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of black pepper and smoked paprika, and 1 dash of hot sauce
If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add as much hot sauce as your heart desires! Garnish with a slice of celery or green olives, and you can enjoy this savory drink from the comfort of your home!
Chica Morada
This popular Peruvian mocktail is infused with purple corn and condensed milk, and flavored with common spices like cinnamon and cloves. Its bitter flavor is balanced delicately with other fruit components, such as apples and pineapples, giving it an extra pop of flavor. Not only is it a delicious drink to enjoy at home or with friends, but it also contains antioxidant properties from the corn, providing you with the vitamins you need throughout your day.
You will need: 1 pound of dried Peruvian purple corn on the cob (about 4 medium ears), 1 gallon of water (for boiling), 1 large stick of cinnamon, 6 whole cloves, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 3 green apples, and 4 limes
Feel free to cut up some of the leftover fruit and add it to your drink for both a yummy beverage and a tasty snack!
Dark ‘n Stormy
This nonalcoholic version of the original ‘Dark ‘n Stormy' cocktail is the perfect recipe for any ginger beer lover out there. While the rum is omitted from this bitter drink, all the flavors and components still create a perfect replica of the cocktail, whether you're making it for your next party or simply enjoying a cozy night in with Netflix.
You will need: 4 ounces of ginger beer, 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice, a dash of aromatic bitters (optional), and a lime wedge for garnish
Choosing this bitter mocktail can elevate not only your night but also your mood, with its refreshing ingredients and without the head-pounding hangover the next day!
Sleepy Girl Mocktail
Sometimes, we all need that extra boost to help us drift off to sleep when nothing else seems to work. Enter the ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail,’ trending on TikTok, designed to promote relaxation and sleep with its calming properties and magnesium-infused components.
You will need: any flavor of your favorite sparkling soda, tart cherry juice, and one scoop of magnesium powder
Once you've mixed all the ingredients, simply sit back, relax, and welcome the sleep!
Citrus Fizz
Looking for a refreshing, citrusy drink that will leave your taste buds in awe? With just a handful of ingredients, you'll not only have a delicious sip for the evening but also an aesthetic drink to savor. The key to this creative concoction? Raw eggs. While it may sound unexpected, rest assured it's completely tasteless and adds a delightful froth that takes this drink to the next level.
You will need: 1 cup of orange juice, 1 oz lemon juice, 2 oz simple syrup, 2 eggs, and 1 ounce of Club Soda
The lightness of this simple, fruity drink brings all the summer vibes into your home and kickstarts, or ends, your day with a burst of flavor!
Sundowner
This timeless mocktail radiates elegance and simplicity, offering a delightful escape with just three easy ingredients. This drink is ideal for unwinding on your porch during a sunset (hence the name "sundowner") or as a sweet conclusion to the evening. With its harmonious blend of citrus and fruity flavors, this mocktail is a perfect choice when craving something both sweet and simple.
You will need: Grape juice, Club Soda, and a lime for garnish
For a twist, consider adding pineapple, cranberry, or orange juice (or all three!) and garnish with an orange peel!
Shirley Temple
Excite your taste buds with a fizzy and sweet drink with this recipe. Requiring only two ingredients, this mocktail is the perfect choice for adults and is family-friendly, allowing your kids to join in on the fun! With its vibrant color and fizzy, sweet aftertaste, this drink makes a fantastic addition to your evening, a party, or a gathering with family and friends!
You will need: ½ oz of grenadine syrup and ginger ale (or Sprite, if you prefer that more)
It's a simple yet effective recipe that the whole family can enjoy!
Passionfruit Sparkler
Not only is this drink quick to make and sweet to consume, but also a healthy alternative to other mocktails! With its low-carb, low-sugar base, you’re free to enjoy as many as you would like without crashing afterward. It's a refreshing and guilt-free treat that captures the essence of summer!
You will need: 1 passionfruit, 1 tbsp of lime juice, 1 cup of coconut water, and any sweetener of your choice (optional)
Espresso Martini
If you're a coffee lover, this is the perfect drink for you to indulge in after dinner. This popular cocktail combines the rich flavor of coffee with the smoothness of vodka, creating a delightful blend that's sure to please your taste buds. Unlike the 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail,' this drink provides a boost of energy, preventing that after-dinner nap.
You will need: 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso coffee, and if you're craving extra sweetness: 1/2 oz simple syrup
Garnish with coffee beans, sip, and enjoy!
Boozy Brazilian Lemonade
This cocktail is a refreshing end (or start—don’t worry, no judgment here!) to your day, invigorating your sweet tooth with a sugary concoction enhanced by a tropical twist. The vibrant colors of this drink, coupled with its light and refreshing effect, make it the perfect beverage to sip on a hot day outdoors or a delightful cocktail to enjoy with your friends.
You will need: 6 limes, 4 oz of rum, ¾ cup of sugar, 6 cups of water, and ½ cup of condensed milk
Although the winter air is still among us, this drink will have you feeling like it's summer all year long!
Old Fashioned
Reviving the sophisticated and timeless essence of every dad's favorite drink, this classic concoction skillfully balances the sweetness of bourbon with the bitterness of aromatic bitters. This earthy and spicy drink, infused with muddled fruit, introduces a new dimension of flavor to your palate and may even become your next beloved choice whenever you're in the mood for a refreshing sip.
You will need: 2 tsp simple syrup, 2 dashes of bitters, and 1 oz of bourbon whiskey
If the initial taste is too bitter for your liking, consider dropping in a sugar cube or adding a dash of maraschino cherry juice to sweeten it up!
Ruby Red
Looking to unleash your creativity and let it shine through your bartending skills? The Ruby Red mocktail is your ticket to just that, blending sweet, tangy, and a hint of booze into your night. Live out your Sex and the City dream by mixing up this cocktail for friends, family, or even yourself for a cozy night in.
You will need: 2 oz Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and 1.5 oz Triple Sec
This cocktail offers a harmonious balance of tartness and sweetness, not to mention it's visually stunning!
Aperol Spritz
This classic Italian cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and refreshing flavors. The subtle sweetness from the Aperol liqueur adds a crisp and fruity undertone to your palate, and the prosecco incorporates the perfect amount of fizz for a fresh, bubbly taste, making it ideal for a sunny day.
You will need: 3 oz Aperol, 3 oz (1 part) dry Prosecco, and a splash of club soda
With only three ingredients in this recipe, you can wind down your day with an easy-to-sip drink!
Negroni
This classic cocktail gained popularity not only for its bold and distinctive taste but also for its easy preparation. While it features bitter notes, the sweet vermouth offsets some of that bitterness, bringing this timeless classic back into the modern light. Known as an 'aperitif,' it's typically consumed before a large meal, but you're welcome to enjoy this easy, three-ingredient drink whenever you'd like!
You will need: 1 oz Campari, 1 oz gin, and 1 oz sweet vermouth
Dubliner
St. Patty’s Day is a national holiday to drink whatever you want, whenever you want without being judged. If you're looking to embrace the true Irish spirit, the Dubliner offers a rich and smooth taste with Irish whiskey and Grand Marnier.
You will need: 2 oz Irish whiskey, 1/2 oz Grand Marnier, 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 3 dashes of orange bitters
Add a festive touch with a green maraschino cherry garnish and raise a toast to the luck of the Irish!
Greenhorn
While this drink may seem unconventional, blending tequila and melon-flavored liqueur creates a surprisingly delightful fusion of flavors. Renowned for its vibrant neon green hue, the Greenhorn cocktail is a beloved favorite among the Irish, making it a perfect addition to your St. Patrick's Day festivities!
You will need: 1 oz Midori, 3/4 oz Suze, and 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
