The right drink depends on the moment. A backyard barbecue calls for something different than a quiet evening at home, and what works at brunch would feel out of place at a dinner party. These ten recipes cover the full range, from casual to refined, so you have something worth making no matter what the occasion looks like.
Negroni
When you want something sophisticated and a little bitter, the Negroni is hard to beat. Equal parts non-alcoholic gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter orange aperitif create a drink with real complexity. It’s the kind of thing you’d serve at a dinner party alongside appetizers, and it signals that the non-alcoholic options at your table are just as thoughtful as everything else.
Mimosa
Brunch without a mimosa feels incomplete. Fresh orange juice and sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine come together in about ten seconds, and the result is bright, bubbly, and festive. Serve it in a champagne flute and no one will feel like they’re missing out. It’s also one of the easiest batch drinks you can make for a crowd.
Old Fashioned
For a quiet evening when you want something spirit-forward and unhurried, the Old Fashioned is the gold standard. A non-alcoholic bourbon, a touch of simple syrup, a couple dashes of bitters, and a large ice cube. The drink changes as the ice slowly melts, which makes it perfect for slow sipping. Express an orange peel over the glass and you’ve got a drink that feels genuinely special.
Margarita
Parties need a crowd-pleaser, and the margarita has been filling that role for decades. The salt rim, the citrus, the agave sweetness: it all works. Make a big batch, set out a bowl of chips and guacamole, and you’ve handled drinks and snacks in one move. It scales up beautifully and tastes just as good from a pitcher as it does from a shaker.
French 75
New Year’s Eve, anniversaries, promotions: some moments call for something with a little sparkle. The French 75 combines non-alcoholic cognac with lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water for a drink that feels celebratory without being fussy. The effervescence and citrus make it lively, and the cognac base gives it enough weight to feel like a real cocktail.
Mojito
Hot weather and mojitos go together like nothing else. Fresh mint, lime, sugar, club soda, and a non-alcoholic rum create a drink that’s cool, sweet, and impossibly refreshing. It’s the one you want poolside, at a cookout, or on a patio when the temperature starts climbing. The muddling takes an extra thirty seconds and makes all the difference.
Espresso Martini
After-dinner drinks should feel indulgent, and this one delivers. The combination of fresh espresso, coffee liqueur syrup, and non-alcoholic vodka creates a drink that’s rich, slightly sweet, and energizing. Shake it hard to get that signature foam on top. It works just as well as a pick-me-up before going out as it does as a dessert course alternative.
Sangria
Casual gatherings and warm afternoons are where sangria shines. A pitcher of fruit-soaked, spiced, non-alcoholic red wine that gets better as it sits in the fridge. It’s the ultimate make-ahead drink for hosting because the prep happens hours before anyone arrives, and topping each glass with sparkling water keeps it refreshing. Plus, the fruit at the bottom is half the fun.
Penicillin
Cold weather needs a drink that warms you up, and the Penicillin does exactly that. Honey-ginger syrup, lemon juice, and a smoky non-alcoholic scotch create something that tastes like it’s good for you, even if that’s mostly the ginger talking. It’s a modern classic that’s earned its place alongside the Hot Toddy as a go-to for chilly evenings.
Paloma
For everyday drinking, when you just want something good without overthinking it, the Paloma hits the mark. Non-alcoholic tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and a salted rim. It’s simple, it’s refreshing, and it pairs with practically anything you’re eating. The grapefruit gives it a bitter edge that keeps it from feeling too sweet, and the salt rim ties everything together.
These ten recipes cover most of what life throws at you, from Tuesday nights to milestone celebrations. If you’re building a home mocktail rotation, start with two or three that match how you actually spend your time, and expand from there. You’ll find the full collection on our recipes page, organized by spirit so you can explore whatever catches your interest.
