Most mocktails are already lighter than their alcoholic counterparts since you’re cutting out the highest-calorie ingredient. But some recipes still load up on sugar, cream, and fruit juice in ways that add up fast. These eight recipes keep things light without sacrificing flavor, and none of them taste like you’re drinking something out of obligation.
Gin and Tonic
Two ingredients, almost no sugar. A non-alcoholic gin like Seedlip Garden 108 has zero calories on its own, and a quality tonic water with natural quinine keeps the sugar content low. The botanicals and bitterness do all the heavy lifting flavor-wise. If you want to go even lighter, swap the tonic for sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. You lose a little bitterness but gain a drink that’s essentially zero calories.
Paloma
The Paloma gets most of its flavor from grapefruit, lime, and salt rather than sweeteners. A non-alcoholic tequila, a squeeze of fresh lime, and grapefruit soda or sparkling water with fresh grapefruit juice keeps this well under 100 calories. The salt rim adds flavor without adding anything to the calorie count, and the grapefruit’s natural bitterness means you need less sweetener than you’d think.
Mojito
The mojito’s calorie count comes almost entirely from the sugar, and you have full control over how much goes in. Start with half the amount the recipe calls for and taste before adding more. Fresh mint and lime juice provide so much flavor that most people don’t notice the difference. Club soda makes up the bulk of the drink, keeping things light and bubbly.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary might be the most nutritious cocktail that exists. Tomato juice is the base, which is naturally low in calories and high in vitamins. The flavor comes from Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and celery salt, none of which add meaningful calories. It’s savory, spicy, and filling enough to double as a snack. The non-alcoholic vodka adds body without adding sugar.
Sea Breeze
Cranberry and grapefruit juices give this drink a tart, fruity character that doesn’t rely on added sugar. The key is using 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail, which is loaded with sweetener) and fresh grapefruit juice. The non-alcoholic vodka keeps things neutral. A splash of sparkling water on top lightens it further while adding fizz.
Aperol Spritz
The spritz format is naturally light because sparkling water makes up a good portion of the drink. A non-alcoholic aperitif provides the bitter-sweet flavor, and that bitterness tricks your palate into perceiving more complexity than the calorie count would suggest. It’s refreshing, it looks beautiful, and it’s one of the lightest cocktails you can order at a bar or make at home.
Screwdriver
Fresh-squeezed orange juice and non-alcoholic vodka. The orange juice does contain natural sugars, but a single serving keeps the total reasonable, and you’re getting vitamin C and potassium in return. This is one of those drinks where the quality of the orange juice matters more than anything else. Fresh-squeezed is noticeably brighter and more satisfying than the carton stuff.
Vermouth Spritz
Non-alcoholic vermouth, fresh lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and club soda. The herbal complexity of the vermouth carries this drink, so the sweetener plays a supporting role rather than a starring one. Cut the simple syrup in half or replace it with a few drops of agave and you’ll barely notice the difference. It’s light, herbal, and perfect before a meal.
The pattern across all of these is simple: fresh citrus, sparkling water, and non-alcoholic spirits that bring flavor through botanicals and spices rather than sugar. If you’re watching calories but don’t want to give up interesting drinks, start with any of these and adjust the sweetener levels to your taste. For more recipe ideas, browse our full collection on the recipes page.
