During your celebrations, why not raise a glass to the mocktail? This non-alcoholic drink is as deliciously festive as a cocktail . . . without the undesirable effects! Here are a few basic tips for perfect mocktails every time.
All pros, no cons!
Mocktails aren’t just for the designated driver! This type of drink allows everyone to limit their alcohol consumption, which has beneficial effects on your overall health. Plus, they’re much more economical. All the more reason to be in the mood to celebrate!
The ABCs of the mocktail
Like cocktails, the secret to a good mocktail lies in the balance of flavours. They’re composed of a base, such as juice or a carbonated beverage, for example. Some recipes include a sweet element, counterbalanced by an acidic ingredient such as lemon or lime juice. For a tasty finish, you can also add an aromatic, such as cinnamon, mint, rosemary, or basil.
Don’t know where to start? Just remember that mocktails are often inspired by their original recipe. Bloody Caesar, Mojito, Pina Colada, Margarita, or Tom Collins: most drinks can very easily be recreated without wine, beer, or spirits. In fact, there are several alcohol-free equivalents on the market. To get the best result, we recommend following the proportions of the classic version. You can also replace alcohol with ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to convert cocktails into mocktails:
- Sweet white wine: white grape juice + lemon juice
- Red wine: unsweetened cranberry juice
- Sparkling wine: concentrated apple juice + carbonated water
- Cognac: peach or apricot juice
- Gin: chamomile and cucumber infusion
Tip: to replace liqueurs, use other ingredients that provide a similar flavour. For example, in a Sex on the Beach, a flavoured simple syrup or peach bitters can be used in lieu of peach schnapps.
Simple syrup: so simple to make!
It lives up to its name: simple syrup is made in minutes with few ingredients. Basically, it contains equal parts water and sugar, which dissolves once the mixture reaches boiling point. Next, you remove the mixture from the heat and infuse your aromatics (think herbs, citrus peel, vanilla bean, or spices). Want to add a unique touch to your simple syrup? Try making lavender simple syrup! It’s simply sublime in this floral mocktail.
Vary your base . . . and your fun!
With its caffeine content, yerba maté can be used to concoct mocktails that will appeal to all energy drink lovers. Try it in this recipe, infused in sparkling water and flavoured with mint.
Kombucha also inspires thirst-quenching creations. In this Vanilla Ice mocktail, raspberry shares the spotlight with vanilla and fresh thyme, which lends a herbaceous finish to the drink.
The hottest ice around
No one can resist fun-shaped ice cubes. Use your imagination or go with a theme related to your celebrations.
Fruits and herbs can also enhance the flavour and look of your drink. Simply add basil leaves, dried rose petals, or blueberries to your ice cube trays, for example.
A pretty presentation
For a mocktail that turns heads, garnish your glass with sliced lemons, dried oranges, or a sprig of fresh herbs (like the tarragon used in this sparkling orange and cranberry mocktail). Foodies can be won over with a bacon topping, flambéed marshmallow, candy, or fruit skewer.
A bit of froth can also brighten up your mocktails, especially sour-type ones. You can whip up some froth by first shaking your ingredients with a little egg white, before stirring again over ice cubes.
