Mocktail Mixer

Photos styled by Jules Aron

Mocktails—aka nonalcoholic cocktails—have become one of the latest health trends among millennials and Gen Z, but they’re perfect for everyone, regardless of age. With New Year’s resolutions top of mind, now is the time to hop on the mocktail train with these delicious recipes.

Winter White Russian

There’s no better way to embrace the winter season than cozying up with a book and a good drink. This smooth and creamy nonalcoholic version of a White Russian will give you that serotonin boost you need after the hustle and bustle of the holidays and have you feeling content staying in for the night—you’ve earned it!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. milk of choice
• 1 oz. nonalcoholic vodka
• 1½ oz. espresso (can substitute cold brew or iced coffee)
• ½ oz. simple syrup (can substitute maple syrup)
• 1-2 drops vanilla extract
• ¾ oz. heavy cream
• Chocolate sauce (for the glass)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake contents well. Set aside and grab a clean glass. Drizzle chocolate sauce around the inside of the glass. Add fresh ice, then strain mixture into your chocolate-garnished glass.

Immune Boost

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are available year-round but reach peak season in the winter months through early spring. Providing vitamin C, citrus fruits offer the immune boost we all need after flu season and holiday travels. Probiotic-rich kombucha can also help with your immune system and offers an energy boost. This light and refreshing recipe will help give you a healthy taste of spring weather to come.

Photo by Gyorgy Papp

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. lemon juice
• 3 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. carrot juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup or sweetener of choice
• Ginger-lemon kombucha

Instructions:

Add a scoop of ice and all ingredients except the kombucha to a cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly to combine. Strain the drink into a serving glass filled with ice. Fill the remainder to the top with kombucha. Garnish with lemon or orange slices.

Strawberry Crush

This simple and sweet mocktail says everything you can’t find the words to say to your valentine. No crush? No problem. This pink drink is sure to be a hit at the Galentine’s party! Make a round for the group, or create a drink station with the ingredients and themed garnishes.

Photo by Gyorgy Papp

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. strawberry puree
• 2 oz. prepared coconut creme (can substitute canned coconut cream, blended)
• 1 oz. lime juice
• Nonalcoholic sparkling rosé

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well and pour all ingredients and ice into a glass. Top with your favorite nonalcoholic sparkling rosé or zero-proof wine. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Cheers to sweet love!

Kiwi Hydration Mockarita

In preparation for Florida’s inevitable early spring and warm days, hydration is key. Kiwi is one winter fruit that flavorfully hints at spring’s tropical promise. Paired with lime, this refresher offers a healthy mix of antioxidants all in one drink.

Photo by Gyorgy Papp

Ingredients:

• 1 kiwi peeled and cut into slices
• 1¾ oz. zero-proof tequila
• 1½ oz. lime juice
• ½ oz. orange juice
• Agave, to taste
• Coarse salt for garnish

Instructions:

Start by salting the rim of your glass. In the cocktail shaker, muddle two or three slices of kiwi. Combine the rest of the ingredients into the shaker. Add a scoop of ice, and then shake the cocktail thoroughly. Fill your salted glass with fresh ice and the remaining kiwi slices. Strain your “mockarita” into the glass.

Order Up

If you find yourself out on the town as the night’s designated driver or simply want something hydrating to sip on between dance floor grooves, the mocktail is the perfect solution. A recent spike in mocktail popularity has landed the not-so-boozy drinks a spot on many bar menus. 

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t feel pressured to settle for a cola. Bartenders are familiar with the mocktail craze and are often happy to accommodate. Simply ask your bartender for a virgin or mocktail version of your go-to drink. Or, describe the flavor profile you want and let them work their magic. Some bars and restaurants offer mocktails made with nonalcoholic spirits. So, if an allergy is of concern, be sure to let your bartender know. 

Now there’s nothing holding you back from raising a glass to that inevitable speech coming from your friend group’s favorite extrovert. Cheers! 

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Kaki Menser is a seasoned party planner and Emerald Coast bartender with 15 years of experience in the service industry. When she’s not hosting her annual holiday parties and get-togethers or planning weddings and events, you can find her slinging drinks at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside or at Boshamp’s in Destin.