Easy Mocktail Recipes You Can Make in a Minute

Let me guess, you’ve heard the news: customers no longer need alcohol to enjoy a “grown-up” beverage. Mocktails are the new undisputed stars of 2026. 

For restaurant owners, it is a major business opportunity to increase their bottom line. 

If you feel the pressure to cater to the “sober curious” crowd, don't worry. You don’t need a complicated syrup or a ten-minute prep time to stay competitive. 

A truly great mocktail only needs two qualities:  delicious to drink and effortless to make.

So, this article has a few easy mocktail recipes, allowing you to start catering to the increasingly popular customer base, without slowing down your service․

What are mocktail drinks?

The term mocktail comes from combining “mock” and “cocktail” which basically means mimicking a cocktail, but without its alcohol. 

Most mocktails are entirely alcohol-free, though some low-ABV versions may contain trace amounts.

Mocktails allow people to enjoy the flavors, complexity, and experience of a cocktail without alcohol.

Including mocktails in your drink menu supports responsible drinking, whether for health, pregnancy, sobriety, or curiosity about a sober lifestyle.

20 easy mocktail recipes with simple step-by-step instructions

Below are 20 of the best easy mocktail recipes to help you start making your best non-alcoholic drinks this year.

Natural and organic mocktails

These mocktails are made without any added preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.

1. Classic Citrus Fizz

This bright and refreshing drink combines fresh orange and lemon juice, topped with sparkling water for a crisp, lively taste. According to food and drink pairing ideas, this drink is perfect for romantic brunch. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from ‌1 small orange)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon ‌juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1-2 teaspoons ‌simple syrup or honey, or to taste
• 1/2 cup sparkling water ‌or club soda
• Ice ‌cubes
• Orange, lemon slices or a cherry

Instructions:

Step 1․ Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a glass․
Step 2․ Give it a good stir until that syrup is fully dissolved․
Step 3․ Add ice cubes to the glass․
Step 4․ Pour sparkling water or club soda over the ice and citrus mix․
Step 5․ Stir it, just a little․
Step 6․ Place a slice of orange, lemon, or cherry on the rim of the glass․

2. Watermelon mint cooler

Juicy watermelon is blended with fresh mint and a splash of lime, creating a cool and refreshing summer-ready drink.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fresh watermelon, cubed
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• ¼–½ cup sparkling water or cold water
• Ice cubes

Instructions: 

Step 1. Blend the watermelon until completely smooth.
Step 2 (Optional). Strain the juice for a smoother texture
Step 3. Muddle fresh mint leaves in a glass to release their flavor.
Step 4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Step 5. Pour the fresh watermelon juice over the ice.
Step 6 (Optional). Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
Step 7. Pour sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
Step 8. Stir gently to combine.
Step 9. Garnish with a mint sprig or a small watermelon wedge before serving.

3. Berry Lemonade

A delightful mix of fresh berries and lemon juice is lightly sweetened and served with still or sparkling water for a fruity, tangy flavor.

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (or a mix)
• 1 oz (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• ¾–1 cup cold water or sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Optional: A little honey or maple syrup if your berries aren’t sweet enough

Instructions: 

Step 1. Muddle or blend the fresh berries until they’re juicy.
Step 2. Add in the fresh lemon juice for that zesty kick.
Step 3. Grab a glass and fill it up with ice.
Step 4. Add in your berry-lemon mixture.
Step 5. Pour with either still water or sparkling water, depending on your preference.
Step 6. Stir and finish it off with a slice of lemon or a few whole berries for a garnish.

4. Cucumber Lime Refresher

Crisp cucumber juice is paired with zesty lime and sparkling water to create a clean, hydrating, and refreshing beverage.

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup fresh cucumber (blended or juiced)
• 1 oz (2 tbsp) fresh lime juice
• ¾–1 cup cold water or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Optional: fresh mint leaves

Instructions: 

Step 1. Blend the cucumber until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 2 (Optional). If you prefer a silkier texture, go ahead and strain it.
Step 3. Grab a glass and fill it with ice.
Step 4. Pour in the cucumber juice along with some fresh lime juice.
Step 5. Finish it off with cold water or sparkling water for that fizz.
Step 6. Stir and add some cucumber slices or mint for a garnish.

5. Tropical Coconut Cooler

Sweet pineapple or mango is combined with coconut water or milk for a creamy, tropical drink that transports you to paradise.

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup fresh pineapple or mango juice (or blended fruit)
• ½ cup coconut water (for light & hydrating) or  ¼–½ cup coconut milk (for creamy and rich texture)
• 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Garnish with a pineapple wedge, toasted coconut flakes, or mint. (optional)

Instructions: 

Step 1. If using fresh fruit, blend until smooth.
Step 2. Fill a glass with ice.
Step 3. Pour in the fruit juice and coconut water (or coconut milk).
Step 4. Add lime juice for brightness.
Step 5. Stir gently and garnish before serving.

Functional and wellness-focused mocktails

These are easy healthy mocktail recipes that are about how its ingredients can benefit both the body and mind. It emphasizes support for stress relief, digestion, and overall well-being.

6. Ashwagandha Citrus Calm

Citrus juices are infused with ashwagandha (serves as an adaptogen) to create a calm, refreshing drink that supports relaxation and well-being.

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp ashwagandha powder (or adjust to taste)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
• 2 oz fresh orange juice (about 1 medium-sized orange)
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water (to top off, about ½ cup)
• Garnish: lemon slice or mint sprig

Instructions: 

Step 1. Mix ashwagandha powder, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey in a shaker or a glass.
Step 2. Stir it well until the powder is mostly dissolved.
Step 3. Fill another glass with ice cubes,
Step 4. Pour the citrus-ashwagandha mixture over the ice.
Step 5. Add some sparkling water on top and give it a gentle stir.
Step 6. Finish it off with a lemon slice or a mint sprig. 

7. Ginger Mint Fizz

Spicy ginger and cooling mint are mixed with citrus juice and sparkling water to create a refreshing drink that aids digestion.

• 1–2 tsp fresh grated ginger (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water (to top off)

Instructions: 

Step 1. In a glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves gently to release their aroma.
Step 2. Add grated ginger, lime or lemon juice, and honey or agave syrup.
Step 3. Stir well to combine.
Step 4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Step 5. Top with sparkling water.
Step 6. Stir lightly and garnish with extra mint leaves or a lime slice.

8. Pineapple Turmeric Refresher

Turmeric is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, while pineapple provides natural sweetness and vitamin C. This vibrant mocktail feels both tropical and nourishing.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh pineapple juice
• ½ tsp ground turmeric (or 1 tsp fresh grated turmeric)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp honey (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water or coconut water (to top)
• Garnish: pineapple wedge

Instructions:

Step 1. In a shaker, combine pineapple juice, turmeric, lemon juice, and honey.
Step 2. Shake or stir well until fully blended.
Step 3. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 4. Pour the mixture over the ice.
Step 5. Top with sparkling water or coconut water.
Step 6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge before serving.

9. Berry Antioxidant Cooler

Berries are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress. This mocktail is fruity, vibrant, and visually appealing, perfect for Instagram-worthy menus.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water
• Garnish: whole berries or rosemary sprig

Instructions:

Step 1. Muddle the mixed berries in a glass until juicy.
Step 2. Add lemon juice and honey, then stir.
Step 3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Step 4. Top with sparkling water.
Step 5. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6. Garnish with whole berries or a rosemary sprig.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

Apple cider vinegar is often associated with digestion support and blood sugar balance. When balanced properly, it creates a surprisingly refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water
• Garnish: lemon slice

Instructions:

Step 1. In a glass, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon juice.
Step 2. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Step 3. Add ice cubes.
Step 4. Top with sparkling water.
Step 5. Stir gently.
Step 6. Garnish with a lemon slice before serving.

Flavor-driven mocktails

Flavor-driven mocktails focus on creative ingredients, layered taste combinations, and sensory impact, such as spicy, floral, smoky, creamy, and tangy. The goal is to excite the palate, not just offer healthy options. 

11.  Passionfruit Basil Fizz

Sweet and tangy passionfruit is paired with fresh basil and sparkling water to create a fragrant, bubbly mocktail.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup passionfruit juice
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water
• Garnish with basil leaf or lime wedge

Instructions: 

Step 1. Mash basil leaves gently in a glass.
Step 2. Add passionfruit juice and lime juice.
Step 3. Fill with ice cubes.
Step 4. Top with sparkling water.
Step 5. Stir gently and garnish before serving.

12. Creamy Coconut Espresso Mocktail

Chilled espresso is blended with creamy coconut or oat milk to create a smooth, rich, and energizing drink.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup chilled brewed espresso or strong coffee
• ¼–½ cup coconut milk or oat milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish with cocoa powder or toasted coconut (optional)

Instructions:

 Step 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 2. Pour in the chilled espresso.
Step 3. Add coconut milk or oat milk.
Step 4. Stir gently to create a layered effect.
Step 5. Garnish lightly before serving.

13. Rosemary Grapefruit Cooler

Fresh grapefruit juice is combined with herbal rosemary notes and sparkling water for a crisp, aromatic beverage.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 tsp rosemary syrup (or muddled rosemary + honey)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water
• Garnish: rosemary sprig

Instructions:

 Step 1.  In a glass, combine grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup.
Step 2.  Stir until well blended.
Step 3.  Add ice cubes.
Step 4.  Top with sparkling water.
Step 5.  Stir gently and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

14.  Lavender Lemon Spritz

Floral lavender syrup is mixed with zesty lemon juice and sparkling water to make a delicate, refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lavender syrup
• ½ tsp honey (optional)
• Ice cubes 
• Sparkling water
• Garnish with a lemon wheel or dried lavender

Instructions:

 Step 1.  Mix lemon juice and lavender syrup in a glass.
Step 2.  Add honey if desired and stir well.
Step 3.  Fill with ice cubes.
Step 4.  Top with sparkling water.
Step 5.  Stir lightly and garnish before serving.

15. Spicy Mango Chili Sparkler

Sweet mango puree is combined with lime and a hint of chili to create a bold, tropical mocktail with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh mango puree
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• A small pinch of chili powder or chili flakes
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water
• Garnish with chili-lime rim or mango slice

Instructions:

 Step 1. In a glass, combine mango puree, lime juice, chili, and honey.
Step 2. Stir well until combined.
Step 3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Step 4. Top with sparkling water.
Step 5. Stir gently and garnish before serving.

Low-ABV and less than alcohol drinks

These easy mocktail recipes for parties are perfect for events, offering refreshing low- and non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer lighter drinks. You can also position them as the low or non-alcoholic version of well drinks. 

16. Aperol Spritz

A balanced mix of Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water is served with a hint of citrus for a light and refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz prosecco
• Splash of sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice for garnish
  

Instructions:

Step 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes
Step 2. Add Aperol and prosecco
Step 3. Top with sparkling water
Step 4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

17. Vermouth and Tonic

Herbal vermouth is topped with tonic water to create a crisp, light, and flavorful beverage.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz sweet or dry vermouth
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon or orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 2. Pour in vermouth.
Step 3. Top with tonic water and stir lightly.
Step 4. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange.

18. White Wine Spritzer

White wine is mixed with sparkling water to create a lighter, refreshing drink with a subtle effervescence.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz white wine
• 2 oz sparkling water
• Lemon or lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:Step 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 2. Pour white wine and top with sparkling water.
Step 3. Stir gently and garnish with a citrus wedge.

19.  Hard Seltzer

Flavored sparkling seltzer is served with a gentle touch of alcohol for a light and easygoing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 can flavored hard seltzer (about 4–5% ABV)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh fruit for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Step 2. Pour the hard seltzer over ice
Step 3. Add fresh fruit for garnish if desired.

20. Shandy

A simple combination of half beer and half lemonade creates a citrusy, refreshing beverage perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup light beer
• ½ cup lemonade or citrus soda
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1. Fill a glass with ice (optional)
Step 2. Pour beer and lemonade into the glass.
Step 3. Stir gently and serve immediately.

5 tips on how to market mocktails in your restaurant successfully

Your restaurant marketing ideas play a key role in maximizing your profits, so, do not waste the best mocktail recipes, and learn how to market your mocktails effectively with these five tips:

1. Use a restaurant order management system

The restaurant order management system is designed with useful features that essentially go hand in hand.

Advanced systems have a digital menu where customers can sign in with their email and other identifying information.

The emails, names, and even phone numbers are usually stored for marketing. This helps you tailor your offers and send targeted notifications.

Moreover, most systems also let you promote special offers, discounts, and limited-time offers for FOMO marketing directly placed on your menu.

That way, you can directly market new mocktails to customers.

Note: Technology can also negatively impact data security and privacy. As restaurant owners, the responsibility is on you to keep your customers’ data secure and their information private in order to build trust and promote compliance.

2. Conduct a focus group marketing 

False marketing can waste a lot of marketing efforts and resources when you know your mocktails would not be saleable on a broad-scale marketing.

To that end, restaurants can engage in targeted marketing, which consists of crafting promotions and products to target specific consumer groups most likely to purchase them.

Based on research by Zipdo on mocktail industry statistics, the following groups of people prefer mocktails the most:

• Gen Z (18–24). 32% of U.S. consumers are the most significant age group.

• Women. 56% of U.S. buyers; 61% of them bought premium mocktails.

• Higher-income households. Those making 75k+ spend 2.5× what lower-income households do.

• Urban residents. 40% higher consumption than rural—access to mixologists and specialty retailers.

• Baby Boomers (55–74). 12% of consumers, and 81% of those (at least) were on low-sugar, low-calorie options.

• Millennials (25–34). 35% greater consumption than those aged 35–44.

• Health-conscious consumers (Japan example). 58% seek organic, lower-sodium, and more health-driven.

Focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active. Like social media for restaurants under TikTok and Instagram to reach Gen Z.

3. Align with ESG trends

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a philosophy that captures the essence of doing business responsibly, sustainably, and ethically.  

There are plenty of restaurants serving mocktails. Therefore, don't promote your mocktail with just appearance and price, define the VALUE behind it that aligns with the ESG principle instead.

Use this opportunity to showcase those fresh ingredients, your sustainable packaging, or whatever else is special about the way you source and serve drinks.

Aligning your offerings with ESG also helps compassionately meet the demand from community members who care that you're making responsible and thoughtful choices.

4. Position them as premium

DoorDash, a well-established delivery platform, points out that low- and no-alcohol drinks can be just as complex, high-quality, and attractive as regular cocktails.

Highlighting these drinks on your menu can make it stronger. In fact, the menu is the main thing that influences 55% of diners.

They suggest three easy ways to feature these drinks:

• Add mocktails to your menu next to alcoholic drinks and use a clear label that says “non-alcoholic.” Price them about the same as cocktails to show they are premium options.

• Make these drinks stand out with creative glassware, fun garnishes, and bright colors. Using great photos can boost sales by up to 44% and help bring in new customers.

• Give your mocktails unique and creative names instead of calling them “virgin” versions. Describe their flavors and what makes them special in the menu, so they feel just as important as your signature cocktails.

5. Start a soft launch

A soft launch allows you to test, improve, and build confidence internally before scaling your promotion to a wider audience.

Rolling out your mocktails to the public immediately may not always be a good idea. 

First, look internally in your restaurant and set up your staff to confidently upsell and cross-sell them.

Offer your current customers the mocktails as a trial before pushing hard on your social or paid marketing.

Gather feedback, observe which flavors perform best, and refine the presentation or pricing if needed.

Mock it ‘til you rock it.  Start crafting and serving today. 

Fueled by shifting habits, the worldwide mocktail scene edges closer to 5.85 billion dollars. This means, mindful non-alcoholic drinks aren't a bonus anymore – it matches how people actually live now.

By focusing on high-quality ingredients, functional benefits, and premium presentation, you can transform your drink menu from a simple list into an inclusive experience.

Grab your restaurant ordering software, try these easy mocktail recipes, get the team up to speed, and begin testing one mocktail at a time.

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