Mocktails have come a long way from being mere substitutes for alcoholic drinks. With creativity and a keen eye for detail, bartenders can create non-alcoholic beverages that can be just as sophisticated and flavorful as their spirited counterparts. Whether you’re hosting a party with Tucson Creative Catering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking for a refreshing drink to beat the heat, elevated mocktails offer a delightful experience for everyone.
Herbal Infusions
Herbs add complexity and depth to mocktails, creating layers of flavor that elevate the drink. Here are two ideas to try.
- Lavender Lemonade – This is a simple yet delicious blend of fresh lavender, lemon juice, honey, and sparkling water. Steep fresh lavender in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and cool. Mix lemon juice and honey in a glass, then add the lavender tea. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of lavender and a lemon slice.
- Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer – A delicious and unexpected pairing, perfect for warm Tucson nights. Simply make a rosemary simple syrup, combine with grapefruit juice, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a wedge of grapefruit.
Tropical Twists
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these refreshing and vibrant mocktails that pack a punch of exotic flavors.
- Coconut Mango Cooler – Is there a better tropical mix than coconut and mango? If you are planning a beach party, this drink is a must-have. Blend fresh mango to make a smooth puree. In a shaker, combine the puree, coconut water, and lime juice. Shake well and pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a slice of mango.
- Pineapple Basil Smash – A perfect blend of tangy pineapple and fresh basil, this drink is sure to satisfy your cravings. Start by muddling fresh basil leaves in a shaker. Add pineapple juice and lemon juice, then shake well. Strain into a glass with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a basil leaf and a pineapple chunk and enjoy.
Berry Bliss
Berries add a burst of color and a hint of sweetness to any mocktail. Here are two berry-based drinks that are sure to impress.
- Blueberry Ginger Fizz – If you like a zing in your drink, be sure to try this one. Blueberries add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tang of ginger. Blend fresh blueberries to create a puree. Mix the puree and lime juice in a glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with fresh blueberries and a lime wheel.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade – Strawberry lemonade is a summer classic. Mix it up with the addition of fresh basil. Using a pitcher, muddle fresh strawberries and basil. Add lemon juice and simple syrup to taste, then top with water. Stir well and refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve over ice with a strawberry slice and a basil leaf.
Spiced Sensations
Spices can turn an ordinary mocktail into a tantalizing treat. Here are two mocktails with a kick you can add to your Christmas in July or holiday party.
- Cinnamon Apple Sparkler – So simple, yet so good. Heat apple cider with a cinnamon stick until warm, then let it cool. Mix cooled cider with sparkling water in a glass. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Chai-Spiced Pear Punch – If you love the flavor of chai, add this to your menu. Mix pear juice and chai tea concentrate in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a pear slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Citrus Zest
Citrus fruits bring brightness and zest to mocktails, making them refreshing and invigorating.
- Orange Mint Refresher – Zingy and fresh – sure to become your next favorite. Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a shaker. Add fresh orange juice and shake well. Pour over ice in a glass and top with soda water. Garnish with an orange wheel and a mint sprig.
- Lemon Thyme Cooler – Another stunning combination you have to try. Simply mix lemon juice and thyme simple syrup in a glass. Top with tonic water and garnish with a thyme sprig and a lemon slice.
Contact Tucson Creative Catering to Design Your Party’s Drink Menu
Elevated mocktails are all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and getting creative with flavors and presentations. These drinks can be as elegant and enjoyable as any alcoholic cocktail, offering a refreshing alternative that everyone can appreciate. When you are planning your next party and want to be sure there is a drink for everyone, speak to one of our catering directors to create the perfect menu.