Participating in drinking culture or having a big night out isn’t for everyone. But being teetotal shouldn’t mean missing out on making cocktails. If you want sophisticated drinks without the consequences, here are some cheap and easy mocktail recipes that give you a delicious taste without the booze. Bottoms up!
Fruit Punch
This refreshing fruity mix is perfect for a summer get together and so easy to make. Just put all the ingredients into a large jug or bowl and it’s ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 500ml of pineapple juice
- 300ml of orange juice
- 300ml of lemonade
- ½ an orange, sliced
- ½ a lemon, sliced
- Mint leaves
- 10 strawberries, sliced
Mojito
This classic rum-based cocktail has been altered with apple juice replacing the rum. Adding a little bit of almond extract will make this even better, but it would be just fine without.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 tbsp of apple juice
- 1 lime sliced into wedges
- 1tsp of caster sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Method:
Start by crushing the lime wedges in a glass with the sugar. Add the mint leaves and lightly crush the mixture again. Fill the glass with ice then pour over the apple juice and sparkling water. Stir and you’re done.
Pineapple Cobbler
For a pretty looking cocktail try this mix as the different coloured layers should give an ombre effect. Perfect for showing off to your friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of strawberry juice
- 1 tbsp of lime juice
- 6 tbsp of pineapple juice
- Sparkling water
Method:
Mix the lime and pineapple juice before straining them into a glass. Add the sparkling water, leaving room to add the strawberry juice to the top.
Summer Mocktail
One for sitting in the garden when the weather gets warmer. Sit back and relax.
Ingredients:
- 120ml of clear, sparkling lemonade
- Frozen berries
- Ice
- 1cm slice thick of cucumber
- 1 sprig of mint
Method:
Chop up the cucumber and mint before adding it to 200ml of boiling water. After a couple of minutes, turn off the heat and add the frozen berries so they can defrost. Use a spoon to lightly crush the mixture, then strain the mixture and keep it in the fridge until it is needed.
To assemble the mocktail, pour 40ml of the pre-made mixture into a glass with ice. Fill up the glass with 120ml of lemonade and stir to finish.
Of course, any cocktail can be made alcohol-free by substituting the spirit for something else, or just simply taking it out. If none of these tickle your fancy, try experimenting with familiar favourites.
Read next: How to buy gifts on a budget