A thoughtful host considers the needs of every guest. Even if you like to enjoy a glass of wine, pint of beer, or mixed cocktail when you’re hosting a party, you might have guests who might be in the mood for non-alcoholic drinks. In fact, you might have guests who don’t drink alcohol at all. So, you want to have some special non-alcoholic drinks on hand so that every guest can enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Your non-alcoholic offerings don’t have to be boring. Skip the soda and bottled water and throw together an easy mocktail that guests will love. From some tried-and-true favorites to some creative mocktails, this list includes a variety of mouthwatering mocktails for all. Plus, your guests will appreciate the thought that you put into their needs.
So, check out this list of 10 easy non-alcoholic cocktails to offer at your next party.
1. Flavored Lemonade
On a hot summer day (or night), there’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of lemonade. So, if you’re hosting a warm-weather gathering and want to keep your guests refreshed, consider offering some lemonade––with a twist. Flavored lemonade is simple to make, requiring just an ingredient or two on top of your favorite lemonade recipe.
Whether you use a lemonade drink mix or blend fresh-squeezed lemons with water and sugar, creating a part-tart, part-sweet lemonade can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Then, get creative. Choose your favorite seasonal fruit to add to the lemonade. Puree it, strain it, and add your homemade fruit juice to the lemonade for a burst of flavor. Strawberries, blueberries, and peaches make tasty choices.
2. Sparkling Sweet Tea
Another perfect-for-summer beverage is sweet tea. This classic Southern drink can be dressed up with some creative mixing and shaking. Plus, this mocktail couldn’t be easier to make. Start with your favorite sweet tea recipe. You can even pick up a gallon of your favorite sweet tea at the store. Pour it over ice, filling the cup about two-thirds full. Then, fill the rest of the cup with sparkling water. Stir, add a lemon slice, and let your guests enjoy.
3. Shirley Temple
It’s a classic alcoholic-free cocktail and one that is always a hit at any event. A Shirley Temple blends your favorite lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and grenadine for a sparkling, refreshing mocktail. Be sure to serve this drink in a clear glass to showcase its unmistakable pink hue. Top it with a couple of cherries for an added touch.
4. Cherry Cola
Soda lovers will delight at this homemade twist on cherry cola. The base of this drink is your favorite cola. A couple more store-bought ingredients allows you to create this classic cola flavor for your event. Fill your glass with ice and cola. Top it with a tablespoon of grenadine and a tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice. Then, add a cherry and let guests enjoy.
5. Virgin Mojito
Fresh mint is the defining ingredient of a virgin mojito, which delivers all of the flavor of the alcoholic variety, minus the rum. Start by making simple syrup, which requires bringing equal parts sugar and water a boil and then letting it cool. Next, muddle the fresh mint and freshly squeezed lime juice in the base of the glass. Fill it with ice and sparkling water. Then, top your drink with the simple syrup, Mix together, add a sprig of mint, and let guests sample this minty, refreshing mocktail.
6. Party Punch
Punch is a classic party drink, and it can easily be made without alcohol. A sherbet-based punch is a creamy, flavor-packed option that is so refreshing that your guests just might consider it dessert. Start with a container of orange sherbet. Then, add two complementary fruit juices to customize your punch. Pineapple juice and orange juice, for example, add a citrusy touch to your punch. Then, add some carbonation to lighten the drink. A lemon-lime soda or ginger ale adds the finishing touch to your non-alcoholic party punch.
7. Wine-Free Sangria
There’s something decidedly festive about sangria. Perhaps it’s the rich red color and the fruit-filled pitcher that make it a delectable drink. Serve up this sangria––sans the wine––as a nonalcoholic option for your party. Fruit juice and sparkling water is the base of this drink, which means you have plenty of ways to customize flavors. Consider pomegranate, apple, grape, or cranberry juice as your base. You can even blend two different juices, such as combining cranberry juice and apple juice for a delicious cran-apple flavor. Then, add sparkling water to add a kick to your sangria. You can even find a flavored sparkling water for added flavor.
Then, it’s time for the fruit, which turns your drink into a sangria-inspired beverage. Choose fruits that complement the juices you chose, but don’t be afraid to throw in your favorite in-season fruits to really elevate the flavors of your drink. Strawberries, apples, blueberries, and peaches are flavorful additions to your wine-free sangria. Serve over ice.
8. White Chocolate Latte
Coffee is often a welcome treat at the end of a party. While some guests might want coffee-infused cocktails, others are going to desire a non-alcoholic variety. Offer them a white chocolate latte, a creamy, chocolatey treat that they’re sure to love. In a saucepan, combine a half-cup of coffee with a 2:1 ratio of milk and half and half. Add white chocolate chips and a teaspoon of vanilla. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the chocolate chips melt. Pour in a mug and top with whipped cream for an indulgent coffee creation for your next party.
9. Spiced Cider
Cider and fall go hand in hand, but this iced cider drink is delightful for your party guests year round. Apple cider serves as the base of this mocktail, so pick up a half-gallon or gallon depending on how much you want to make. Embrace other flavors of fall by combining the cider with cranberry juice, along with frozen orange juice concentrate for a citrusy touch. Mix together until the orange juice concentrate melts. Add a few ice cubes and a cinnamon stick for added flavor.
If you’d prefer a warm spiced cider, this recipe works well on the stovetop too. Simply warm the ingredients over medium heat until they reach your desired temperature. Don’t be afraid to add spices like cloves and anise––just be sure to scoop them out before you serve.
10. Margarita Mocktail
Margaritas are a festive drink and perfect for parties, and your guests can enjoy them without the tequila, too. Start with an ounce of orange juice, lime juice, and sweet and sour mix. These three ingredients will give the drink the tart, citrusy flavor of margaritas. Next, add a few ounces of club soda or lemon-lime soda, whatever your preference, to the mix. If you opt for club soda, you can sweeten up your margarita mocktail with some simple syrup. Remember, simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar, brought to a boil and then cooled. As the finishing touch, line the rim of the glass with sugar or salt, and add a lemon, lime, or orange slice as an added touch.
Conclusion
As the party host, you want your guests to feel welcomed and included. You might even want them to feel pampered. You can achieve that by delivering a drink menu that satisfies every guest, which shows that you put thought into your guest list and your guests’ needs. While some might love to kick back with a cocktail, others are seeking nonalcoholic options. Give your guests a variety of choices to ensure that everyone has precisely what they need.
These non-alcoholic cocktail recipes rely on just a few ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. You can make them individually or as a batch, with the latter option allowing you to serve the crowd with ease. Plus, guests won’t be bashful about getting a second drink if there’s a pitcher waiting for them. So, get creative and get inspired by these 10 tasty non-alcoholic cocktails that deliver delicious flavors that your guests are sure to enjoy.
