What is A Mocktail? Exploring Alcohol-Free Libations

For years, we’ve known about the negative impact that alcohol consumption can have on our bodies and minds, yet alcohol is still a central part of socializing for many of us. Fortunately, more and more people are opting for a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

As a result, we are seeing a hike in zero-alcohol spirit sales as restaurants and bars expand their menus to include skillfully crafted mocktails. 

Whether you’re one of the 69% of drinkers who show interest in lowering their alcohol consumption or you’re cutting out the booze altogether, here are some mocktail tips and benefits to help get you there.

What is a Mocktail?

If you’re new to the non-alcoholic beverage world, you may be wondering, “What exactly is a mocktail?”

Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks consisting of simple syrups, seltzers, fresh juices, alcohol-free spirits, and more.

They’re a fun way to stay social without compromising your physical and mental well-being.

Before getting into some of our favorite types of mocktails, let’s talk about some of the pros of the mocktail movement.

Where Did Mocktails Come From?

Mocktails date back to the earliest days of cocktails, themselves. In fact, they even appeared as “temperance drinks” in the first American books about cocktails, including Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide from 1862. However, Merriam-Webster cites the first mention of “mocktail” in 1916. Because, yup the slang word is even in the dictionary.

The timing checks out, since low-alcohol beer was brewed at large for the first time in the early 1900s. This was during the temporary Wartime Prohibition Act, introduced in 1918, which was followed by the National Prohibition Act in 1920. The Act wasn’t abolished until 1933, and it was illegal to trade alcohol with an ABV level of over 0.5% during that time. 

Of course, nonalcoholic beers and mocktails didn’t get the same marketing as their alcoholic companions did in the decades since.

Despite the lack of advertising, mocktails have been making a comeback. So much so, in fact, that 2021 research from the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) Drinks Market Analysis predicts that sales of no/low-alcohol drinks to grow by over 31% by 2024.

Benefits of Drinking Mocktails

From hangover-less Sunday mornings to just feeling better in general, there are countless reasons people are making the switch to an alcohol-free lifestyle. As we mentioned in our ultimate guide to alcohol alternatives, there are many benefits of drinking mocktails instead of cocktails.

Physical Health

Let’s talk about hangovers. We’ve all been there, waking with a splitting headache, feeling bloated, nauseous, and achy. We try anything we can to feel better, but it always seems there is no amount of water or greasy food that can revive us.

In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the only cure for a hangover is time. 

Alcohol is the main contributor to hangovers which occur from dehydration, poor sleep, inflammation, and more. With mocktails, you get the experience without the negative physical effects. This reason alone makes an alcohol-free lifestyle sound like a no-brainer.

Mental Health

While alcohol has an initial calming effect that may seem to help with stress and anxiety, it is actually a depressant that can alter your brain chemistry. This change can result in feelings of anger, depression, and even worsened anxiety.

The Mental Health Organization reports that some mental health issues stem from alcohol use, just as alcohol abuse is more common among those dealing with existing mental health issues. 

If you’re interested in breaking the habit, or just want to practice a mindful approach to drinking, keep reading. Here are some of our favorite types of mocktails.

The 3 Best Types of Mocktails

Spritzers

When you think spritzer, think spring and summer. Traditionally made by adding ice and carbonated water to wine or liquor, spritzers are easy drinkers with tons of flavor. Best of all, they’re one of the simplest mocktails you can make.

Spritzers deserve large, stemmed wine glasses packed full of ice. Check out our non-alcoholic take on one of the most iconic spritzers ever made.

N/A Aperol Spritz

Recipe Instructions:

• Fill a large, stemmed wine glass with ice. 
• Add Wilfred’s Bittersweet N/A spirit and top with tonic water. 
• Gently stir to combine ingredients and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and lemon wheel.

Fruit-Forward Mocktails

A common misconception about mocktails is that they’re all juice and sugar, and sure, they can be if that’s what you’re into. But the key to a great mocktail is balancing flavors to create something truly enjoyable.

Fruity cocktails like the Cosmopolitan and Sex on the Beach are classics, but we prefer to venture out when it comes to crafting the perfect fruit-forward mocktail.

For example, here is our take on a Basil and Blackberry Smash mocktail.

Basil and Blackberry Smash

Start by making a homemade blackberry simple syrup. Making your syrups from scratch makes all the difference.

Shopping Links:

• SPIRITLESS Kentucky 74 Distilled NA Whiskey
• Collins glass

Sour Mocktails

Okay, so not too sour. Every mocktail needs to share a balance between a base, acid, and sweet component.

While the bite of fresh lemon can come off as overly tart or bitter even, balancing with a little simple syrup can make all the difference in your mocktail.

Here’s our n/a take on a Lemon Drop Martini.

N/A Lemon Drop Martini

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Seedlip Grove 42 N/A Citrus Spirit
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup

Directions:

• Fill a bar shaker with ice.
• Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and Seedlip Grove 42.
• Shake well and strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Bottom Line

I hope this answers the question: What is a mocktail? As we’ve seen, people are making the healthy lifestyle choice to cut back on alcohol consumption. With the benefits of improved physical and mental health, it’s no wonder why. Now that you have some ideas for great-tasting mocktails, try some of your own.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these other mocktail recipes.