17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol

These fresh and fruity drinks make every party a festive occasion for all ages.

three mocktails in different glasses, cucumber and grapefruit
Photo:

Johnny Fogg

Lots of party people want to raise a glass that's buzzy, but not boozy, from the mom-to-be at a baby shower to those who don't love alcohol, but appreciate a well-crafted drink with their holiday dinner. And then, of course, there's the under-21 crowd at your family cookout.

But free of alcohol doesn't mean flat: Virgin versions of classic cocktails like margaritas, sangria, and boozy punches make the most of fresh fruit juices and sparkling ciders. Warm-weather standbys, including watermelon, blueberries, and blackberries, add depth to traditional iced tea and lemonade, while the wintry flavors of ginger, cider, and citrus make for party-ready punches.

Top any of these recipes with pretty garnishes—fruit segments, fresh mint leaves, or a classic cherry on top—to infuse your party with family-friendly flair.

01 of 18

Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler

Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler
Ren Fuller

A combination of ginger beer and fresh ginger gives this thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic spritz its spice. With fresh lime juice and a gorgeous garnish of mint leaves, this is a delicious virgin version of a classic Moscow mule.

02 of 18

Honeydew Lemon Tarragon Cooler

honeydew-lemon-tarragon cooler cocktail
Linda Xiao

Chunks of juicy honeydew, pureed with tarragon syrup and lemon juice, provide the base for this agua fresca-like summer drink. We recommend sipping one by the pool on a hot August day.

03 of 18

Iced Passion-Fruit Green Tea

Iced Passion-Fruit Green Tea
Ren Fuller

Minimal ingredients with an impressive result? Sign us up! Green tea and passion-fruit juice marry for a subtle tropical taste.

04 of 18

Watermelon Lemonade

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Prepare a batch of this pink drink and your summer celebration will be made in the shade.

05 of 18

Golden Ticket Mocktail

The Golden Ticket Cocktail
Ryan Liebe

This mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut adds a sweet, tropical complement to your lineup of movie-night snacks or your next family-friendly vacation happy hour.

06 of 18

Blackberry-Plum Smash with Basil

Blackberry Plum Smash
Ren Fuller

We love the bright raspberry color of this refreshing cooler. Infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and berries, this not-too-sweet pour is as invigorating as a cannonball in the deep end.

07 of 18

Carrot Limeade

Carrot Limeade recipe
Ren Fuller

We wouldn't be surprised if Peter Cottontail tried to make off with one of these vibrant chillers filled with a blend of carrot and lime juices. We added a hint of sugar to win over kids and grown-ups alike.

08 of 18

Grapefruit-Sanbitter Spritz

grapefruit sanbitter spritz mocktail
Johnny Fogg

Italian soda Sanbitter gives this drink the same bright red color as an Aperol spritz, and with a touch of fresh grapefruit juice, this is one refreshing and worldly mocktail. (Sorry: Italian vacation not included.)

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Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic

mediterranean cucumber tonic mocktail
Johnny Fogg

Robust rosemary, crisp cool cucumber, and tart lemon come together in this vibrant booze-free take on the gin and tonic. Fever-Tree Tonic Water is infused with botanical oils for an added layer of complex aromatics. No gin needed!

10 of 18

Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas"

pink grapefruit margaritas
Charles Maraia

With pink grapefruit juice and pomegranate syrup, this booze-free margarita transports you to warmer climes. Serve in a martini or margarita glass for a sophisticated presentation.

11 of 18

Ginger-Lime Fizz

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A virgin version of the classic Moscow Mule, this sparkling brew is made with a ginger-infused simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and seltzer.

12 of 18

Sparkling Cider with Cara Cara Orange Punch

glass of sparkling cider with cara cara orange punch

This festive punch made with winter citruses is a fun holiday mocktail that's just as tasty year round. For a special touch, garnish with candied oranges.

13 of 18

Blood-Moon Punch

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Aaron Dyer

If you're feeling spooky, then this blood-moon punch will have you howling toward the moon. A vampy, virgin mixture of orange juice, grape juice, seltzer, ginger soda, and lime juice taste eerily delicious.

14 of 18

Pomegranate Soda

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Who said club soda was boring? A generous splash of pomegranate juice, a touch of sugar, and a maraschino cherry on top create an enticing bright pink drink.

15 of 18

Nonalcoholic Michelada

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Inspired by that classic beer cocktail, the Michelada, this mocktail combines kombucha, a popular fermented tea drink, with tomato paste and lime juice for a tart refresher.

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Fruity Ice Wreath

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Aaron Dyer

The best and most beautiful way to serve a non-alcoholic punch for a holiday party is with this icy wreath. It's made of cranberry juice and berries, plus orange and lemon slices—and formed in a bundt pan.

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Blueberry Mint Lemonade

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Fresh pureed blueberries and just-picked-mint syrup add a sweet touch to your favorite homemade lemonade.

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Pomegranate Citrus Juice

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EARL CARTER

Grapefruits, orange, tangerine, and tangelo juice are combined for an extra vibrant citrus flavor. Adding pomegranate juice brings a dose of color, flavor, and antioxidants.

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