No Booze, No Problem
Want a reset after all the holiday festivities? Sober curious? Simply prefer non-alcoholic sips? You’re in good company. According to Gallup trends, younger adults are drinking less. Their research shows that just 62% of adults under the age of 35 say they drink, down from 72% two decades ago.
So, does no booze mean trading your favorite bar drinks for a cup of juice? Nope. In fact, we’ve found a bunch of amazing recipes to try. These zero-proof concoctions give you the same party vibes, minus the after-effects. And with flavors that are refreshingly adults-only, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Shake Up Your Expectations
If this is your first time being mindfully sober, you’ll find a multi-billion dollar non-alcoholic beverage industry that continues to grow and evolve.
There are now numerous, zero-proof beer, wine, and seltzer options. You can also find brands like Free Spirits offering a full line-up of no-booze tequila, gin, vermouth, and more. For whiskey drinkers, Spiritless Kentucky 74 is perfect for sipping while Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey can make a satisfying mixed drink.
And of course, you can mocktail recipes that deliver familiar flavors. Here are a couple of starter options.
Mojito Mocktail
Source: Dinner at the Zoo
8 mint leaves
1.5 tbsp granulated sugar
1.5 tbsp hot water
1 oz fresh lime juice
5 oz club soda
Mint sprigs and lime slices for garnish
Ice
Instructions: Dissolve sugar in a bowl with hot water. Place the mint leaves and sugar syrup in the bottom of a glass and muddle/crush leaves. Add ice, pour in the lime juice and club soda, stir and garnish.
Mock Martini
Source: The Hypothyroid Chef
12-ounce glass
8 ounces of sparkling mineral water like San Pellegrino
A few shakes of Angostura Bitters, to taste
1 cocktail pick or toothpick
3 pitted green olives (Spanish or Castelvertrano)
A splash of olive juice (optional)
Ice
Instructions: Fill glass 2/3 full with ice. Pour mineral water over ice, and add a few drops of bitters. If you like your martinis "dirty," you can optionally add a splash of olive juice. Skewer olives onto cocktail pick. Use it to stir your mocktail and then add it to your drink. Cheers and enjoy!
A Next-Level Second Round
Now, here are a few more recipes—unique takes that will keep your spirits bright and your mind clear.
Chai Blossom
Source: Bon Appétit
2 chai tea bags
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
8–12 oz. club soda
4 whole star anise pods
4 lemon twists
Instructions: Steep tea bags in 1 cup boiling water, 8-10 minutes. Add sugar, dissolve, discard bags and let cool. Stir chai syrup with lime juice in a pitcher. Divide among four rocks glasses filled with ice, add 2–3 oz. club soda each. Garnish with anise pods and lemon twists.
Pomegranate Spritzer
Source: Bon Appétit
2 cups chilled sparkling water
2 tbsp pomegranate juice (e.g. Pom Wonderful)
2 tbsp lime juice (2 limes)
Pomegranate seeds and lime slices, for serving
Ice
Instructions: Chill four martini glasses in the freezer for 30+ minutes. Pour sparkling water, pomegranate and lime juice into a pitcher, add ice, and stir. Strain into chilled glasses, garnish with a few seeds and a lime slice.
Don’t Drink Spirit-Free Alone
One last one. Having a get-together with your besties for Dry January? You can make a big pitcher of red sangria in advance, then simply add the bubbles when serving.
Non-Alcoholic Sangria
Source: The Kitchn
2 cups boiling water
2 black tea bags (decaf tea is fine)
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 cups pomegranate juice
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 each medium orange, lemon, and lime, sliced into thin rounds
1 medium apple, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
Instructions: Steep tea bags and cinnamon sticks in boiling water for 5 minutes. Discard bags and stir in sugar. In a pitcher, combine tea, cinnamon sticks, juices, and fruits. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water. Serve in glasses over ice.
