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    11 Awesome Alcohol-Free Mocktails for Dry January (that taste like real cocktails) 

    December 31, 2023 by Lauren 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliated links. If you click a link and make a purchase, assume we make a commission.

    That famous month where we all change our habits for the better is here! And I’ve got you covered with these 11 Awesome Alcohol-Free Mocktails for Dry January (that taste like real cocktails)!

    Mocktail hero image collage.
    Jump to:
    • Why is Dry January important to me?
    • How to elevate any mocktail (top tip)
    • The best store-bought mocktails for Dry January
    • 10 Awesome Homemade Mocktails (that taste like real cocktails!)
    • Pin it and follow me

    If you don’t replace the habit with something a little healthier but just as ritualistic, it can be difficult to make it through dry January. The thing is, drinking is fun, it’s relaxing, and it can be delicious. 

    However, not drinking can be even more fun, because you get all of the fun things with mocktails – minus the hangovers, embarrassing text, and arguably regrettable behavior.  

    I make most of my mocktails with a combination of healthy, and fitness-forward, functional ingredients that can give you a similar buzz. 

    For example, my Relaxing Tart Cherry Mocktail contains hibiscus tea and tart cherry juice, hibiscus is known to slow your blood pressure and cool your body, while tart cherry juice contains melatonin.  It’s the perfect night cap!  

    And some of my other drinks are known to taste a lot like a cocktail (such as this one) due to having a splash of apple cider vinegar.  Vinegar, while it may sound weird to drink it, gives your mocktail that complex, bitter flavor that you’d get from a “real” cocktail.  

    Why is Dry January important to me?

    Well, for health reasons I quit drinking over 6 months ago. Not to sound super trendy but, *alcohol wasn't serving me anymore* and I educated myself on the benefits of a sober lifestyle and now there's no going back!

    Also, I read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and it helped tremendously. Perhaps I'll write a post on that later this month if anyone is interested? I highly recommend picking up a copy if you're sober curious!

    How to elevate any mocktail (top tip)

    The problem with *most* mocktails is that they're flat out boring. If you're used to drinking wine or full-bodied liquors (such as bourbon), then a seltzer with a cucumber probably isn't going to do it.

    I recommend grabbing a little bottle of bitters and using a dash or two in your mocktails anytime you feel like they're lacking a little something. I get mine at Trader Joe's.

    Classic bitters photo with drink in the back.

    The best store-bought mocktails for Dry January

    If you don’t want to spend time making your own mocktails, you can try these store-bought mocktails.  I’ve tried them all and they’re fantastic, I recommend them! 

    • Recess margaritas - zero proof, craft mocktails, need I say more? These are super fun and they taste like real margaritas! They’re filled with adaptogens and buzzy ingredients to lift the mood.  
    • Kin Euphoric - contains ingredients to boost your mood.  This stuff is very good! 
    • De Soi - this non-alcoholic drink tastes like rose and has a few ingredients I really like such as: natural botanics, adaptogens, L-theanine, and lots of bubbles!

    10 Awesome Homemade Mocktails (that taste like real cocktails!)

    Relaxing Tart Cherry Mocktail

    This is a mocktail that just *slaps*. It contains tart cherry juice which has been rumored to help you sleep, so sip this before bed and slip into a cool, cozy sleep!

    Overhead image of tart cherry mocktail.
    Get the recipe ->

    Rose Mocktail

    You're going to love this one because it contains rose tea, bubbles, and some fresh ginger (which gives it that "bite" that real cocktails have). AND, it's one of the most popular recipes on this blog, for good reason!

    Rose Mocktail Spritz image.
    Get the recipe ->

    Kava Mocktail

    If you enjoy sipping on bourbon or full-flavored spirits, you're probably going to enjoy this drink. It contains Kava (which is used ceremonially to promote relaxation and a feeling of well being), and it has a lot of flavor. Warning: this one probably isn't for everyone and you should read about kava before you imbibe!)

    Kava mocktail in a low ball glass with maraschino cherries.
    Get the recipe ->

    Earl Grey Mocktail

    This Earl Grey Tea Mocktail is the perfect alcohol-free social tonic, and it's fun to drink! You'll like it if you're a fan of bold, smooth, and complex flavors!

    Earl Grey Tea Mocktail on a gold hammered plate.
    Get the recipe ->

    Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail (with ginger beer)

    This is a delicious, bright winter mocktail that'll make you forget that you're enjoying a non-alcoholic bevy!

    Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail with Ginger Beer overhead hero shot.
    Get the recipe ->

    Strawberry Mojito Spritz

    This drink is light and refreshing, definitely suitable for year-round enjoyment!

    Strawberry mojito mocktail in a short glass with strawberry and mint garnish.
    Get the recipe ->

    Orange Passion Mocktail

    This mocktail is super simple to make, light and refreshing! It features passion tea, a bit of fresh lemon juice, and sparkling mineral water.

    Straight on image of a passion margarita.
    Get the recipe ->

    Blueberry Mocktail

    Make it with frozen blueberries and enjoy this refreshing, pretty drink year-round. Add the dash of bitters that the recipe calls for and you'll forget you're drinking a mocktail!

    Blueberry mocktail image overhead shot with lemon.
    Get the recipe ->

    Green Tea Mocktail

    Perfect for socializing, this little tonic will give you a smooth, even caffeine buzz while keeping you hydrated.

    Drink with lemon wedges and star anise garnish.
    Get the recipe ->

    Passion Fruit Mojito Mocktail

    Delicious, easy-to-make. You're going to love this one!

    Passion fruit mocktail with lime garnish.
    Get the recipe ->

    Hiyo Margarita

    If you have a can of Hiyo, you likely want to make this margarita asap! If you don't have a can of Hiyo, check out this post and consider giving it a try!

    Hiyo margarita with lime wedge and ice.
    Get the recipe ->

    Pin it and follow me

    Be sure to Pin this recipe (click on the image below) and follow me on Pinterest!

    Pinterest image of dry january mocktails with text overlay.

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    About Lauren

    Lauren is the freelance writer, photographer, and recipe developer behind Shutter + Mint. Thanks for stopping by!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheena

      March 25, 2024 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you had to quit drinking myself due to health issues but I am enjoying it. Thanks for sharing your page. 🥰🙏

      Reply
      • Lauren

        March 25, 2024 at 11:55 pm

        Thanks for the kind words, Sheena. Glad you're enjoying my page! I also quit for health reasons - never felt better! <3

        Reply

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