One of the great things about cocktails is their versatility — you can easily play bartender and swap ingredients to create your own ideal drink. This is especially true when it comes to swapping alcohol for non-alcoholic ingredients. In fact, almost all the classic cocktails can be re-created — all you need are good mocktail recipes.
What is a mocktail?
“Are there non-alcoholic cocktails?” This is a question that I’m asked a lot, and happily, the answer is a resounding yes! Essentially a mocktail is an alcohol-free cocktail. In the past, mocktail recipes involved lots of juice, soft drink and other ingredients such as chilli, sugar syrup and coffee. However, a new wave of non-alcoholic spirits has hit the market and has totally upped the ante in terms of making amazing non-alcoholic cocktails.
What is the difference between a cocktail and a mocktail?
The only difference between cocktail recipes and mocktail recipes is that the former contains alcohol and the latter does not. You can make very realistic mocktails using alcohol-free spirits and non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, like the Ms Sans range which is pre-mixed with non-alcoholic spirits.
Top tips to make your mocktail taste and look like a cocktail
You can turn pretty much any cocktail into a mocktail with a non-alcoholic base spirit, wine or beer and a mixer of your choice. Any additional garnishes are a bonus. You might want to cut up some pineapple for a Pina Colada, find some green olives for a classic Martini or pick a fresh mint sprig for a Mojito mocktail.
Must-have tools for the art of cocktail making
While many easy mocktail recipes will only need to be stirred, if you really want to take your mocktail-making to the next level you are going to need a cocktail shaker. This will give you the ability to chill drinks and help you create classics such as the Espresso Martini and Whiskey Sour which require vigorous shaking to bring out its flavours.
Shaking up the 10 most popular cocktails
Of course, with so many mocktail recipes to choose from, it might be hard to know where to begin. To make things easy for you, I’ve rounded up the top ten cocktails.
1. Espresso Martini
Espresso Martinis are all the rage right now with many popular cocktail bars creating their own twists.
How to make it
The Espresso Martini mocktail contains four essential ingredients; non-alcoholic Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, fresh Espresso and sugar syrup. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a scoop of ice and shake vigorously. Finally, strain into a classic Martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
What to expect
Sometimes described as an after-dinner coffee, dessert and liquor all rolled into one, Espresso Martinis are strong, sweet, rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Espresso Martini comes pre-mixed with Ms Sans Sanstini Vodka substitute so all you need to do is shake and pour. According to my customers, this is one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails around.
Try this
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Mocktail is an utterly decadent twist that is perfect for dessert. Serve with a macaron for extra sweetness.
[product name="ms-sans-espresso-martini"]
2. Mojito Mocktail
If you’re a mint and lime lover from way back, you’ll likely have downed your share of Mojito mocktails over the years.
How to make it
The five main ingredients of a Mojito mocktail are white rum substitute, cane sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Start by muddling your lime and mint at the bottom of a highball glass along with a little cane sugar. Add ice, non-alcoholic rum and a dash of soda. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
What to expect
Rich in holiday vibes, a Mojito mocktail is minty, citrusy and refreshingly sweet.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Mojito comes pre-mixed with Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle, a substitute for traditional white rum. Just add ice and soda.
Try this
This Ginger Beer Mojito Mocktail adds a little ginger zing to the classic flavours of mint and lime. Take a sip and you can almost hear the waves lapping the shore!
[product name="sans-bar-summer-carnivale-white-rum-substitute"]
3. Pina Colada Mocktail
Do you like pina coladas? Take a trip to Puerto Rico with this coconutty, fruity, devilishly delicious drink.
How to make it
Make a Pina Colada Mocktail by blending pineapple juice, coconut cream and non-alcoholic rum together until smooth. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple — the paper umbrella is optional but I strongly recommend it!
What to expect
Your Pina Colada Mocktail will be a tropical taste bud sensation featuring lush pineapple and rich coconut flavours.
Make it at home
Use Lyre's White Cane Spirit to replace the rum and your Pina Colada Mocktail is good to go.
Try this
I have replaced coconut cream with coconut water in this Lyre's Pina Colada Mocktail to make a light refreshing mocktail.
[product name="lyres-white-cane-spirit"]
4. Negroni
Simple and sophisticated, the Negroni is an iconic Italian cocktail that is bittersweet. The good news? There are lots of ways to make an alcohol free Negroni.
How to make it
A Negroni is made of gin, vermouth and Campari in equal parts. Build in an Old Fashioned glass and stir. Garnish with a twist of orange.
What to expect
Negronis are botanical, herbaceous, bitter, sweet and fruity.
Make it at home
For an easy option, try a Naked Life Negroni Spritz — it is sugar-free, low in calories and perfectly mimics the classic Negroni flavours. Naked Life are an Australian brand that makes wonderful premixed non-alcoholic cocktails.
Try this
This Grapefruit Negroni features Sans Bar Notting Hill Stroll and Ms Sans Sunset in a bottle along with Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso. It is one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails for entertaining.
[product name="naked-life-negroni-spritz-non-alcoholic-cocktail"]
5. Margarita
Sometimes chilled, sometimes frozen, always delicious.
How to make it
You can make a Margarita mocktail with just three ingredients; a Tequila substitute, an orange liqueur substitute and lime juice. Shake together along with a scoop of ice and strain into a salt-rimmed Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
What to expect
Encompassing both sweet and sour, a good Margarita mocktail will be bright and citrusy.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Margarita Mocktail has the perfect blend of zero-alcohol tequila already added for you — just shake and pour.
Try this
If you are looking for a mocktail with a bit of a kick, this Ms Sans Spicy Margarita Mocktail will fit the bill. With a base of muddled Jalapeños, it’s one of those Mocktail recipes that is guaranteed to shake things up.
[product name="ms-sans-margarita-premixed-alcohol-free"]
6. Aperitif Spritz
Another iconic Italian cocktail, the Aperitif Spritz is one of the most popular cocktails in Australia and a style that can be easily recreated alcohol-free. In fact, the vibrant drink can be crowned the best mocktail for summer.
How to make it
Start building your Aperitif Spritz by adding ice to a large wine glass. Then add a non-alcoholic aperitif such as Sans Bar Spritzing in Venice along with some alcohol-free Prosecco. Top with a dash of soda water and garnish with a slice of orange.
What to expect
Said to be one of the best mocktails to imitate alcohol, a non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz combines bitter herbs with sweet orange.
Make it at home
Created specifically to make the perfect Italian Spritz, Sans Bar Spritzing in Venice is an ideal alcohol-free substitute for Aperitif. With the familiar flavours of bitter orange, rhubarb, cinchona bark and a unique blend of herbs, it is also low in calories and virtually sugar-free.
Try this
There are lots of different Aperitif Spritz mocktail recipes out there, but this Noughty Spritz is by far the best. It’s made with Thomson & Scott Noughty, which is said to be one of the best non-alcoholic sparkling wines in the world.
[product name="sans-bar-spritzing-in-venice"]
7. Martini
The Martini is one of the best-known cocktails in the world and thanks to the rise of non-alcoholic gin and non-alcoholic vodka, there are multiple Martini mocktail recipes to choose from.
How to make it
You can make a Martini mocktail with either gin or vodka along with vermouth. It’s a drink that can be shaken or stirred and is best garnished with a lemon twist or a green olive.
What to expect
A classic gin or vodka Martini essentially tastes like gin or vodka, which is why a good Martini Mocktail needs a high-quality gin or vodka substitute.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Make Me A Sanstini was the first non-alcoholic vodka in Australia and has given rise to some amazing non-alcoholic cocktails. It features a velvety smooth, warming mouthfeel and has taken my Martini mocktails to the next level.
Try this
Made famous in Hollywood, the Apple Martini is a sweeter twist on the original. This Apple Sanstini is one of the easiest mocktail recipes to follow and tastes so much like the original that you'll be checking the label on the vodka substitute.
[product name="sans-bar-non-alcoholic-vodka"]
8. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktails in the world and is said to date back to the 1800s.
How to make it
All good Whiskey Sour cocktail recipes contain whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and either a dash of egg white or a vegan egg white alternative. All of the ingredients are shaken together and then strained into an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with lemon rind and a Maraschino cherry.
What to expect
Depending on what non-alcoholic whiskey you choose, your Whiskey Sour mocktail will feature caramel and vanilla notes from the whiskey and the all-important sour factor from the lemon juice.
Make it at home
If you want to keep it simple, try a Monday Distillery Dram Sour. Monday makes delicious and easy non-alcoholic cocktails that are both true to flavour and sugar-free.
Try this
A must for Whiskey lovers, this Kings of Sour Whiskey Mocktail features Sans Bar Kings of Tartan non-alcoholic whiskey.
[product name="non-alcoholic-dram-sour-whiskey-inspired"]
9. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic has been enjoyed since the early 19th century when it was first consumed as an anti-malarial. Since then, it has become one of the world’s most popular cocktails.
How to make it
Add some ice to a highball glass and add a good measure of non-alcoholic gin. Top with tonic water, stir and garnish with a slice of lemon, lime or rosemary sprig.
What to expect
When it comes to Gin and Tonic mocktail recipes, there are hundreds to choose from. The overall taste of your Gin and Tonic will depend on what type of non-alcoholic gin you choose. Expect aromatic botanical flavours such as juniper and citrus.
Make it at home
There are lots of pre-mixed non-alcoholic Gin and Tonic mocktails to choose from but my current favourite is GinISH & Tonic. Made with ISH London Botanical Spirit, you’ll notice a little bit of heat on the finish.
Try this
When I want to impress, I can’t go past this Butterfly Pea Flower Gin Mocktail. Made with Ms Sans Call Me Indigo Butterfly Pea Gin, this drink changes colour when you add a squeeze of lemon.
[product name="ginish-tonic-non-alcoholic-g-t"]
10. Old Fashioned
Another one of those cocktails with a long history, the Old Fashioned was originally called an old-fashioned style whiskey cocktail. Yes, it is a bit of a mouthful.
How to make it
Start by placing a sugar cube at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Saturate the sugar with bitters and then add a dash of water. Once the sugar has dissolved, add ice and whiskey. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cocktail cherry.
What to expect
This is a great drink for whiskey lovers. With bitterness and spice to balance out the sugar, it’s an easy way to enjoy a non-alcoholic whiskey.
Make it at home
As this is such a simple mocktail, the key thing is to find a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative that you really like. My top picks? Sans Bar Kings of Tartan and Lyre’s American Malt.
Try this
This Lyre's Old Fashioned Whiskey Mocktail is made with Lyre’s American Malt, which is a bourbon-style whiskey. Mad Men eat your heart out.
[product name="sans-bar-non-alcoholic-whiskey"]
Now you can make the best non-alcoholic cocktails
With an extensive range of non-alcoholic spirits now available, there are hundreds of different non-alcoholic cocktails for you to discover. I hope this list has given you some good ideas!
If you are planning a cocktail party, you will find plenty of mocktail recipes on my website along with all the key ingredients. Sign up to my newsletter for special offers and if you are mixing up a mocktail at home, please tag me in your Instagram pictures so I can see what you’ve made. Cheers!
One of the great things about cocktails is their versatility — you can easily play bartender and swap ingredients to create your own ideal drink. This is especially true when it comes to swapping alcohol for non-alcoholic ingredients. In fact, almost all the classic cocktails can be re-created — all you need are good mocktail recipes.
What is a mocktail?
“Are there non-alcoholic cocktails?” This is a question that I’m asked a lot, and happily, the answer is a resounding yes! Essentially a mocktail is an alcohol-free cocktail. In the past, mocktail recipes involved lots of juice, soft drink and other ingredients such as chilli, sugar syrup and coffee. However, a new wave of non-alcoholic spirits has hit the market and has totally upped the ante in terms of making amazing non-alcoholic cocktails.
What is the difference between a cocktail and a mocktail?
The only difference between cocktail recipes and mocktail recipes is that the former contains alcohol and the latter does not. You can make very realistic mocktails using alcohol-free spirits and non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, like the Ms Sans range which is pre-mixed with non-alcoholic spirits.
Top tips to make your mocktail taste and look like a cocktail
You can turn pretty much any cocktail into a mocktail with a non-alcoholic base spirit, wine or beer and a mixer of your choice. Any additional garnishes are a bonus. You might want to cut up some pineapple for a Pina Colada, find some green olives for a classic Martini or pick a fresh mint sprig for a Mojito mocktail.
Must-have tools for the art of cocktail making
While many easy mocktail recipes will only need to be stirred, if you really want to take your mocktail-making to the next level you are going to need a cocktail shaker. This will give you the ability to chill drinks and help you create classics such as the Espresso Martini and Whiskey Sour which require vigorous shaking to bring out its flavours.
Shaking up the 10 most popular cocktails
Of course, with so many mocktail recipes to choose from, it might be hard to know where to begin. To make things easy for you, I’ve rounded up the top ten cocktails.
1. Espresso Martini
Espresso Martinis are all the rage right now with many popular cocktail bars creating their own twists.
How to make it
The Espresso Martini mocktail contains four essential ingredients; non-alcoholic Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, fresh Espresso and sugar syrup. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a scoop of ice and shake vigorously. Finally, strain into a classic Martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
What to expect
Sometimes described as an after-dinner coffee, dessert and liquor all rolled into one, Espresso Martinis are strong, sweet, rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Espresso Martini comes pre-mixed with Ms Sans Sanstini Vodka substitute so all you need to do is shake and pour. According to my customers, this is one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails around.
Try this
This Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Mocktail is an utterly decadent twist that is perfect for dessert. Serve with a macaron for extra sweetness.
2. Mojito Mocktail
If you’re a mint and lime lover from way back, you’ll likely have downed your share of Mojito mocktails over the years.
How to make it
The five main ingredients of a Mojito mocktail are white rum substitute, cane sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Start by muddling your lime and mint at the bottom of a highball glass along with a little cane sugar. Add ice, non-alcoholic rum and a dash of soda. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
What to expect
Rich in holiday vibes, a Mojito mocktail is minty, citrusy and refreshingly sweet.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Mojito comes pre-mixed with Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle, a substitute for traditional white rum. Just add ice and soda.
Try this
This Ginger Beer Mojito Mocktail adds a little ginger zing to the classic flavours of mint and lime. Take a sip and you can almost hear the waves lapping the shore!
3. Pina Colada Mocktail
Do you like pina coladas? Take a trip to Puerto Rico with this coconutty, fruity, devilishly delicious drink.
How to make it
Make a Pina Colada Mocktail by blending pineapple juice, coconut cream and non-alcoholic rum together until smooth. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple — the paper umbrella is optional but I strongly recommend it!
What to expect
Your Pina Colada Mocktail will be a tropical taste bud sensation featuring lush pineapple and rich coconut flavours.
Make it at home
Use Lyre's White Cane Spirit to replace the rum and your Pina Colada Mocktail is good to go.
Try this
I have replaced coconut cream with coconut water in this Lyre's Pina Colada Mocktail to make a light refreshing mocktail.
4. Negroni
Simple and sophisticated, the Negroni is an iconic Italian cocktail that is bittersweet. The good news? There are lots of ways to make an alcohol free Negroni.
How to make it
A Negroni is made of gin, vermouth and Campari in equal parts. Build in an Old Fashioned glass and stir. Garnish with a twist of orange.
What to expect
Negronis are botanical, herbaceous, bitter, sweet and fruity.
Make it at home
For an easy option, try a Naked Life Negroni Spritz — it is sugar-free, low in calories and perfectly mimics the classic Negroni flavours. Naked Life are an Australian brand that makes wonderful premixed non-alcoholic cocktails.
Try this
This Grapefruit Negroni features Sans Bar Notting Hill Stroll and Ms Sans Sunset in a bottle along with Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso. It is one of the best non-alcoholic cocktails for entertaining.
5. Margarita
Sometimes chilled, sometimes frozen, always delicious.
How to make it
You can make a Margarita mocktail with just three ingredients; a Tequila substitute, an orange liqueur substitute and lime juice. Shake together along with a scoop of ice and strain into a salt-rimmed Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
What to expect
Encompassing both sweet and sour, a good Margarita mocktail will be bright and citrusy.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Margarita Mocktail has the perfect blend of zero-alcohol tequila already added for you — just shake and pour.
Try this
If you are looking for a mocktail with a bit of a kick, this Ms Sans Spicy Margarita Mocktail will fit the bill. With a base of muddled Jalapeños, it’s one of those Mocktail recipes that is guaranteed to shake things up.
6. Aperitif Spritz
Another iconic Italian cocktail, the Aperitif Spritz is one of the most popular cocktails in Australia and a style that can be easily recreated alcohol-free. In fact, the vibrant drink can be crowned the best mocktail for summer.
How to make it
Start building your Aperitif Spritz by adding ice to a large wine glass. Then add a non-alcoholic aperitif such as Sans Bar Spritzing in Venice along with some alcohol-free Prosecco. Top with a dash of soda water and garnish with a slice of orange.
What to expect
Said to be one of the best mocktails to imitate alcohol, a non-alcoholic Aperitif Spritz combines bitter herbs with sweet orange.
Make it at home
Created specifically to make the perfect Italian Spritz, Sans Bar Spritzing in Venice is an ideal alcohol-free substitute for Aperitif. With the familiar flavours of bitter orange, rhubarb, cinchona bark and a unique blend of herbs, it is also low in calories and virtually sugar-free.
Try this
There are lots of different Aperitif Spritz mocktail recipes out there, but this Noughty Spritz is by far the best. It’s made with Thomson & Scott Noughty, which is said to be one of the best non-alcoholic sparkling wines in the world.
7. Martini
The Martini is one of the best-known cocktails in the world and thanks to the rise of non-alcoholic gin and non-alcoholic vodka, there are multiple Martini mocktail recipes to choose from.
How to make it
You can make a Martini mocktail with either gin or vodka along with vermouth. It’s a drink that can be shaken or stirred and is best garnished with a lemon twist or a green olive.
What to expect
A classic gin or vodka Martini essentially tastes like gin or vodka, which is why a good Martini Mocktail needs a high-quality gin or vodka substitute.
Make it at home
Ms Sans Make Me A Sanstini was the first non-alcoholic vodka in Australia and has given rise to some amazing non-alcoholic cocktails. It features a velvety smooth, warming mouthfeel and has taken my Martini mocktails to the next level.
Try this
Made famous in Hollywood, the Apple Martini is a sweeter twist on the original. This Apple Sanstini is one of the easiest mocktail recipes to follow and tastes so much like the original that you'll be checking the label on the vodka substitute.
8. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktails in the world and is said to date back to the 1800s.
How to make it
All good Whiskey Sour cocktail recipes contain whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and either a dash of egg white or a vegan egg white alternative. All of the ingredients are shaken together and then strained into an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with lemon rind and a Maraschino cherry.
What to expect
Depending on what non-alcoholic whiskey you choose, your Whiskey Sour mocktail will feature caramel and vanilla notes from the whiskey and the all-important sour factor from the lemon juice.
Make it at home
If you want to keep it simple, try a Monday Distillery Dram Sour. Monday makes delicious and easy non-alcoholic cocktails that are both true to flavour and sugar-free.
Try this
A must for Whiskey lovers, this Kings of Sour Whiskey Mocktail features Sans Bar Kings of Tartan non-alcoholic whiskey.
9. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic has been enjoyed since the early 19th century when it was first consumed as an anti-malarial. Since then, it has become one of the world’s most popular cocktails.
How to make it
Add some ice to a highball glass and add a good measure of non-alcoholic gin. Top with tonic water, stir and garnish with a slice of lemon, lime or rosemary sprig.
What to expect
When it comes to Gin and Tonic mocktail recipes, there are hundreds to choose from. The overall taste of your Gin and Tonic will depend on what type of non-alcoholic gin you choose. Expect aromatic botanical flavours such as juniper and citrus.
Make it at home
There are lots of pre-mixed non-alcoholic Gin and Tonic mocktails to choose from but my current favourite is GinISH & Tonic. Made with ISH London Botanical Spirit, you’ll notice a little bit of heat on the finish.
Try this
When I want to impress, I can’t go past this Butterfly Pea Flower Gin Mocktail. Made with Ms Sans Call Me Indigo Butterfly Pea Gin, this drink changes colour when you add a squeeze of lemon.
10. Old Fashioned
Another one of those cocktails with a long history, the Old Fashioned was originally called an old-fashioned style whiskey cocktail. Yes, it is a bit of a mouthful.
How to make it
Start by placing a sugar cube at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Saturate the sugar with bitters and then add a dash of water. Once the sugar has dissolved, add ice and whiskey. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cocktail cherry.
What to expect
This is a great drink for whiskey lovers. With bitterness and spice to balance out the sugar, it’s an easy way to enjoy a non-alcoholic whiskey.
Make it at home
As this is such a simple mocktail, the key thing is to find a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative that you really like. My top picks? Sans Bar Kings of Tartan and Lyre’s American Malt.
Try this
This Lyre's Old Fashioned Whiskey Mocktail is made with Lyre’s American Malt, which is a bourbon-style whiskey. Mad Men eat your heart out.
Now you can make the best non-alcoholic cocktails
With an extensive range of non-alcoholic spirits now available, there are hundreds of different non-alcoholic cocktails for you to discover. I hope this list has given you some good ideas!
If you are planning a cocktail party, you will find plenty of mocktail recipes on my website along with all the key ingredients. Sign up to my newsletter for special offers and if you are mixing up a mocktail at home, please tag me in your Instagram pictures so I can see what you’ve made. Cheers!
