If you’re cutting back or have quit drinking alcohol, but want a little more pizazz than club soda or tea, you’re in luck! These days, it’s easier than ever to find creative nonalcoholic “mocktails” that are perfect for routines and social situations that commonly include alcohol.
In this video, PacificSource Well-being Program Manager Sabrina Black shares two of her favorite mocktail recipes—one for unwinding after a long day, and one that’s celebration-worthy. Both recipes are easy, healthy, and delicious.
While not drinking is becoming more common, humans are still curious creatures. Sabrina shares six ways to answer the inevitable question, “Why aren’t you drinking?”
Full recipes and question responses are shared below the video.
Bucha-Beer
Ingredients
- 4 oz. pomegranate lemonade kombucha (check to be sure it’s alcohol-free)
- 4 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 oz. ginger beer
- 1 lemon spiral for garnish, optional
- Ice, optional
Directions
- If you’d like ice, add that to your glass first.
- Combine the kombucha, cranberry juice cocktail, and ginger beer.
- Adjust to taste—to mute the tartness, add a little more ginger beer.
- Give it a little stir, pop the lemon spiral on top, and enjoy!
Citrus Kicker
Great for parties or social events! Measurements are for a single drink, but you can multiply the measurements by 4 or more and make a pitcher—just don’t make too far in advance or the sparkling water will go flat.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. sparkling lemon lime soda water
- 4 oz. sparkling orange mango water
- 2 oz. cranberry cocktail juice
- 2 oz. orange juice
- Orange, lemon, and lime slices, for garnish
- Ice, optional
Directions
- Prepare your fruit garnishes (slice or cut wedges).
- Mix all ingredients.
- If you’d like ice, add that to your glass first.
- Top with garnish.
6 ways to respond when asked why you’re not drinking
- “I don’t want to.” / “I prefer not to.”
- “Alcohol doesn’t align with my health goals.”
- “I’m here for the company, not the drinks.”
- “I’m saving my indulgences for [fill in the blank].”
- “I don’t like the taste of alcohol.”
- “It’s personal.”
Thank you. We hope you enjoy the recipe and tips!
Please share these recipes with a friend or family member. We’d also love your feedback. If you try these recipes, please use the comments section below to let us know what you thought and share any tips you have.