Did Somebody Say Mocktails?

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m sure this article is coming as surprise. I mean for Pete’s sake! This is primarily a wine blog! Mocktails!?!! Have I gone mad?

The answer no. Sorry. I’m still the same crazy chick. But why Mocktails?

Mocktails and low alcohol beverages are an emerging consumer preference that can’t be ignored. Many younger consumers are “sober curious” or practice “mindful drinking.” They’re also more interested in beverages with an added health benefit like tea or certain adaptogens.

As a result, there has been an increased prevalence of non-alcoholic drinks on the market. Many of whom are a premixed mocktail in a can. This shift is in direct response to consumer demand, the consumers are wanting more non-alcoholic options. According to a February 2023 article by BevNet this sector is “Now an $11 billion global business, no- and low-alcohol has proven to extend beyond a moment as well and is projected to grow 7% in volume over the next four years, according to IWSR.”

If you were directed here by my most recent post on Instagram, I did try to discuss how I feel there’s nothing wrong someone choosing not to drink alcohol. These decisions should be completely their own and not necessarily a topic for further discussion. It’s really none of our business why a person is choosing not to drink alcohol on any given occasion and it’s rude to make assumptions. So let’s make our sober guests feel welcome by serving them one of my mocktail creations at your next get together. I fully admit to really enjoying the Spicy Virgin Margarita and the Frozen Mango Tajinerita on my own. They’ve become my favorite pre-dinner drinks.

Virgin Margarita

1/4 cup fresh OJ
Tiny squeeze of lemon
Juice of two limes
1 tablespoon light agave
Salt, ice, done serve over ice

Virgin Piña Colada

1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2-1 cup ice
2/3 cup Califa Go Coconuts milk (or the coconut and almond milk if unavailable)
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon coconut cream (can)
2tablespon shredded coconut
1 tablespoon agave or maple syrup

Double blend & serve, garnish with pineapple wedge and cherry if feeling extra.

Frozen mango Tajinerita

1 cup frozen mango
Handful of ice
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup pineapple juice
Juice of lime
Top with a generous amount of Tajin

Watermelon Refresher

Tall glass with ice
Juice of one lime
Muddled basil
Top with watermelon juice

Watermelon juice is extremely easy to make. All you need is fresh watermelon, a blender, and strainer if you have it (cheesecloth will also work). Simply put the watermelon in the blender, blend a few moments, and strain. It’s that easy.

Beachy Peachy

1 frozen peach pit removed
1 cup frozen mango
Juice of 1/2 of lime
8oz orange juice
8oz coconut water

Blend and serve
Top with Tajin, serves 2

Mocktail Mule

1/2 cup ginger beer (all natural, no corn syrups)
Juice of 1-2 limes
1/2 cup coconut water
1-2 tablespoons light agave nectar
Top with seltzer

Garnish with lime.
To make spicy add jalapeños

Spicy Virgin Margarita

Juice of 3 limes
2 mandarin oranges (small)
1 tablespoon light agave
slices of fresh jalapeños to flavor
Rim glass with Tajin. Serve over ice.

Hot as a cucumber

1 seeded 7 inch English cucumber juiced or blended with water
Juice of 2 limes and 2 mandarin oranages
Jalepeños slices for flavor.
1 tablespoon light agave

If you have a juicer I recommend using it for this recipe. If not, simply blend the cucumber in a blender with some water, and strain.

Serve over ice

Grapefruit and Rosemary Spritz

1/2 cup grapefruit juice
Juice of 1 lime
Splash of ginger beer (all natural, no corn syrups)
Top with seltzer prior to serve
Garnish with Rosemary sprig