So, we’ve put together a list of options for you—all of them based around classic, time-tested flavor combinations– and all of them non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic cocktails are a wonderful alternative to spirited beverages when you’re not in the mood for booze, but still want something delicious and inventive. They’ve also grown in popularity a lot recently!
Without further ado, here are a few of our favorite non-alcoholic cocktails to try at home to beat the heat.
The Paloma is a simple cocktail–oftentimes, it consists of just tequila and Squirt grapefruit soda. Many bartenders choose to elevate the beverage by using fresh grapefruit juice, but either way, it’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot weather. In our non-alcoholic Paloma recipe, we’re using a grapefruit cordial for its signature bright and balanced fresh grapefruit flavor, and replacing the tequila with agave nectar. This one is sure to please!
The French 75 sparks debate among cocktailers–nobody is quite sure where exactly it came from. What we do know is that it’s typically made with either gin or cognac, plus lemon and sugar, and topped with sparkling wine. For our non-alcoholic French 75 recipe, we’ve added blood orange for an extra citrus kick, and added tonic water to replace some of the bitterness lost with the gin. The result is deliciously complex– and guilt free!
*Please note–bitters typically contain a small amount of alcohol, so use them at your own discretion. They will help to enhance the complex flavor of the drink, but are not necessary.
The Mojito is a cocktail that likely originated in Cuba, possibly as far back as the 16th century. While the mojito is typically made with rum, arguably the most important ingredient is fresh mint, which gives the drink its signature taste and fragrance. We’ve opted for an extra-tropical take on this classic with the addition of pineapple. It’s so good, you won’t even notice all the rum’s gone!
We love this recipe from Anders Erickson that features the additions of orgeat and basil into the classic summer beverage. Orgeat gives the drink a creamy texture and a nutty taste, and basil rounds it all off with fresh herbaceousness. We think the result is as uniquely delicious as just about any cocktail!
The Espresso Martini is perhaps the quintessential nightcap–smooth, rich, and lightly sweet, it cleanses your palate after a long night of festivities, and gives you enough of an energy boost to make it home. For our non-alcoholic espresso martini, we combined the smoothness of cold brew coffee with rich, tangy espresso for a delightful indulgence that will help you keep the party going, without the ABV.
For this cocktail, we took inspiration from Liquor.com’s clover club recipe. The clover club is a classic gin cocktail that’s zippy, fruity, and creamy, and is just as good minus the gin. Pro-tip: use tonic water instead of soda water for a touch of added gin-like complexity!
The Hurricane is a classic New Orleans cocktail that features passionfruit and plenty of rum. It was made famous at Pat O’Briens, a popular New Orleans spot that still attracts visitors to this day. In our non-alcoholic hurricane recipe, we’ll be using passionfruit syrup, as well as grenade to achieve a fruity, tropical flavor.
If you make these cocktails, tag us on Instagram @liberandco.
