Enjoying a craft cocktail can be enjoyable and part of social moments and celebrations, but alcohol may contribute to fluid loss or dehydration in some people. When you’re already subjected to hotter-than-normal temperatures in the summer, dehydration is the last thing you want. Replace your favorite cocktail with a delicious mocktail to get that same tasty treat without the negative side effects.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best non-alcoholic drinks for you to try, but feel free to get creative and experiment with your own non-alcoholic drink recipes!
Alcohol-Free Drinks to Try
Adaptogen Seltzers
Seltzers (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Alcoholic seltzers are often chosen as a lighter alternative to beer, while non-alcoholic seltzers are refreshing on their own or easy to mix with other ingredients, especially in warm weather.
As interest in alcohol-free options has grown, many beverage companies have introduced non-alcoholic seltzers that feature ingredients like herbs, mushrooms, or other plant-based components commonly referred to as adaptogens. These products are often marketed as part of the broader mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage trend, offering unique flavors and a more complex drinking experience without alcohol.
With a wide variety of options now available, adaptogen-style seltzers appeal to people looking for flavorful, alcohol-free drinks that feel a bit more elevated than traditional sparkling water. Individual experiences can vary, but these beverages provide another way to enjoy social occasions without alcohol.
Electrolyte Mixes
If you’re looking for a flavorful drink option that supports hydration, electrolyte mixes like DripDrop can be one choice to consider. It has three times the amount of electrolytes vs the leading sports drink while incorporating just one-half the amount of sugar. For even less sugar, try DripDrop Zero or DripDrop Zero Sugar Plus which has no sugar but includes essential vitamins like B3, B5, B6, B12, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and zinc.
Electrolyte drinks can be part of a hydration routine, especially when you’re spending time in the heat or choosing alcohol-free options.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Because mocktails have become more popular, many companies are also introducing products that may look, smell, and taste similar to commonly consumed alcoholic spirits, but they contain no actual alcohol. This is a great way to enjoy your favorite mixed drink without worrying about how you’ll feel the next day.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Some of the best non-alcoholic drinks are spins on classic alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re willing to invest in some non-alcoholic spirits or just looking for a simple non-alcoholic drink recipe to mix-up, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol spritz is a classic, refreshing summer cocktail — but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Though Aperol, an Italian aperitif, is a main ingredient in this cocktail, there are ways to spruce it up with a non-alcoholic Italian spritz and spirits.
Mix a non-alcoholic Italian spritz with non-alcoholic brut Champagne and a dash of alcohol-free bitters. Finish the cocktail with soda water, add a touch of fresh-squeezed orange juice and an orange wedge. Pour into a glass with ice, and you’ve got a delicious Aperol spritz replacement.
Margarita without Tequila
Whether you’re out to happy hour with some friends or enjoying some tacos, a margarita can’t be beat. If you’re looking for a spirit-free alternative, there are several ways to make a non-alcoholic margarita.
Purchase non-alcoholic tequila to get that familiar kick without the alcohol. Add a premixed margarita mix, dress the rim of your glass with salt, sugar or tajin and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a homemade margarita mix without the alcohol-free spirit, you can make a simple syrup with equal parts water and granulated sugar. Add cilantro, lime or jalapeño for extra flavor.
Pour tonic water, 1 oz. of lime juice, and 1.5 oz. of simple syrup into a glass. Mix, add ice, and cilantro or jalapeño as a garnish and you’ve got a delicious cocktail.
Moscow Mule
Another one of the best non-alcoholic drinks, Moscow Mules are a classic, refreshing drink any day of the week. Simply mix non-alcoholic ginger beer, club soda, simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves. Serve in a chilled Moscow Mule mug for the full experience.
Stay Hydrated with DripDrop
Staying hydrated is an important part of supporting everyday wellness, whether or not alcohol is part of your routine. DripDrop is a doctor-developed electrolyte drink mix designed to help support hydration by providing a balanced blend of electrolytes with less sugar than many traditional sports drinks.
