More people are choosing zero-proof beverages for health, recovery, social inclusion, or simply taste.
The non-alcoholic category now includes everything from simple iced lattes and sparkling fruit pitchers to complex “mocktails,” canned ready-to-drink alternatives, and new functional drinks that aim to mimic the ritual and complexity of cocktails without alcohol.
This article explains why people are drinking more NA beverages, summarizes health considerations, and gives seven fully detailed, practical recipes you can make at home.
7 Non-Alcoholic Drinks
1) Virgin Mojito (classic mint & lime cooler)
A bright, herbaceous, and effervescent mocktail — all the refreshing elements of a mojito without rum. It’s excellent served tall over crushed ice at brunch or as a palate-cleanser with spicy food.
Ingredients (single serving)
- 8–12 fresh mint leaves
- ½ lime (cut into 4 wedges) or 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup, honey syrup, or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4–6 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
- Optional: a splash of non-alcoholic rum substitute
Instructions
1. Prepare your glass and mint
Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy highball glass.
2. Muddle lime + mint + sweetener
Add the lime wedges (or lime juice) and the chosen sweetener. Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), press gently to release juices and oils.
3. Add ice and fizz
Fill the glass with crushed ice or cubes. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Garnish and serve
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
2) Non-Alcoholic Sangria (fruit-forward pitcher)
Sangria’s charm is its easy, communal format — lots of fruit, a juice or alcohol-free wine base, and bubbles at serving time. The NA version keeps the fruit-forward flavor and vibrant color while being family-friendly.
Ingredients (serves ~6)
- 2–3 cups mixed fruit (orange, lemon, lime, apple, berries)
- 2 cups pomegranate, grape, or cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 bottle (750 ml) alcohol-removed red wine or 1–2 cups brewed strong tea
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1–2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Optional spices: 1 cinnamon stick or a couple cloves
Instructions
1. Chop and layer the fruit
Slice fruit into bite-size pieces and place in a large pitcher.
2. Add juices and base
Pour in pomegranate juice, orange juice, and the alcohol-removed wine or chilled tea.
3. Sweeten and macerate
Stir in sweetener if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
4. Finish with bubbles and serve
Add sparkling water just before serving. Serve over ice with plenty of fruit.
3) Raspberry Shrub (sweet + tart drinking vinegar)
A shrub is a concentrated fruit and vinegar syrup diluted into water or soda. It’s an old preservation technique turned into a sophisticated beverage.
Ingredients (yields ~2 cups shrub concentrate)
- 1 lb fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Optional: lemon zest or rosemary sprig
Instructions
1. Combine fruit and sugar
Mash raspberries with sugar until juices flow. Let sit several hours or overnight.
2. Add vinegar and steep
Pour in vinegar and stir. Refrigerate for 24–48 hours.
3. Strain and bottle
Strain the mixture, pressing solids to extract liquid. Refrigerate.
4. Serve
Dilute shrub concentrate with sparkling water at a 1:3–5 ratio.
4) Iced Matcha Latte (creamy, energizing)
An iced matcha latte is a chilled, creamy beverage made from finely ground green tea whisked with hot water and topped with milk. It’s high in antioxidants and provides a smooth caffeine lift.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1–2 tsp ceremonial matcha powder
- 2 oz hot water (not boiling)
- 6–8 oz milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice
- Optional sweetener
Instructions
1. Sift and dissolve matcha
Sift matcha, add hot water, and whisk briskly until frothy.
2. Sweeten if desired
Stir in sweetener while warm.
3. Assemble over ice
Fill a glass with ice, pour matcha concentrate, and top with milk.
4. Serve
Stir for uniform color or leave layered for aesthetics.
5) Kombucha Berry Mocktail (fermented & fizzy)
Kombucha adds natural effervescence and mild acidity to mocktails. Pairing flavored kombucha with citrus and berries yields a refreshing drink.
Ingredients (single serving)
- 6–8 oz kombucha
- 1 oz fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp simple syrup or honey
- Fresh berries or 1 tbsp fruit jam
- Fresh mint or basil
- Ice
Instructions
1. Muddle fruit and sweetener
In a glass, muddle berries (or jam) with citrus juice and sweetener.
2. Add kombucha and ice
Fill with ice and pour kombucha over. Stir gently.
3. Garnish and serve
Garnish with mint or basil.
6) Virgin Moscow Mule (ginger beer + lime)
The mule’s trademark is ginger spice and bright lime. This version skips vodka and leans on ginger beer and lime.
Ingredients (single serving)
- 6–8 oz ginger beer
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Garnish: lime wedge and mint
Instructions
1. Prep the mug
Chill a copper mug or glass.
2. Combine lime and ice
Fill mug with ice and squeeze in lime juice.
3. Add ginger beer and stir
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish & serve
Add lime wedge and mint.
7) Coffee Shakerato (frothy iced espresso)
A shakerato is a chilled, shaken espresso drink that’s foamy and refreshing — perfect as a sophisticated alcohol-free option.
Ingredients (single serving)
- 2 shots espresso or strong coffee
- 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk or simple syrup
- Ice
- Optional: vanilla extract or pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
1. Brew and cool espresso slightly
Pull two espresso shots and let cool for half a minute.
2. Combine in shaker
Add espresso, sweetener, and ice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake vigorously
Shake hard for 20–30 seconds to create froth.
4. Strain and serve
Strain into a chilled glass.
Conclusion
Non-alcoholic drinks today are more diverse and creative than ever: from simple herbal coolers and iced lattes to shrubs, kombucha mixes, and zero-proof cocktails.
They allow people to enjoy ritual and flavor without alcohol, while offering healthier alternatives when made thoughtfully.
Be mindful of sugar levels and choose natural ingredients to keep them refreshing and nourishing.