Step back to the 1920s Prohibition era, a time of secret speakeasies and hidden bars. During this era, mocktails, the non-alcoholic siblings of cocktails, made their debut. Born out of a necessity to enjoy the social facets of cocktail hour without violating the law, these concoctions have come a long way.

Today, they stand as a testament to the evolution of our drinking culture, offering a sophisticated and refreshing option to their alcoholic counterparts. Furthermore, the growing craze of mindful drinking, backed by wellness movements, has led many to try this alternative thirst libation.

For a more in-depth dive into the world of mocktails, check out our article “Mocktails: A Cheers to Sobriety!” And “The Rise of Mocktails”. These pieces explore the root of mocktails, the ingenious twists they've undergone, and the motives why they're becoming a favored choice among those opting for non-alcoholic beverages!

Here are some Mocktails we curated for you to try:

Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria
The traditional alcoholic counterpart of this mocktail, which originated in Spain, is typically wine mixed with local fruit. A sangria cocktail, on the other hand, typically has some brandy, sparkling water, or flavored liqueur added.

The fruity flavors of this sangria mocktail are similar to those of wine and traditional sangria mix but without the taste of alcohol. The fizz from seltzer usually adds the kick, but you can definitely leave it out if you prefer.

Shirley Temple
This mocktail does not have a cocktail counterpart. It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail, or 'mocktail,' named after the well-known child actress of the same name, originally from the US in the 1930s. The mocktail was created so the young actress could enjoy a fun and fancy drink like her adult counterparts.

It’s portrayed as a bright and foamy quencher with fruity notes and fizz from the lemon-lime soda.

Wassail
The term Wassail has developed in English over a thousand years, starting as a basic greeting, evolving into a toast during ritualized drinking, and eventually becoming integrated into holiday traditions. We also wrote other facts about this tradition in our Classic Christmas Cocktails blog article!

The non-alcoholic version of this traditional drink typically has apple cider or cranberry juice. The added spices and fruits give the drink a rich, warm, and spiced fruity flavor. The blend of tastes in non-alcoholic wassail creates a cozy and festive drink, ideal for chilly weather and holiday celebrations.

Raw Raspberry Shrub
Shrubs have gained popularity in the last decade, but they've been integral to cocktail culture for over a century, dating back to 17th-century England, as documented by Sir Walter Besant in 1892. Originally used to preserve fruits with vinegar instead of citrus, this technique traveled to colonial America. 

Alcohol-free shrubs blend fruit, sugar, and vinegar, offering a fruity-forward flavor with a balance of tart, sweetness, and tanginess from the vinegar. They’re ideal for enhancing mocktails, spritzes, punches, and even water. Mix non-alcoholic shrubs into a drink with club soda, lemonade, or fruit juices, adjusting for acidity and sweetness to taste.

In our next Sober Sip Series, we will explore some classic Whiskey mocktails and their cocktail counterparts!