Who says you need alcohol to enjoy a flavorful drink? Non-alcoholic beverages are taking the U.S. by storm, with sales reaching $829.2 million in 2024, a 27% increase year-over-year. Leading the trend are non-alcoholic beers, followed by non-alcoholic wines and spirits.

 

So, what’s behind this surge? Younger Gen Z consumers (ages 18 to 28) are drinking less than previous generations, with four out of 10 adopting a dry lifestyle in 2025. Enter mocktails—the perfect way to savor beverages without the buzz.

 

Whether you're sober curious, committed to your health in the new year, or simply exploring alcohol-free options, here are eight tips to master the art of mocktails.

 

But first, let’s break down the basics for anyone exploring this lifestyle.

Mocktails 101

A mocktail is simply a cocktail without alcohol. Popular examples include a Virgin Mary or Shirley Temple.

1. Start with the Base

What makes mocktails so tasty? It all starts with the base, typically a fruit juice mixed with soda or sparkling water for that refreshing effervescence.

 

Take the Virgin Mary, for example. It’s simply a Bloody Mary without the vodka or gin. The base is tomato juice or Bloody Mary mix, with flavorful add-ons like:

• Tabasco sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Lime or lemon wedges
• Celery sticks
• Pickled vegetables
• Olives and hot peppers
• Horseradish

2. Experiment to Find Combos that Work Well Together

When it comes to crafting mocktails, it’s all about experimenting. Love cranberry juice? Give it a twist by mixing it with ginger ale or fruit-flavored sparkling water for a refreshing spin.

 

Craving a mojito? It’s easy to whip up a mocktail version using soda water, simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and lime wedges. Plus, it’s super easy to adjust. If you're short on time, swap fresh-squeezed lime juice for bottled limeade and use agave nectar instead of simple syrup for a quick, sweet finish.

 

For more inspiration, check out The Mindful Mocktail. She’s got tons of recipes sorted by season and ingredient. You’ll find plenty of ideas on her Instagram (@themindfulmocktail), too.

3. Consider Infusions and Syrups

To add a more complex taste to your mocktails, try incorporating concentrated liquids like infusions or syrups. These are available at most grocery or liquor stores, or you can make your own.

 

Some popular options include:

• Lemon balm
• Elderberry
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Bitters

Crushing berries or adding fresh herbs can also enhance your drinks. Many mocktail recipes feature herbs like rosemary or lavender, which add a unique twist. And don't forget about spices! A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, or cloves can take your drinks to the next level.

Embellishments and Presentation for Mocktails

Your mocktails can look just as impressive as traditional cocktails with the right embellishments. For inspiration, check out sites like Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok, where you'll find endless ideas to help you design the perfect mocktail. A little creativity can go a long way in making your drinks visually appealing.

4. Choose the Right Glass

The right glass can do wonders for your mocktail experience. Not only does it elevate the look, but sometimes the choice of glass can even make you feel like you’re enjoying an alcoholic drink. For mocktails with plenty of ice or long garnishes like celery sticks, a tumbler or highball glass works well. If you’re going for something more refined, consider a martini glass or Champagne coupe. Here are a few glassware options to consider:

• Flutes
  
• Rocks glasses
  
• Snifters
  
• Glass mugs
  
• Copper mugs
  
• Cosmopolitans
  
• Goblets
  

5. Garnish for Flavor and Appearance

Garnishes are more than just for decoration–they can also boost the flavor of your mocktail. While rosemary and lavender are common options, there are tons of ingredients you can experience with: 

• Citrus slices
  
• Strawberries
  
• Pomegranate seeds
  
• Coffee beans
  
• Apple or pear slices
  
• Cucumbers
  
• Mint sprigs
  
• Cherries
  
• Pineapple chunks

You can place these garnishes on the rim of your glass or skewer them like kabobs and drop them directly into the drink. To elevate the experience even further, try adding a flavorful rim garnish. You can use salt, sugar, pepper, or even tamarind. Just run a fruit wedge (like lime or lemon) around the rim, then dip the glass upside down into the garnish on a plate. 

 

For a sophisticated touch, use glass straws. And if you’re in the mood for fun, colorful straws or paper umbrellas can add a playful vibe. For hot mocktails, such as warm cider or mulled non-alcoholic wine, cinnamon sticks or star anise bring a cozy, aromatic twist to your drink.

6. Freeze Fruit and Herbs in Your Ice

Want to take your mocktails up a notch? It’s as simple as upgrading your ice. Freeze fresh fruit, herbs, or even edible flowers into your ice cubes for a colorful, flavorful twist. As the ice melts, it slowly infuses your drink with subtle notes of sweetness or refreshing herbal hints—perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor without watering down your mocktail.

 

Get creative with fun-shaped ice cube molds, like spheres, stars, or hearts. For even bolder flavors, freeze juice instead of water. 

 

Need more ideas? Half Baked Harvest shares creative mocktail recipes on her website, packed with flavor pairings and presentation tips to inspire your next drink.

Keep Mocktails Chilled With Beverage Fridges and Ice Makers

A great mocktail is all about the flavors, and having the right appliances to store and freeze ingredients makes all the difference.

7. Keep Your Ingredients Fresh with a Beverage Fridge

When you’re experimenting with mocktails, having a variety of fresh ingredients on hand is key. But let’s face it—your main refrigerator can get crowded fast with all those juice bottles, mixers, and fresh garnishes. That’s where a dedicated beverage fridge comes in handy.  

 

A beverage fridge helps you keep everything organized and chilled to the perfect temperature. No more digging behind leftovers to find your sparkling water or realizing your mint has wilted in the back of the fridge. With adjustable shelves, you can easily store tall bottles of soda, cartons of juice, and even pre-made mocktail mixers, all in one convenient spot.

 

Plus, it frees up valuable space in your main fridge. Newair offers sleek, compact beverage fridges that fit seamlessly into any kitchen, home bar, or entertaining space, so your favorite flavors are always within reach.

 

Beverage fridges come in both built-in and freestanding models, with features designed to fit your lifestyle:

• A variety of sizes to fit your storage needs
• Flexible configurations for almost any space
• Adjustable shelves for bottles, cans, and snacks
• Dual temperature zones for different drink settings
• Fast chilling to cool beverages quickly
• Black or stainless steel finishes that blend with your decor
• Interior lighting to easily spot what’s inside
• User-friendly controls for simple adjustments
• Quiet, energy-efficient operation for any room in your home

8. Never Run Out of Ice with an Ice Maker

If you’re serious about mocktails, having the right ice can make all the difference. Whether you prefer classic cubes, nuggets, or bullets, a portable ice maker ensures you’ve always got fresh ice ready to go.

 

Forget the hassle of buying ice bags from the store or waiting hours for your freezer trays to do the job. Newair’s portable ice makers can produce ice in as little as 15 minutes, so you can keep the creativity flowing without missing a beat. Plus, many models let you choose different ice shapes to match your mocktail style. 

 

With a compact design that fits right on your countertop, it’s easy to keep your ice maker close by while you mix, shake, and stir your next signature mocktail.

Elevate Your Mocktail Experience With Newair

Newair helps you elevate your mocktail game with a range of beverage fridges and portable ice makers designed for convenience and style. As a US-based business, we stand behind the quality of our compact appliances with a one-year warranty, fast shipping, and easy returns when you shop online.

 

Looking to upgrade more than just your drink setup? Explore our collection of appliances, including pizza ovens and humidors, to enhance every part of your home. 

 

With Newair, creating a space that’s functional, stylish, and ready for any occasion is easier than ever.