by: Gavin WallacePosted on:

Can Mocktails Be Good?

Mocktails are pretty simple in terms of creation, it’s just a cocktail minus the alcohol. Where it gets difficult is when cocktails merge multiple liquors to obtain a taste/complexity that can’t be met without it.

While there are a lot of NA “liquors” that are meant to replicate Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, etc., they never taste that great from the ones I’ve had. Usually they just taste off, instead of complimenting the mocktail.

There are three mocktails below I workshopped to fill some voids that I wanted to drink personally. From something with prickly pear to cinnamon vanilla (one of my favorite syrups), these helped me get through Dry January.

Pineapple Sunset

This cocktail was intended to complement the beauty of a fancier cocktail with layers and a nice lemon garnish. It’s a basic drink that add that tropical sweetness from pineapple and orange, but with that added kick from the ginger beer to replicate if there was a hint of vodka or grain alcohol in there.

Recipe:

Pineapple Sunset

  • 2oz Pineapple Juice
  • 1oz Orange Juice
  • 2oz Ginger Beer
  • 0.5oz Grenadine

Stir to chill

Cinnamon Vanilla Sunset

A sweet drink for sure! But this was one of my favorites where it did taste like a new flavor of Sweet Tarts. The Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup is a staple in my household because it can be used in coffee, mocktails, cocktails, you name it!

Recipe:

Cinnamon Vanilla Sunset

  • 2oz Orange Juice
  • 1oz Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup
  • 1oz Cranberry Juice
  • 2oz Ginger Beer

Shake and strain into couple glass

Garnish or Orange Twist

For the Cinnamon-Vanilla Syrup:

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 Vanilla Bean (split and scraped) or 1 tsp

Make the Cinnamon-Vanilla Syrup:

  • Combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla (bean or extract) in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Allow it to cool, then strain into a clean bottle or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Prickly Pear Lemonade

Honestly… prickly pears are one of my favorite fruits just based off the flavor and color. It adds a beautiful pink vibrancy and acts as a flavored syrup or puree. Usually I make Prickly Pear Margaritas, so this was my substitute for a refreshing sweet drink.

Recipe:

Prickly Pear Lemonade

  • 4oz Lemonade
  • 2oz Prickly Pear Syrup or Puree

Shake and strain into tall glass Garnish with lemon wheel