There is nothing better than kicking back after a long day, making yourself a libation, and just relaxing into oblivion before the next day’s tasks begin again. That small window you have between work and sleep is sacred. So why would you want to sully that time by being under the influence? Whether you’re a drinker or not, in this article we’re going to tell you about non-alcoholic cocktails, when they’re safe to drink, and how to get them. 

Choosing to drink alcohol-free is no one’s business but your own. (And your bartender’s.) Just because they’re not always on the menu doesn’t mean that bars and restaurants don’t serve mocktails. But you don’t need a bartender to make your non-alcoholic drinks at home. We’re going to explain ways to do it and products to buy that won’t muddle your mind. 21 or not, follow along and learn about the (hopefully not for long) underrated and under-appreciated mocktail.

The Complete Guide to Alcohol-Free Cocktails

Why would someone drink a non-alcoholic cocktail?

There are so many reasons to order a non-alcoholic drink at the bar. Many of those reasons pertain to your health (the other reasons are hangover-related). Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems, as well as cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum [1]. 

If you like the taste of cocktails, or you want to join in on the societal rituals of drinking without getting intoxicated, non-alcoholic drinks bridge the gap. 

Cutting your alcohol consumption by a little or taking it out of your diet completely is actually really easy. And it’s becoming popular amongst the masses. Non-alcoholic drinks are getting a bigger spotlight thanks to the growth of trends like Dry January (staying sober the first month of the year) and large companies creating more options for those who wish to avoid alcohol. In fact, non-alcoholic beer sales went up 44% in the U.S. compared to last year [2].

We’re not saying you should drink mocktails because that would be peer pressure. But if 44% more people are doing it… well… we’ll let you decide for yourself.

Can someone under 21 buy non-alcoholic cocktails?

Minors (21 years old and younger) legally cannot buy non-alcoholic beer at bars and stores in some U.S. states. Which sounds crazy, right? Non-alcoholic beer contains trace amounts of alcohol up to about 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). In some states, the law does not prohibit minors from consuming or buying non-alcoholic beer, but does specify that a beverage containing more than one half of 1% ABV is an alcoholic beverage and will follow the same restrictions as regular beer. States that don’t require the purchaser to be of a legal drinking age are Alaska, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas and Wisconsin.

Non-alcoholic cocktails are a different beast, however. While there are non-alcoholic spirits (most of which have a 0% ABV), most bases for mocktails are of the sparkling water variety. And anyone of any age can buy sparkling water.

Are non-alcoholic cocktails safe during pregnancy?

Well, we’d rather you drink a non-alcoholic drink than an alcoholic cocktail if you’re pregnant; that’s for sure. Non-alcoholic drinks are a great alternative for pregnant women, especially if you’re used to enjoying a cocktail at dinner or a nightcap before bed. Take Ritual Zero Proof spirits, for instance. Their products are alcohol- and allergen-free, and enjoyed by many many pregnant women. But if you have any doubts given your unique health circumstances, Zero Proof creators suggest that you consult your doctor to be sure. 

Are non-alcoholic cocktails low calorie?

This depends on the mocktail you’re making. If you’re making a non-alcoholic sangria filled with juices and fruits, chances are, your drink is going to be pretty caloric. Even sipping on a non-alcoholic beer will set you back around 100 calories per bottle. 

When you make your own mocktails, you’re in charge of the ingredients. With a brand like Seedlip spirits, the faux-alcohol base is calorie-free. Pair your liquor substitute with a sugar-free margarita mix. Or a flavored sparkling water if you like the bubbles.

What are some good non-alcoholic cocktails?

You can make your own alcohol, but that’s not nearly as fun as making your own mocktails. We’re not talking about the tired ones you’re used to (Shirley temples and Roy Rogers). Most bartenders can create a mocktail, and if they can do it, so can you. 

Try making a mojito mocktail. All you’ll need are fresh mint leaves, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, sparkling water, and ice. Or how about a virgin cosmo? For that one you’ll want cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, orange bitters, orange zest and ice. Whether you’re at the bar or at home, no one needs to know that what you’re sipping on is non-alcoholic unless you want them to.

What are some good non-alcoholic cocktails for diabetics?

Diabetics, both type one and type two, need to be cognizant of their alcohol intake. While moderate amounts of alcohol may cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels, especially for juvenile diabetics [3]. If you have your diabetes under control and are taking insulin with every meal and every cock-or-mocktail, you should be in the clear. A general rule of thumb is to steer clear from sugary mixed drinks, sweet wines, and heavy lagers. Try mixing your mocktail base with water, club soda, or diet soft drinks (we recommend a club soda with lime if you’re out and watching your sugar intake).

Can I get non-alcoholic cocktails delivered?

In a world where a deadly pandemic is running rampant, you can pretty much get anything delivered. Check out delivery services like Postmates, DoorDash, Drizly, and GrubHub. 

5 Best Places to Buy Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Curious Elixirs - best craft non-alcoholic cocktails

Curious Elixir Variety Pack, $80

Curious cocktails are pre-made, alcohol-free drinks infused with adaptogens (to help you unwind), organic ingredients, and zero refined sugar. When you’re drinking Curious, you’re drinking natural juices, herbs, spices, roots and botanicals that give you the cocktail feel without the guilt. The Curious variety pack lets you decide which flavors are right for you. Each of the four flavors is best served over a large cube in a rocks glass with a fruit garnish. 

Ritual Zero Proof - best non-alcoholic liquor substitutes for mixing your own drinks

Ritual Alternatives, $28

If you’re looking for an alternative to tequila, rum, whiskey, or gin, run, don’t walk, to Ritual’s site. Ritual spirits aren’t meant to replace liquor, but rather to enhance your cocktail kit. This is a great base for the drinker looking for a sober alternative. Ritual was created by master chefs and tested by bartenders.

Kin Euphorics - best non-alcoholic cocktails for feeling good

Kin Euphorics Sample Packs, $30

Kin spritzes have truly gone above and beyond — not just in the world of non-alcoholic cocktails, but for the overall vibe. Before you buy any of these spritz packs, check out the accompanying Spotify playlist to match the drink’s energy. These mood-boosting drinks are made with 5-HTP (which elevates your serotonin levels) and Gaba (calms the nervous system). Chill out before you go out. 

Seedlip - best non-alcoholic liquor for mixology

Seedlip, $32

Seedlip answers the question of what to drink when you’re not, ya know, drinking. These non-alcoholic, sugar-free, sweetener-free spirits are blended and bottled in England. Seedlip is best mixed with tonic, soda, ginger ale or used as a base in cocktails. It’s a gin-like substitute that every mixologist needs.

Better Rhodes - best online marketplace for non-alcoholic cocktails

Better Rhodes, $54

If you’ve ever been jealous of your friends who have their cutesy little wine of the month club membership boxes sent to their houses, you’re going to love what Better Rhodes has to offer. Better Rhodes is like an online liquor store. But without the liquor. Choose to have non-alcoholic spirits, mixers, wines, pre-made cocktails, and beer sent straight to your home, either by subscription box service or just grabbing a bottle before heading to a friend’s house.