30 Best Virgin Drinks & Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (2023)

Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Having spent years behind the bar, I’ve crafted countless cocktails for various preferences.

But one thing that’s always struck me is the beauty of a well-made virgin cocktail. Yes, a drink without alcohol can still be a dazzling dance of flavors on your palate.

In this post, we’ll explore the world of virgin drinks that stand tall as unique, delightful beverages that aren’t just backups for their boozy counterparts.

Whether you’re hosting a party with a mixed crowd, seeking healthier options, or wanting to savor something different, the best virgin drinks will surely impress.

Top 30 Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Mocktails

1. Virgin Margarita

Ah, there’s nothing better than a good Margarita. But if you’re craving something non-alcoholic, there’s what I fondly call Virgin Margarita.

It’s a refreshing and tangy virgin drink that surprisingly tastes like our all-time favorite Margarita, minus the Tequila, of course.   

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.50 oz fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp maple syrup or simple syrup
• ⅛ tsp pickle juice (recommended but optional)
• 3 oz tonic water
• Salt 
• Lime wheel

Instructions: 

Get a Margarita glass, then run the lime around the rim before dipping the edge into a plate of sea salt.

Combine the lime juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and pickle juice, then mix well before adding tonic water and ice.

“Virgin Margarita: Zestful tang, tequila-free fiesta for your taste buds!” – Liquor Laboratory 

Garnish with a lime wheel on the side, then enjoy. 

2. Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple is one of the best virgin drinks enjoyed by many worldwide. It is a fruity, bubbly, and refreshing mocktail drink that requires no booze. 

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp grenadine
• ⅓ cup lemon-lime soda
• ⅓ cup ginger ale
• Maraschino Cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions: 

In a glass filled with ice, combine lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and a splash of grenadine. Serve with maraschino cherries, and enjoy. 

3. Club Soda & Lime

If you want a vodka-free, cheap, and calorie-free mocktail that you can drink all night, Club Soda and Lime is my bar go-to.

Club Soda and Lime are salty and citrusy, boasting the clean and fresh taste of the mocktail. 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz club soda
• ½ lime juiced
• 1 cup ice
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Instructions: 

Pour the lime juice and club soda into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge before serving.

Quick Tip: Create visually striking presentations by layering the garnishes strategically. A well-thought-out arrangement will make the virgin drink look like a work of art, enticing guests to take that first refreshing sip.

4. Sidecar Mocktail

Do you know you can drink the classic Sidecar cocktail without Hennessy cognac?

The Sidecar Mocktail is refined by the tart lemon juice and sweetness of orange juice. 

Ingredients:

• 50 ml cold lapsang souchong tea
• 50 ml lemon juice
• 1 tbsp marmalade
• 1 tsp honey 
• Ice
• Slice dried orange

Instructions: 

Pour the cold tea, lemon juice, marmalade, and stir until dissolved in a cocktail shaker.

Now add the honey, ice, then shake it well. Double-strain the mocktail in a chilled glass and serve with a slice of dried orange. 

5. Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer Drink is a classic summer cocktail containing sweet tea vodka, but the good thing I like is that you can enjoy this refreshing drink even without alcohol.

Try this recipe! 

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup lemonade
• ½ cup iced tea
• Lemon slice for garnish
• ice

Instructions: 

Pour the lemonade and iced tea into a tall glass filled with ice, then stir well. Garnish with lemon, then serve. 

Read: Best Fruity Alcoholic Drinks Available In Stores

6. Faux Tropical Fizz

Faux Tropical Fizz can be a thirst quencher for a summer party, and it is Vodka and rum free! 

Ingredients:

• Hulled and halved strawberries
• Peeled and chopped kiwi fruit
• Chopped pineapple rings
• Sparkling apple juice
• Tropical Fruit juice
• Soda Water

Instructions: 

In your choice of glassware, put the chopped strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple.

Now fill the glass with equal parts of chilled sparkling apple juice, tropical fruit juice, and soda water, then serve immediately. 

7. Tortuga

Tortuga is a staple drink in Haiti, and you can make it a virgin drink by skipping the rum.

The mocktail is named after the Haitian Island Tortuga that Pirates used as a launching ground for their activities [1]. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly brewed iced tea
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Lime wedges
• Ice

Instructions: 

Mix the tea, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then double strain before serving with lime wedges. 

8. Lemonade

Lemonade is the easiest and, by far, the most refreshing non-alcoholic drink I enjoy on a bright and sunny day. You can go conventional and try this classic recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 3 pcs unwaxed lemons (roughly chopped)
• 140g caster sugar
• 1 L cold water
• Lemon slices
• Ice

Instructions: 

In a food processor, blend the lemons, sugar, and 500mL of water until the lemon is finely chopped.

Sieve in a bowl, then press the remains before topping up with the 500mL of water. Serve the lemonade with ice and lemon slices. 

Read: Recommended Non-Alcoholic Vodka Alternatives

9. Nojito

Mojito is a world-famous cocktail that even the least skilled bartender can make [2], but did you know that Nojito tastes just as refreshing as the alcoholic Mojito minus the white rum?

Yes, Nojito is an awesome mocktail, and here’s the proven and tested recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 – 14 small mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp superfine sugar
• 4 oz club soda or non-alcoholic seltzer water
• Lime slices
• Ice

Instructions: 

Muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Then pour the club soda and ice cubes into the shaker before gently shaking.

Strain into a tall cocktail glass, then fill with ice. 

10. Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri

Often called a “girly drink,” Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri tastes like the classic Daiquiri without the rum making it an awesome and refreshing virgin drink for non-alcoholics and designated drivers.

You can even replace the lemon-lime with your favorite red cream soda or other flavors. 

Ingredients:

• 2 large strawberries
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ¾ cup chilled lemon-lime soda
• 4 ice cubes

Instructions: 

In a blender container, combine the strawberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and the chilled lemon-lime soda, then blend it until smooth.

Pour the blended drink into a fancy glass, then serve. 

11. Cinderella

Cinderella is a fruity and tangy mocktail with different fruit flavors that, when combined, create a fizzy and easy-to-drink recipe without whiskey or bourbon.

And the best part? It takes just a minute to make and mix. 

Ingredients:

• 25 ml lemon juice
• 25 ml orange juice
• 25 ml pineapple juice
• 50 ml ginger ale
• Grenadine syrup
• Orange and pineapple slices
• Ice 

Instructions: 

In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine all the juices, then shake well for 15 seconds. Strain in a chilled glass filled with ice, then garnish with slices of orange and pineapple. 

Here are our favorite non-alcoholic whiskey brands you should try.

12. No Tequila Sunrise

There are a lot of sunrise cocktail varieties, but the original Tequila Sunrise is a 70’s hit wonder that bartenders adore along with scotch and bourbon [3].

The No Tequila Sunrise is a mocktail that’s perfect for hot afternoons by the pool.

Ingredients:

• Orange juice
• Sparkling Water
• Grenadine
• Ice
• Strawberries or Cherries 

Instructions: 

Pour equal amounts of orange juice and sparkling water into a glass with ice, then slowly add the grenadine. Garnish with strawberries or cherries before serving. 

13. Iced Tea

Iced tea is an easy citrus mocktail that you and your friends can enjoy at a party or even at every meal.

If you want to ditch the vodka, gin, and rum, iced tea can be your go-to drink for a non-alcoholic beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 L rooibos tea
• ½ cup mint leaves
• 1.5 L apple, apricot, and peach juice
• Sliced lemon and lime skins (For garnish)

Instructions: 

After preparing the rooibos tea, pour it into an ice-cube tray with mint leaves.

Combine the reserved tea with the fruit juices, then top with the premade iced cubes. Add some sliced lemon and lime skins before serving.

Quick Tip: Opt for elegant and visually appealing glassware to serve your virgin drinks. Consider using tall, stemmed glasses or vintage-inspired tumblers to elevate the presentation. 

14. Mocktail Mulled Wine

A traditional mulled wine recipe is usually made with red wine and mulled spices. Some people add a taste of brandy for that extra kick.

The mocktail mulled wine, on the other hand, omits the alcohol and uses other ingredients in its place, often fruit juice.

This virgin drink is a festive, fruity, and spiced non-alcoholic drink that tastes like Christmas in a cup. 

Ingredients:

• 500 ml Pomegranate juice
• 25g golden caster sugar
• A handful of blackberries (frozen)
• 250 ml apple juice
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves spice
• 3 black peppercorns
• 1 orange

Instructions: 

In a saucepan, place all the ingredients, then gently heavy until simmer. Strain in a heatproof glass, then serve. 

15. Gunner

Gunner is a popular non-alcoholic mocktail in Hong Kong and India, often served in bars and golf clubs.

Without Vodka, Bacardi, or Gin, Gunner is a nice mocktail that both adults and kids can enjoy.  

Ingredients:

• 150 ml Lemonade
• 150 ml Ginger ale
• Drops of Angostura Bitters
• 10ml Lime Juice Cordial
• Mint leaves
• Ice 

Instructions: 

Add a few drops of Angostura bitters and fresh lime juice in a tall glass, then add the lemonade and ginger ale. Garnish with mint, stir, then serve. 

16. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that can aid digestion and boost your immune system; however, it has more than 5% alcohol content [4].

Fortunately, you can try and taste Kombucha without the alcohol content in this recipe. 

Ingredients:

• Ginger ale or Water Kefir
• 0.50 oz lime juice 
• Lime wedge or slice of granny smith apple
• Crushed ice

Instructions: 

In a mule mug full of crushed ice, pour the lime juice, then top with ginger ale or water kefir.

Stir with a long spoon, then garnish with a lime wedge or apple, then serve. 

Read: Top Non-Alcoholic Botanical Drinks

17. Frozen Blackberry Smoothie

Frozen Blackberry Smoothie is a festive virgin drink with a sweet and sharp taste. It tastes exactly like Frozen Blackberry Margarita but, of course, without the tequila. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen blackberries
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup apple juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 large ripe banana
• Ice cubes
• Thyme sprig 

Instructions: 

Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender, then blend thick and smooth. Pour the smoothie in a margarita glass, then garnish with frozen blackberry and thyme sprig. 

18. Virgin Piña Colada

Virgin Piña Colada is a tropical treat that tastes the same (well, almost) as the traditional Piña Colada, but it has no rum content.

It is rich, thick, and tastes like pineapple and coconut. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
• ¾ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• Fresh pineapple wedges (garnish)
• Maraschino cherries (garnish)
• ¼ cup ice

Instructions: 

In a blender container, combine all the ingredients except those for garnish, then blend smoothly.

Pour in a cocktail glass, then top with fresh pineapple and maraschino cherries. 

19. Safe Sex On The Beach

If you want to try the Sex on the Beach cocktail but want to stay sober, here’s our virgin option – Safe Sex on the Beach!

It is a silly, light-hearted, and fruity mocktail without Vodka, so it is indeed safe! 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• 2 oz peach nectar
• Maraschino cherry (garnish)
• Ice

Instructions: 

Choose a chilled cocktail glass, pour all the ingredients over ice, then stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, then serve.  

20. Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers is one of the best virgin drinks that’s tasty and refreshing. If you are familiar with the Boozy Roy Rogers, the drink is quite the same, but with no vodka in it. 

Ingredients:

• 1 oz grenadine
• 6 oz cola
• Maraschino cherry (garnish)
• Ice

Instructions: 

In a Collins glass with ice, pour first the grenadine and then the cola before stirring well. Top with a maraschino cherry, then serve immediately. 

21. Mock Champagne

Champagne is a classic sparkling wine from Champagne, France [5].

Most festive occasions are never complete without Champagne, and if you are looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can check out this Mock Champagne recipe.  

Ingredients:

• Ginger Ale (chilled)
• White Grape Juice (chilled)
• 3 tbsp pineapple juice (chilled)
• Cherries

Instructions: 

In a chilled champagne flute, pour equal parts of ginger ale and white grape juice, then add the pineapple juice before stirring. Serve with cherries on top. 

22. Ginger Beer

 Ginger Beer has a strong taste of sweet and spicy. It is less carbonated and, of course, non-alcoholic. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/8 tsp active dry yeast or brewer’s yeast
• 3 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 7 cups filtered water

Instructions: 

After grating the fresh ginger, place it in a saucepan with sugar and water over medium heat.

Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved, strain, then allow the mixture to cool down. In an empty bottle, sprinkle the yeast and combine the ginger syrup, lemon juice, and water.

Shake well, then stow in your pantry for 2-3 days. Consume with ice or chilled. 

23. Pussyfoot

Pussyfoot is a well-known non-alcoholic drink known for its slightly bitter taste.

The lime gives a refreshing taste, and this drink is appreciated by kids and adults who love non-alcoholic beverages. 

Ingredients:

• 7 Mint leaves
• 4 shot orange juice
• ½ shot lemon juice
• ½ shot lime juice
• ½ shot grenadine syrup
• 1 fresh egg yolk
• Maraschino cherry (garnish)

Instructions: 

In a cocktail shaker packed with ice, combine all the ingredients, then shake well. Double strain, then add the cherry for a final flourish. 

24. Coconut Water

Coconut water is the liquid inside the coconut fruit. Coconut water is non-alcoholic and also low in calories and sugar.

It is filled with electrolytes and can be good for your stomach, kidney, and heart. In addition, it can keep you refreshed and hydrated after a workout. 

Ingredients:

• Coconut 
• Ice (optional)

Instructions: 

Open the coconut, then place a straw before serving. You can also pour it in a glass then add ice if you prefer drinking it cold. 

25. Virgin Mary (Bloody Mary Mocktail)

Virgin Mary is a non-alcoholic version of the famous cocktail drink, Bloody Mary. It is a unique mocktail that is savory, tangy, spicy, minus the vodka.  

Ingredients:

• 3 oz tomato juice
• 0.50 oz lemon juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp celery salt
• Ground black pepper
• 2 dashes of hot sauce
• 1 stalk celery (garnish)
• 1 pickle spear (garnish)

Instructions: 

In a highball glass with ice cubes, pour tomato juice and lemon juice, then mix well.

Add the remaining ingredients before mixing again, then top with celery and pickle spear. 

26. Pineapple & Ginger Punch

Pineapple and Ginger Punch is a party-type drink that can delight your senses because of its awesome taste.

The flavors tickle your palate, making it one of our favorite summer drinks. 

Ingredients:

• 750 ml Pineapple Juice
• 750 ml Ginger Beer
• 1 lime
• Mint sprigs 
• Ice

Instructions: 

Pour the pineapple juice, lime juice, mint, and crushed ice into a blender container. Slightly blend the drink, then pour in a cocktail glass filled with more ice.

Top with ginger beer, then garnish with mint sprigs before serving. 

27. Non-Alcoholic Irish Creme Liqueur

Non-Alcoholic Irish Creme Liqueur is a creamy mocktail with different spices and espresso hints.

It mimics the well-loved Irish Creme Liqueur but without the alcohol content. 

Ingredients:

• 150ml double cream
• 50 ml evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 25 ml freshly brewed espresso
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of finely grated zest (orange or lemon)
• Ice

Instructions: 

Combine all the ingredients in a large cocktail shaker filled with a generous amount of ice. Shake well, then double strain into tumblers. Serve it over ice, then enjoy.

Check out some non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar here. 

28. Summer Cup Mocktail

Summer Cup Mocktail is a cool and refreshing non-alcoholic drink enjoyed by many, especially on hot summer days.

Summer Cup mocktail is fresh and fizzy even without Tequila content.

Ingredients:

• Sliced cucumber
• Mint 
• Frozen red berries
• 120 ml sparkling lemonade
• Ice

Instructions: 

Chop the mint sprig and cucumber into small pieces, then bring to a boil for 2 minutes.

Crush the frozen berries lightly, strain the mixture, then keep it in the fridge for 24 hours.

Pour the strained mixture into a tall glass, add a handful of ice, and 120 ml lemonade.

Garnish with frozen berries and mint leaves before serving.

Quick Tip: Use colorful fresh fruits and herbs as garnishes for your virgin drinks. Choose fruits and herbs that complement the drink’s flavors and provide an eye-catching contrast against the glass.

29. Virgin Moscow Mule

Virgin Moscow Mule is a perfect combination of sweet ginger and citrus lime notes. It is the mocktail version of the famous Moscow Mule without the primary alcohol, Vodka.

It is safe to serve underage and adults who want to stay sober for the rest of the night. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 4 oz non-alcoholic ginger beer
• Splash of non-alcoholic Italian red bitters 
• Club Soda
• Lime wedge

Instructions: 

In a copper mug filled with ice, combine the lime juice, ginger beer, and red bitter, then mix well.

Pour the club soda on top, then garnish with a lime wedge before serving. 

30. Lemon, Lime & Bitters

Based on the IWSR forecast, non-alcoholic beverages will bring 31% growth in the industry [6]. Lemon, Lime, and Bitters is a popular virgin drink in Australia and New Zealand. It has a distinct flavor from the Angostura bitters.

“I try to keep my alcohol intake to a minimum and substitute with delicious mocktails whenever possible.” – Serena Poon, Celebrity Chef

Don’t worry about the alcohol content of the bitters because a certain amount of bitters used in the mocktail is not considered alcoholic. 

Ingredients:

• ½ shot of Lime Juice
• 4 dash Angostura Bitters
• Lemonade
• Ice
• Mint

Instructions: 

In a Collins glass filled with ice, pour the lime juice and lemonade, then mix well. Top with four dashes of Angostura Bitters, then garnish with mint before serving. 

FAQs

What are virgin cocktails called? 

Virgin cocktails are called mocktails, and they do not contain alcohol. 

Are virgin drinks good for your health? 

Yes, virgin drinks are good for your health. Unlike cocktails, virgin drinks can hydrate you, are safe to drink, and do not give you a hangover the next day.

How to order a virgin drink at a bar? 

In a loud or crowded bar, you can ask the bartender for “virgin,” then the cocktail you want to order, say “virgin margarita, please.” 

If you are undecided, go for “Hey, I’m not drinking tonight, but I want to sip some mocktails. Can you please recommend one?”

Final Thoughts

Through my passion for mixology, I’ve discovered that alcohol-free beverages can be just as captivating and flavorful as their spirited counterparts. Mocktails are perfect for people avoiding alcohol for the time being.

The best virgin drinks listed above allow people to enjoy the festivities, and these mixed drinks are just as tasty as any signature cocktail – without the alcohol.

Sipping on a beautifully presented Virgin Margarita is a delightful journey of flavors, transporting you to a beachside paradise, even without a drop of tequila.

So, what’s your favorite virgin drink? Let us know in the comments below!

References: 

1. https://haiti.fandom.com/wiki/Tortuga
2. https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/cuba/articles/who-really-invented-the-mojito/ 
3. https://www.liquor.com/articles/history-of-tequila/ 
4. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/voraciously/wp/2018/12/13/is-boozy-kombucha-good-for-you-its-getting-so-popular-it-might-not-matter/ 
5. https://www.britannica.com/topic/champagne-alcoholic-beverage
6. https://www.forbes.com/sites/elvaramirez/2021/02/09/nolow-alcohol-products-gain-market-share-even-in-pandemic/?sh=7673d7436598

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