Between screaming kids, endless meetings, and a barking dog, you probably haven’t had a moment to yourself all day. When evening finally rolls around, all you want to do is kick back with a glass or whole bottle of wine. However, if you don’t want to face a hangover or risk running late to work the next day, alcohol might not be such a good idea.
Luckily, there are dozens of virgin cocktails out there that make for easy, guilt-free sipping. So, if you need a night off but don’t want the booze, try one of these.
1. Frozen Strawberry Mock-a-Rita
Kick back, relax and sip your daily dose of vitamin C with a frozen strawberry mock-a-rita. This delicious drink is frothy, refreshing and the perfect combination of sweet and sour.
Rim two mason jars or glasses with sugar and salt. Then, juice three limes and one orange, and which in a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar. Add this mixture to a blender and combine with frozen strawberries and ice. Top with lemon-lime soda for extra zing and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Coconut Key Lime Momtini
Are you in the mood for something even more tropical? Try making a coconut key lime momtini. Rich and delicious, this momtini will transport you to the beach in seconds and help you leave all your worries behind.
Add limeade, coconut milk, powdered sugar, clarified key lime, and a few drops of vanilla extract to a cocktail shaker. Omit the vanilla if you’d rather taste more lime. Then, shake the ingredients with ice for a few seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coconut flakes for an extratropical flair and enjoy!
3. Kiwi Lychee Mocktail
If you’ve never added kiwi to a cocktail, you’ve been missing out. This zesty beverage is tropical, refreshing, and low-calorie so you won’t feel guilty drinking more than one. Plus, it only takes five minutes to make.
In a pint glass, muddle one kiwi and add one and a half ounces of water, half an ounce of lychee syrup, and a half-ounce of lime juice. Choose fresh limes to avoid the more bitter pre-bottle juice. Shake with ice for six seconds. Then, add some soda water and strain into a tumbler. Grinch with a lemon wedge and a slice of kiwi.
4. Virgin Mary
Have breakfast for dinner with a virgin bloody mary. This drink’s malleability has made it a versatile and multifaceted staple that you can easily enjoy without adding alcohol. Plus, you can use a variety of garnishes and salts to make your drink one of a kind.
First, combine three ounces of tomato juice and a half-ounce of lemon juice in a highball glass. Mix in salt, pepper, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, add your garnishes whether that includes a simple celery stalk or an entire slice of pizza and enjoy!
5. Baby Bellini
If you don’t plan on making a meal of your cocktail, make this simple bellini instead. Skip the champagne and put a virgin spin on the classic peach bellini. The final product tastes so close to the original you’ll forget it’s even missing alcohol.
All you have to do is pour some peach nectar into a champagne flute and slowly add sparkling cider. Then, garnish with a peach slice and float away to happy land on the bubbles. If you have neither one of these ingredients, try using peach juice or puree and ginger ale or sparkling soda.
6. Preggie Provence
Love gin but hate the hangover? Enjoy herbal notes of rosemary and lavender without the booze in this light and airy mocktail.
Muddle a few grapes in a mixing glass. Then, add a half-ounce of fresh lemon juice, two ounces of lemonade, and three-fourths ounce of lavender rosemary syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Top with lavender soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of rosemary. Then, sip away and enjoy the calming taste and aroma of fresh herbs and citrusy lemon.
7. Virgin Blue Lagoon
Fans of the classic blue Hawaiian will love this virgin blue lagoon. With the same bright hue and delicious taste, you won’t even miss the booze.
Add a half cup of ice, a half cup of blueberries, one cup of pineapple juice and a half cup of milk to a blender. Blend on high until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Pour into a glass and pile on the whipped cream. Garnish with fresh or canned pineapple slices and enjoy!
8. Ginger Orange Mocktails
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need more color in your life, this ginger orange mocktail is sure to do the trick. Prepare this bright beverage ahead of time and enjoy more than one with this recipe that serves 16 or one thirsty mama.
Combine five cups of orange juice, three cups of pineapple juice, and a half teaspoon of bitters in a pitcher. Mix well and top with three 12-ounce bottles of ginger beer. Store in your fridge and serve over ice when you’re ready to indulge. Add a few orange slices for some extra vitamin C and sip away on that citrusy cup of sunshine.
Treat Yourself
As a mom, you probably run yourself ragged trying to balance work, kids, and your personal life. If anyone deserves a treat, it’s you. So kick back with one of those refreshing mocktails and relax. Bonus points if you can do it in the bathtub or while binging your favorite show.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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