What Is a Mocktail?

You might have come across the word 'mocktail' while scanning a bar or restaurant menu. It's a relatively new term that blends 'mock' and 'cocktail,' essentially referring to a 'fake' cocktail. But what exactly does that mean, and what makes a great mocktail?

Mocktail vs. Cocktail

The main difference between a mocktail and a cocktail is simple: mocktails don’t have alcohol. They're mixed drinks that resemble traditional cocktails, featuring many of the same ingredients, just without the alcoholic element. Though the term 'mocktail' is modern, these non-alcoholic drinks have always been served alongside their boozy counterparts, historically known as 'Temperance Drinks.'

What's In a Mocktail?

Mocktails are expertly crafted non-alcoholic drinks, often designed by the bar teams at restaurants or bars, to resemble cocktails but without any liquor or alcohol-based ingredients. They typically feature many of the same elements as traditional cocktails, such as fresh juices, flavored syrups, shrubs, and infused sugars or salts.

Mocktails are more than just juice or 'cocktails, hold the alcohol'; they are thoughtfully created beverages with intricate and varied flavor profiles. Much like experimental cocktails that mix herbs or savory ingredients, mocktails explore unique flavors. Some mocktails even incorporate zero-proof spirits with profiles that mirror alcoholic drinks, allowing bartenders to create non-alcoholic versions of classics like a Negroni by substituting a non-alcoholic aperitif.

What Is a Virgin Drink?

A virgin drink is essentially a cocktail without the alcohol, while a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink specifically crafted to offer a balanced and intentional flavor experience. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, a virgin drink simply removes the alcohol, sometimes altering the flavor, as some cocktails rely on alcoholic ingredients like botanical gin or smoky mezcal for their taste. Mocktails, on the other hand, have never contained alcohol, so their flavor profile remains consistent.

Mocktail Examples

Many bars and restaurants that serve mocktails will have their own unique creations tailored to match the atmosphere or cuisine of the place. These drinks often mirror the cocktails on their menu but without the alcohol. If you're a fan of traditional cocktails, you can always request a virgin version of favorites like a mojito, piña colada, or Bloody Mary.

If you're into non-alcoholic spirits and know the bar stocks them, try ordering a classic drink like a zero-proof gin and tonic, provided they offer a non-alcoholic gin. For bars with a mocktail menu, explore their creative offerings, but if they don’t have one or don’t quite match your preferences, there are a few staple mocktail combinations that most bars can whip up for you.

Here are a few classic mocktail combinations that most bars will be able to create for you:

• cola with lime, cranberry, and orange juice
• ginger beer with lime and mint 
• flavored simple syrup with club soda 
• orange juice and grenadine for a virgin tequila sunrise