April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which sheds light on the role of alcoholic beverages in our lives. Alcohol is a central component of social gatherings, celebrations and moments of relaxation. However, as people become more conscious of the effects of alcohol consumption on health and wellbeing, many are turning to alternatives that still provide a sense of festivity and enjoyment. Enter mocktails, which are refreshing, alcohol-free beverages that are becoming more popular as a versatile and vibrant alternative for all occasions.
As spring arrives, and the opportunities for celebration increase, consider trying one of these refreshing mocktail options:
Grapefruit and Thyme Refresher
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
This refreshing mocktail recipe is citrusy with light hints of woodsy and savory elements from the thyme. The grapefruit’s bitterness mocks the taste of alcohol, while its tartness is balanced with honey.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 thyme sprig
- 2-3 tsp. honey, depending on sweet preference
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Sliced limes and grapefruit, for serving
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice, lime juice, thyme and honey. Shake until honey is well incorporated before adding the ice, otherwise it may separate and stick at the bottom. Taste to see if more honey is needed according to taste preference.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Strain mixture into a serving glass. Top with cold sparkling water and a thyme sprig. Cheers!
Ginger Lemon Mocktail
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ginger and lemon are ideal flavor combinations for a refreshing beverage. In this balanced mocktail, citrus provides a refreshing acid profile, honey balances it with sweetness while the ginger adds a hint of spice. While this recipe uses ginger beer, half of a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger can be substituted.
Ingredients:
- Lemon zest, for garnish
- 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar, for garnish
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 2-3 tsp. honey, depending on sweet preference
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Ginger beer
Instructions:
- For the garnish – on a plate, add sugar and zest from 1 lemon.
- Halve a lemon, rub the edge of it against the side of a glass, then roll on the sugar and zest plate.
- In the same glass, add lemon juice and honey. Stir until well-combined. Add ice, then add sparkling water, leaving room for a splash of ginger beer. Stir and serve. Enjoy!
Strawberry Mint No-jito
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
This mocktail version of the mojito is perfect for warm weather. The natural sweetness of the strawberries combined with the tangy lime juice and fresh mint creates a delightful and unique flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 10 mint leaves
- 5 strawberries
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 2-3 tsp. honey or simple syrup, depending on sweet preference
- Lime sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Place mint leaves, strawberries and lime juice in a glass and muddle them together using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Add the honey or simple syrup and stir. Add ice and top with sparkling water. Add more honey or simple syrup if desired.
- Garnish with lime slices and a sprig of mint.
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
Author: A Healthier Michigan
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
