6 Mocktail Recipes That Can Be Turned Into Cocktails
Whip up any of these six tasty mocktail beverages to enjoy at home – virgin-style or spiked!

February 11, 2016

A pineapple shot on a pink background to represent mocktail recipes

1. Apple-maple sparkler

Use pure, tree-tapped maple syrup (the kind made without corn syrup) and enjoy the anti-inflammatory and zinc-rich benefits. In a highball glass, stir together one tablespoon fresh lemon juice and half a tablespoon maple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and top with three quarters of a cup Appletiser. Garnish with a thin slice of red apple and a sprig of fresh mint.

Mocktail: 500kJ, 0g fat, 30g carbs, 20mg sodium, 0g fibre, 1g protein

To give it a boozy boost swap a quarter of a cup Appletiser for 60ml whisky and top with three dashes bitters.

Cocktail: 960kJ, 0g fat, 24g carbs, 15mg sodium, 0g fibre, 1g protein

2. Coco carrot-ini

The beta-carotene in carrots promotes healthy skin, while mineral-rich miso contains probiotics and adds a savoury umami kick. Combine one third of a cup carrot juice, one quarter of a cup coconut water and one teaspoon white miso paste in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with fresh thyme, ground coriander and a carrot ribbon.

Mocktail: 210kJ, 0g fat, 12g carbs, 270mg sodium, 1g fibre, 2g protein

To give it a boozy boost swap half the coconut water for 30ml dry gin and 15ml dry vermouth.

Cocktail:795kJ, 0g fat, 11g carbs, 240mg sodium, 1g fibre, 1g protein

3. Green ginger-ita

Leafy greens such as kale and spinach infuse a drink with vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron and folate. Fill a shaker with ice, half a cup kale or other green juice, one cup sugar-free ginger beer (like Stoney Zero), two tablespoons lime juice and half a tablespoon agave nectar. Shake and strain over ice into a kosher salt-rimmed glass. Pierce three pieces crystallised ginger with a cocktail skewer to garnish.

Mocktail: 670kJ, 0.5g fat (0g sat), 38g carbs, 520mg sodium, 1g fibre, 3g protein

To give it a boozy boost swap half a cup ginger beer for 60ml silver tequila.

Cocktail:1 090kJ, 0.5g fat (0g sat), 27g carbs, 515mg sodium, 1g fibre, 3g protein

4. Grapefruit-celery spritzer

Drink happily, knowing that celery has been shown to lower blood pressure and red grapefruit can help keep cholesterol in check. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle one sliced celery stalk with a pinch salt to release the liquid. Add ice, one tablespoon honey and three quarters of a cup red grapefruit juice. Shake and strain over fresh ice in a tumbler. Top with half a cup soda water and garnish with a celery stalk and a grapefruit wedge.

Mocktail: 585kJ, 0g fat, 36g carbs, 200mg sodium, 1g fibre, 1g protein

To give it a boozy boost add 60ml white rum to the shaker.

Cocktail: 1 130kJ, 0g fat, 36g carbs, 210mg sodium, 1g fibre, 1g protein

5. Fruit cup

This aromatic cooler is packed with antioxidant-rich berries and vitamin C. In a shaker, combine three quarters of a cup lemonade with three tablespoons blueberries and sliced strawberries, two quartered orange slices and four whole basil leaves. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or up to one hour. Pour into an ice-filled wine glass, top with half a cup soda water and garnish with lemon.

Mocktail: 460kJ, 0g fat, 27g carbs, 35mg sodium, 2g fibre, 1g protein

To give it a boozy boost swap add 60ml vodka just before garnishing.

Cocktail:1 045kJ, 0g fat, 27g carbs, 35mg sodium, 2g fibre, 1g protein

6. Plum Fizz

This version of an old-timey drink called a shrub uses vinegar to punch up other flavours and its acetic acid has been linked to burning fat. Simmer a pitted, diced plum in three quarters of a cup water, five tablespoons white vinegar and two tablespoons treacle sugar until the sugar dissolves. Cool, strain and stir in half a teaspoon rose water. Pour two tablespoons into a champagne saucer or flute, top with half a cup soda water and stir in one tablespoon pomegranate seeds.

Mocktail: 210kJ, 0g fat, 13g carbs, 30mg sodium, 0g fibre, 0g protein

To give it a boozy boost swap the soda water for sparkling white wine.

Cocktail: 585kJ, 0g fat, 15g carbs, 0mg sodium, 0g fibre, 0g protein

Mix Tip

Use a well-chilled glass – it will keep your drink tasting crisp and cool.

Looking for more cocktail recipes? Here are 10 low-kilojoule cocktails totally worth sipping on this summer, and if you’re trying to go booze-free give these healthy infused drinks a go.