Non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can easily create tasty and satisfying drinks that will keep you occupied and quench your thirst while you stay sober this January.
These 10 recipes are simple to make, using ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Elevate your at-home mixology game with these refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic drink options.
In addition to quenching your thirst, non-alcoholic drinks offer a range of benefits. They’re often lower in calories and sugar compared to alcoholic beverages, making them a healthier choice.
Balancing sweet and sour flavours can be important when making a non-alcoholic drink because it helps to create a drink that is both refreshing and satisfying. Sweet flavours can provide a sense of richness and indulgence, while sour flavours can help to balance out the sweetness and add a refreshing quality to the drink. By finding the right balance of sweet and sour, you can create a drink that is not too sweet or too sour, but rather has a harmonious balance. This can help to make the drink more enjoyable and satisfying.
Carbonation, like in sparkling water or soda, can add a refreshing element. And incorporating fruit and herbs adds flavour and complexity.
Try out these easy and delicious recipes
Lemonade
A summertime classic that’s perfect for the winter too! Lemonade is as easy as combining lemon juice, water, and sugar. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences and add a splash of raspberry or strawberry syrup for a twist.
Iced tea
Brew a batch of tea, sweeten with honey and golden caster sugar, and serve over ice with sliced lemons, oranges, and fresh mint for added flavor.
Hot chocolate
Warm up with a comforting mug of hot chocolate made by combining cocoa powder, milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for an extra touch.
Spicy Apple Punch
Simmer apple juice with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for a warm and aromatic beverage. Add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of nutmeg for added flavour.
Fruit Smoothie
Blend frozen fruit, milk or yogurt, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a nourishing and satisfying drink. Experiment with different fruits and sweeteners to find your perfect combination.
Virgin Mary
A non-alcoholic take on the classic Bloody Mary, this drink is made with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, and black pepper. Adjust the ratios to your liking.
Virgin Pina Colada
Blend pineapple juice, coconut milk, and ice for a tropical twist on a classic cocktail. Swap out the coconut milk for coconut cream for a richer, more indulgent drink, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the blend for a creamy, smooth texture. Top with some toasted coconut flakes.
Virgin Mojito
A non-alcoholic version of the classic cocktail, a Virgin Mojito is made by combining mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and sparkling water. The amount of sugar and sparkling water can be adjusted to taste.
Virgin Margarita
A Virgin Margarita is made by combining lime juice, orange juice, and a sweetener such as agave nectar or honey. The ratio of these ingredients can be adjusted to taste. For a twist, try adding a splash of grenadine or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ginger Beer
Mix together ginger, sugar, and water and let ferment for a few days. Strain out the ginger and mix with sparkling water for a spicy and refreshing drink. Instead of straining out the ginger, you could leave it in the finished drink for a more ginger-forward flavor. Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the ginger mixture for a warm, spicy depth of flavor.
TAKEAWAYS
Non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to be boring. By using a balance of sweet and sour flavours, incorporating carbonation, and adding fruit and herbs, you can easily create tasty and satisfying non-alcoholic drinks using ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The key is to experiment and have fun while you find your perfect alcohol-free alternative!
