Teenager’s party coming up? Or maybe your kid wants something fancy to serve their friends while they’re over and lounging by the pool? Well, there’s no rule that says mocktails are just for adults.
A mocktail is the perfect balance of flavor and fun, without any of the risks related to the real deal. And to help you find your new favorites, we’ve scoured the web to find some of the best recipes. Each mocktail recipe yields a single serve but can be easily multiplied by however many guests you have. Grab the paper parasol and count us in.
What is a Mocktail?
A mocktail is a fun and flavorful drink that’s just like a cocktail, but without the alcohol. Many mocktails are made by taking popular cocktail recipes and simply skipping the alcohol substituting the alcohol with something else, like fruit juice, sparkling water, or flavored syrups. They’re often served in the same stylish glasses and topped with fun garnishes like a slice of fruit or a sprig of mint.
Why Mocktails are Great for Teens
Mocktails are great for teens because they let you enjoy a fancy, creative drink without alcohol. Teens love mocktails because they feel fun and grown-up, especially when served in a fancy glass with ice, fruit, or a colorful straw. Whether it’s at a birthday party, a sleepover, or just hanging out with friends, mocktails add a little extra excitement to the moment.
Mocktail Ideas for Teens
1. Nojito
source: Coah Lagos Instagram
This refreshing Cuban-inspired mocktail is perfect for teens who love something cool and zesty to sip on. And as you guessed, it’s based on the classic Mojito.
Ingredients:
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp sugar syrup
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
Muddle the mint and sugar syrup together so they’re well combined, then squeeze in the lime juice. Fill a glass with crushed ice, then top with soda or sparkling water. Give it that classy touch with a lime wedge as garnish.
2. Shirley Temple
Loved by kids and adults alike, the Shirley Temple is among the world’s most popular mocktails. It’s a bit bubbly and sweet, with the old-school charm you’d expect from its name.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- A splash of grenadine
- Maraschino cherry
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Pour the soda or ginger ale into a glass with ice. Add a splash of grenadine and stir, then top it off with a cherry. Serve in a fancy glass for an extra special drink.
3. Cinderella Mocktail
Looking for a drink with a little magic? This tropical, fruity beverage is a mocktail original with no alcoholic counterpart, so you and your kids can enjoy every sip.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespools lemon juice
- Splash of grenadine
- Splash of club soda (optional)
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Mix all the juices in a shaker with a handful of ice. Once stirred, add the grenadine to give it a red hue, then pour it into a tall glass. Add soda for some fizz, and garnish with an orange slice if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Virgin Piña Colada
source: tamaracameraphoto instagram
Take one sip, and be instantly transported to a tropical beach—without the rum. This creamy, tropical mocktail has a few bold flavors working perfectly together.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsweetened frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup cubed ice
- 1/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
- Fresh pineapple wedges, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions:
Blend all your ingredients together until smooth (at least 30 seconds). Serve in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge and paper parasol.
5. Faux Sangria
No need for wine in this teen-friendly mocktail. This fruity, colorful drinks feels like a celebration in a glass, without any of the bad stuff.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup grape juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- Sliced fruits (oranges, apples, berries)
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Mix all the juices into a pitcher and add your choice of sliced fruit (the more, the better). Put it ino the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors mix. Once ready, add the soda water and a handful of ice cubes.
6. Apple Cider Mule Mocktail
Inspired by the famous Moscow Mule cocktail, this zero-proof version kept all the best bits. It’s spicy, crisp, and super refreshing.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Mix the cider and lime juice in a copper mug, just like you’d serve the original cocktail in. Fill it with ice, then top with ginger beer. Feeling fancy? Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.
7. Berry Lemon Fizz Mocktail
If your teens like lemonade, they’ll love this mocktail with a twist. The Berry Lemon Fizz tastes just like a sparkling lemonade, but with a bright berry flavor that makes it even more enticing.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Muddle the berries with lemon juice and brown sugar until fully combined. Strain the drink into a glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir. Add some more berries or a lemon wedge to finish it off.
8. Sunset Cooler Mocktail
source: margaritavillelc instagram
Just like a Tequila Sunrise, without any of the headaches. This gorgeous layered drink looks just like a tropical sunset and is perfect for hanging by the water with friends.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- Splash grenadine
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice, and pour the orange and pineapple juices in together. Slowly drizzle the red grenadine down the side so it settles at the bottom. No need to stir either; the colorful layers are what makes this mocktail for teens famous.
9. Lavender Lemonade Sparkler Mocktail
Lavender is one of the most popular ingredients in drinks these days, so it makes the perfect addition to your teen’s mocktail. This floral, elegant twist on sparkling lemonade is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lavender syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Cubed iced
Instructions:
Combine the lavender syrup and lemon juice in a shaker, mixing it together with ice. Once shaken, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh lavender and a lemon wedge to take it to the next level.
10. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri (Mocktail Style)
Sweet, icy, and perfect for summer days, this mocktail version of a frozen Daiquiri hits all the right spots. Plus, your teen will have fun getting the blender out.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey
- Granulated sugar
- 1 cup cubed ice
Instructions:
Blitz all the ingredients together in a blender until slushy (just under one minute). Serve in a cocktail glass with extra ice, a sugared rim and a strawberry on the edge.
11. Cranberry Ginger Sparkler
Based on Ruby Red Slippers, this teen-friendly mocktail is the perfect zero alcohol option for winter gatherings and get-togethers with friends.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ginger ale
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Cubed ice
Instructions:
Pour the cranberry juice into a tall glass filled with ice. Then, pour in your ginger ale and lime juice, and slowly stir together. Add a lime wedge and a cranberry for garnish and color.
Start Stirring for Serious Fun
Mocktails are the perfect way for teens to enjoy fancy drinks in a safe, inclusive way. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and finding tastes that everyone loves. You can take your birthday party or friend hangout to the next level by preparing some refreshing mocktails for teens.