5 Easy Mocktail (or Cocktail) Recipes

Valentine’s Day is just over a week away, so it’s the perfect time to start planning a day full of love. Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your children, or a group of dear friends, Valentine’s is a wonderful occasion to pause and reflect on those whom we love the most. And now you can toast them with these 5 mocktail recipes too!

In our house, many of our slow-down-and-gather-together moments revolve around a shared beverage. In the winter, we love taking a break to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. Our Sunday brunch table always includes sweet, fresh orange juice. And, in the summer, you will find us on the front porch with tall glasses of lemonade more days than not!

Today, I thought I would share a few mocktail recipes that you can enjoy on a special occasion, or anytime! And if you prefer a grown-ups-only version, each recipe includes a recommended spirit to complement the flavors.

All of these mocktail recipes are especially easy to make using my new favorite mixer–La Croix sparkling water. I love La Croix because it’s simple and pure. There’s nothing unnecessary added in, just carbonated water and a hint of flavor. No sweetners, no sodium, no calories, no colors. Just simplicity!

Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, and I have received NO compensation for sharing any of these ingredients or products. Some links that follow may be affiliate links, and I might earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase through that link. This usually amounts to cents, not dollars, and helps to support the projects and recipes featured on this blog. I only recommend products from companies that I have found to be trustworthy. Read my full disclosure here.

1. Lime Faux-jito

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Limeade
• 3 ounces La Croix Lime
• 12 mint leaves
• Lime slices
• 2 ounces white rum (optional)

Instructions
Add limeade and sparkling water to a tall glass. Rub mint leaves around the edge of the glass, then tear 9 leaves in half and add to juice. Stir gently. {Add rum, if using.} Add lime slices and ice to fill glass. Garnish with remaining 3 mint leaves.

2. Straw-Mary Cooler

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Strawberry Lemonade
• 3 ounces La Croix Berry
• 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
• Sprigs of rosemary
• Strawberry slices
• 2 ounces gin or bourbon, depending on preference (optional)

Instructions
Muddle lemonade, grenadine, rosemary and a few strawberries in a tall glass {include alcohol, if using}. Pour strained mixture over ice. Add sparkling water. Garnish with strawberry slices and rosemary.

3. Bootleg Lemonade

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Lemonade
• 3 ounces La Croix Lemon
• 9 mint leaves
• Lemon slices
• 2 ounces vodka, gin, or bourbon, depending on preference (optional)

Instructions
Muddle lemonade, a few lemon slices, and roughly torn mint leaves in a tall glass {include alcohol, if using}. Pour
mixture over ice. Add sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slices and additional mint leaves.

4. Raspberry Mint Spritzer

Ingredients

• 2 ounces mixed berry juice or fruit cocktail
• 4 ounces La Croix Berry
• 6 mint leaves
• Fresh raspberries
• 2 ounces vodka (optional)

Instructions
Crush several raspberries in a tall glass. Add juice and roughly torn mint leaves {include alcohol, if using}. Mix gently. Add ice to glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with additional berries and mint leaves.

5. Tangerine & Thyme Cooler

Ingredients

• 3 ounces orange-tangerine juice
• 3 ounces La Croix Tangerine
• 1 ounce Thyme Syrup (recipe follows)
• Orange slices
• 2 ounces tequila or vodka (optional)

Instructions
Make thyme syrup by combining one cup granulated sugar with one cup water in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Add about 1/2 cup thyme sprigs, bring to simmer, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for one hour. Strain syrup and chill in fridge. Stored in a tightly sealed container, syrup will keep in fridge for one month.

Mix juice and syrup in a tall glass {include alcohol, if using}. Add ice to glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange slices and fresh thyme.

Tools For The Bartender

Whether you’re just building your bar supplies, or looking for a unique gift for the bartender in your life, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tools to help. A new favorite that I especially love is the set of kid-friendly drinkware that looks as pretty as real glass! They are shatter-proof, dishwasher safe, free from BPA and phthalates, and made in the USA. Great for enjoying these mocktails with your entire family!