Refreshing Herbal Mocktails

There’s nothing quite like relaxing and sipping on a refreshing drink. Herbal mocktails are the perfect drink for anyone avoiding (or cutting back) on alcohol. There are so many delicious options and because they’re alcohol-free, even the kids can have their own.

These drink recipes feature fruity, herbal flavors that not only taste great but are great for you! Serve it ice cold as a refreshing summer drink or enjoy them year-round. They also make a fancy addition to a weekend brunch!

What is a Mocktail?

You may have already heard of them, but in case you haven’t mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails. So instead of slipping some vodka or tequila into a bubbly drink, we’re using fruit juices and mineral seltzer water. You’ll find all sorts of recipes on the internet for everything from a mojito mocktail to a virgin pina colada.

These non-alcoholic drinks can be made with all sorts of flavor combinations. They typically consist of simple syrup (like grenadine), seltzer or club soda, fruit, and sometimes herbs. Here are some more ingredients to test out in your homemade mocktail.

• Sweeteners like raw honey, maple syrup, or stevia
• Fruit juices like watermelon, pomegranate, apple juice, or pineapple juice
• Shrubs made with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar and herbs
• Herbal bitters
• A little spice from ginger or jalapeno peppers

An Herbal Infusion

There are so many ways to make healthy, flavorful drinks and herbs are one way to really boost the health benefits. Herbal bitters help with digestion and can improve gut health. You can make your own herbal bitters tincture and add a little bit to your mocktail to balance the sweet flavor. This makes for a perfect after-dinner digestion tonic!

Here are the herbs that I used in the following recipes and why they’re so amazing.

• Ginger – Slightly spicy, ginger is a great digestive herb. It’s warming, increases circulation, and decreases inflammation. It’s also antiviral, helps relieve menstrual cramps, and helps with nausea.
• Basil – While basil tastes great on a Caprese salad, it has some pretty tasty health benefits too! Basil reduces inflammation, protects the liver and blood vessels, and boosts the immune system. Studies have also shown it has anti-cancer and anti-diabetes benefits.
• Hibiscus – High in vitamin C and other nutrients, hibiscus has a tart, fruity flavor. Tones and cools irritated tissues, helps strengthen the immune system, and move stuck mucus. Helps with inflammation in areas like the liver, stomach, urinary tract, and uterus.
• Lemongrass – Antibacterial, antifungal, reduces inflammation, and helps the body have a healthy response to fevers. It also has a wonderful, lemony scent!
• Nettle – Nettle is a nutrient powerhouse with plenty of minerals. You’ll find vitamins A, C, E, and K, riboflavin, thiamine, and a whole host of minerals. It helps nourish and energize the body.

Add a Garnish

What’s a fancy drink without some garnish? I like to use lime or lemon slices to dress up the glass. You can also use fresh cranberries, other berries, or chunks of fruit. Mint leaves also add a nice touch to these mocktail recipes.

Cranberry Ginger Mocktail

Fruity, tart cranberries combine with spicy ginger in this fizzy mocktail.

• Add the cranberries and ginger to the water and heat in the pot until simmering.

• Turn the heat off and let steep with the lid on for 10-15 minutes.

• Strain and mix in the honey.

• Let cool completely.

• Add sparkling water just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Cranberry Ginger Mocktail

Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)

Calories 42

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.024g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g

Sodium 12mg1%

Potassium 24mg1%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 0.6g3%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 0.12g0%

Vitamin A 12IU0%

Vitamin C 2.4mg3%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 0.06mg0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you don’t want to serve this right away, store the cranberry, ginger, and honey infusion in the fridge until you’re ready to mix it with the sparkling water. 

Basil Citrus Mocktail

The savory basil pairs nicely with sweet citrus. Make this recipe with orange, tangerine, or even grapefruit.

• Use your hands to crush the basil until its juices are released.

• Add the basil, orange zest, and hot water to the mason jar. You don't want the water to be boiling, just hot enough to pull the flavors from the fresh ingredients.

• Cover the jar with a lid and let steep for 10-15 minutes or until cool.

• Strain and add the orange juice.

• Let the mixture cool completely in the fridge and mix with sparkling mineral water right before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Basil Citrus Mocktail

Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)

Calories 30
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.06g0%

Saturated Fat 0.012g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.018g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.018g

Sodium 1mg0%

Potassium 120mg3%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1.8g8%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 0.6g1%

Vitamin A 192IU4%

Vitamin C 36mg44%

Calcium 30mg3%

Iron 0.06mg0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Instead of orange, try grapefruit, tangerine, or clementine instead. 

Hibiscus Lime Mocktail

High in vitamin C, hibiscus and lime add to the fruity flavor of this drink.

• Bring the water to a boil on the stove. Add the hibiscus, lemongrass, and lime zest, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.

• Strain and add the lime juice and honey.

• Cool completely and mix with sparkling water just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Hibiscus Lime Mocktail

Amount Per Serving (6 ounces)

Calories 72
Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.06g0%

Saturated Fat 0.006g0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.018g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.006g

Sodium 12mg1%

Potassium 48mg1%

Carbohydrates 36g12%

Fiber 0.12g1%

Sugar 18g20%

Protein 0.6g1%

Vitamin A 30IU1%

Vitamin C 12mg15%

Calcium 18mg2%

Iron 0.6mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you like your drink really tart, then reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.

More Drink Recipes to Try

Here are some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to sip on.

Have you ever made your own mocktails before? What are your favorite ingredients to use?