Dry January doesn’t have to mean boring drinks or early nights in. Here are some mocktail recipes that are refreshing, fun and full of flavours! Whether you are taking a break from alcohol or craving something light, we have got you covered! Become your own mixologist and create these recipes that prove drinks don’t need alcohol to feel special. 

Cosmopolitan mocktail 

The vibrant pink colour of the cosmopolitan mocktail is gorgeous and the taste is even more impressive! These simple ingredients can be picked up in any supermarket and become an easy, reliable choice if you are hosting a special occasion and looking for something everyone can enjoy. 

Ingredients:

• 45ml tonic water (or sparkling water, soda water) 
• 20ml fresh orange juice
• 20ml cranberry juice
• 15ml of fresh lime juice (around ½ a lime) 
• Lime wedge or a strip of lime peel for garnish

Method 

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add the orange juice, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Top with tonic water and gently stir to combine.
4. Finish with a lime wedge or twist for garnish.

Words by Jasmine Mitchell

Mojito Mocktail

Mojitos have always been a personal favourite of mine. Their sharp lime, mint and fizziness always feels instantly reviving, and this doesn’t have to be compromised for dry January! The ideal drink after a long busy day can be made in minutes and enjoyed instantly. 

Ingredients: 

1. 1 tbsp caster sugar
2. A small handful of fresh mint 
3. 3 limes, juiced
4. Soda water

Method:

1. Slap the mint leaves between your hands to release the aromatic oils of the mint.
2. Place the mint and sugar into a small bowl and gently crush them together until broken down. A pestle and mortar works well, or alternatively, the end of a rolling pin works too. 
3. Fill two glasses with ice. Pour over the lime juice, then spoon in the mint mixture, dividing it evenly between the glasses. 
4. Top with soda water, give it a gentle stir, and serve with a straw.

Words by Jasmine Mitchell

Cucumber Elderflower Spritz

If you prefer something light and refreshing, this cucumber and elderflower mocktail is simple and crisp without being sharp. The cucumber keeps it clean and cooling, while the elderflower adds a soft sweetness that works just as well for a fun evening as it does for a chilled afternoon.

Ingredients:

• ½ cucumber
• 20ml elderflower cordial
• ½ a lemon, juiced
• Sparkling water
• Ice
• Cucumber ribbon or lemon slice for garnish

Method:

1. Peel the cucumber into ribbons or roughly chop it, then place into a glass and gently muddle to release the fresh juices.
2. Add ice, followed by the elderflower cordial and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Top with sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
4. Finish with a cucumber ribbon or lemon slice for garnish and enjoy!

Words by Eiriana Zhou

Featured image courtesy of Svitlana via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.