Sophisticated Mocktail Recipes

If you're among the growing number of non-drinkers, you're in good company. Regardless of your reasons, there are many benefits to limiting alcohol or avoiding it entirely.

But we know that just because you steer clear of alcohol, doesn't mean you have unsophisticated tastes. There's more to non-alcoholic drinks than soda, fruit juice, and Shirley Temples. Check out these mocktail recipes and drink ideas that are so tempting, you won't even miss the alcohol.

Basic Non-Alcoholic Ingredients

Put away the cans of Coke and Sprite, and the plastic jugs of apple and cranberry juice. Instead, stock up on plain seltzer water (not tonic water) to give your mocktail recipes some fizz. Likewise, you'll want real fruit for fresh juice, as well as fresh herbs for making simple syrups. Finally, don't forget to have plenty of ice on hand.

Advanced Non-Alcoholic Ingredients

You've probably heard of Angostura bitters, but unless you drink Manhattans or Sazeracs, you may not have ever tasted them. They're slightly alcoholic, but they're used in such small volume that we consider them a non-alcoholic ingredient. With bitters, a little goes a long way. Add them to plain seltzer or a combination of seltzer and citrus juice.

On the other hand, you probably haven't yet heard of Seedlip -- a non-alcoholic distilled spirit made in the UK.  It's now available to order in the US via Mikuni Wild Harvest. For drink recipes, go to the Seedlip website and click SERVES at the top. We bet you'll be as impressed as we are.

Mocktail Recipes: Paloma Fizz

This recipe from Tablespoon is at the top of our list for a few reasons. One, it's beautiful. It also uses grapefruit, which is currently in season and has a taste that mimics the bite of alcohol quite well. Plus, it's surprisingly easy, considering its sophisticated look and taste.

We recommend using plain seltzer instead of sugary grapefruit soda. And be sure to store the leftover rosemary simple syrup carefully. In fact, double the recipe. You'll be glad you did.

Mocktail Recipes: Grapefruit Basil Mimosa

Another drink worth trying is this recipe from 1-2 Simple Cooking. Get your sugar and saucepan ready to make another batch of simple syrup, infused with basil this time.

While ginger ale could work, we're tempted to make a separate simple syrup with fresh ginger, then add plain seltzer to the two syrups. You'd have to experiment with the proportions, but isn't that one of the best parts of mixology?

Mocktail Recipes: Fig and Balsamic Soda

We're intrigued by the combination of flavors in this recipe from Serious Eats. You'll definitely want to follow their fig syrup recipe carefully to ensure the flavor comes through. Be sure to use top quality balsamic vinegar too.

Mocktail Recipes: Faux Gin and Tonic

Finally, this recipe from Eat Drink Paleo isn't one you can whip up quickly, but it looks like the results will be worth the time. Plan ahead to buy juniper berries and cardamom pods for the infusion, and then mix it with an equal amount of plain seltzer water for serving.

Be forewarned: This infusion is geared toward gin-lovers, thanks to the juniper berries. If gin isn't your favorite, leave out the berries and try a different combination. Again, experimenting a bit may lead you to some delicious discoveries!