These delicious, healthy drinks are the ideal way of toasting this Christmas

Mocktails or non-alcoholic cocktails, are colourful and packed with vitamins, and exotic flavours. The trend for these fabulous beverages is sweeping homes and venues around the world.

The word ‘mocktail’ is a mixture of ‘mock’ and ‘cocktail’. These unique drinks contain no alcohol, but they are made with an enormous array of ingredients like ginger and turmeric, fruits, and herbs, which have numerous properties.

Amazing alcohol-free recipes

Here are six recipes for healthy, natural alcohol-free party drinks.

1. Piña colada

One of the world’s favourite drinks, Piña Colada is made with coconut milk, white rum, and pineapple. For our healthy version, the rum is replaced by mineral water, but the fruit is still there (four blended slices), added to a cup and a half of coconut milk. You can also add two teaspoons of grated coconut and half a teaspoon of honey. Blend before serving.

2. Alcohol-free Mojito

This Cuban drink is made with mineral water, brown sugar and mint, or spearmint. Put a slice of fresh ginger in a large glass (the bigger it is, the spicier the cocktail). Add the lime, cut into small pieces, mash in a mortar, and add the sugar.  Finish with crushed ice and mint leaves, and stir well.

3. Virgin Caipirinha

You’ll need lemon juice diluted in water, ginger ale, and crushed ice. Put the ice in the glass, stir and add the other ingredients. Remember to add a little piece of lime before serving, and don’t go mad with the sugar (brown sugar is better) because it will raise your glycaemic index quickly.

4. Zero Bloody Mary

Tomato drinks make delicious aperitifs and starters, since they are very filling and are packed with vitamins A, C, and E. Blend the tomato with a pinch of fresh basil and parsley and basil. If it is too thick, add a little water. For the finishing touch, season with salt, pepper, and a squirt of lemon juice. If you like things spicy, add Tabasco and a touch of turmeric, which will boost the effect.

5. Green combo

Put five teaspoons of lemon juice and some mint leaves in a glass. Peel and juice two apples (core them first so there are no pips) and add to the lemon juice. Lastly, add a glass of sparkling water and crushed ice, then decorate with mint. This cocktail is good for intestinal transit and helps the body to deal with heavy meals.

6. San Francisco

A classic, alcohol-free cocktail, which was extremely popular in the seventies and eighties. Mix a tablespoon of orange juice, two of lemon juice, one of pineapple juice and another of pomegranate syrup in a jug. Pour into a glass and top up with soda water. Lastly, decorate with orange and lemon slices and a straw.

All these recipes are great for people who are not drinking alcohol, such as pregnant or nursing mothers, drivers, minors… or people who have just decided not to drink it. They are also a great choice for Christmas toasts.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)