How many of us have blown an eating regimen, said something completely inappropriate, or fallen asleep in the middle of a party…all at the mercy of alcohol? Well, no more! The BEST Mocktails for every occasion are here to save the day!
First off, you may be wondering…why do I want a Mocktail, exactly…?
In my recent episode of Healthy Delicious Lifestyle With Claudine, the effusive and talented Cherise Matthews shared her FABULOUS recipes and her reasons for bringing out the Mocktails, showing us a good time CAN be had – sans alcohol.
But first, what IS a Mocktail?
Mocktails 101
If you haven’t been on the Mocktail train, prepare to be delighted! A Mocktail is like a cocktail but without the alcohol.
They are usually all dressed up to look just as elegant, cute, or fun as their alcohol-laden cousins but they are friendly to all, no matter their age, health status, or sobriety status. In short, everyone can enjoy them.
Now to the bigger question: why should you check out the Mocktail scene?
5 Great Reasons To Try A Mocktail Tonight!
If you haven’t joined the Mocktail bandwagon, you might change your tune after you read these GREAT reasons Mocktails are the new “it” drink.
Anti-Inflammatory
You know how a night of drinking can leave us with a NASTY hangover the next morning? That’s mostly the alcohol (though it could be sugar, too, depending what you had). And I’m pretty sure NONE of us need more inflammation, amiright?? Whether it’s the pounding head, the puffy hands or the greater likelihood of getting sick, we have THINGS TO DO! No downtime for these powerhouses! Mocktails are the Way.To.Go.
Mama Needs Her Zzzzz’s!
Y’all, I’m all about getting a good night’s sleep ‘cuz I usually have to be “on” the next day. And alcohol actually wakes us up in the middle of the night. Can you believe it?? It’s true!
The relative drop in blood sugar once the body finishes processing all that booze raises our cortisol levels and we are awakened…boo! Hand me a Watermelon Mocktito any day – this gal needs a solid 8.5 hours!
What did you DO last night…?!
Have you ever had one of those nights where you know something went wrong but you just can’t remember what, exactly? Alcohol has that effect on people! Personally, I prefer to keep my wits about me (mainly ‘cuz I hate seeing the pics on Insta the next day!) so Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy is my jam.
No DD Needed
Personally, I always hated being the designated driver. You know, the one to drink the soda water while everyone else is getting plastered and acting crazy…both in the bar/restaurant/dance club AND all the way home…*sigh!* Nowadays, though, I have cool friends who DON’T need a DD. ‘Cuz we’ve all got our Dragonfly Ice Cube Waters in hand and we’re having WAY more fun than everyone else!
Mocktails are Super Delish!
In my travels, I’ve been able to experience a fair number of drinks menus and, I have to say, Mocktails are hitting the scene! They are fun, creative, and delicious. Honestly, I wouldn’t even want the boring alcohol versions, anyway 😊
Watermelon Mocktito
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Carafe (about 6 drinks)
- Category: Drinks
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A deliciously refreshing drink resembling a mojito (without the buzz) with an extra bonus of watermelon!
Ingredients
Equal parts Dragonfruit Axio, Strawberry Splash Axio, and Purple Grape Axio
Muddled Cucumber
Sprig of Mint
Instructions
Blend Axio with water, as per package instructions.
Muddle some cucumber and put into the bottom of desired glass/glasses
Garnish with cucumber slices and mint.
Notes
I find using a Kitchen Frother makes quick work of the blending process.
Cherise loves her special ice cubes!
Keywords: watermelon, strawberry, grape, mocktail, mojito, vegan, refined sugar free, dairy-free, gluten-free
Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A bright and refreshing sipper, this may be your new fave – at any time of day!
Ingredients
1 Packet Green Grape Axio (in 12–16 oz water)
Fresh Grated Ginger (to taste)
1/2 Freshly Squeezed Lemon
Sparkling Orange Water (to fill the glass, 1-2 oz)
Instructions
Blend Axio with water.
Add ginger, lemon juice and orange water. Enjoy over ice.
Notes
I find using a Kitchen Frother makes quick work of the blending process.
Cherise loves her special ice cubes!
Keywords: lemon, ginger, mocktail, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free
Dragonfly Ice Cube Water
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Drinks 1x
- Category: Drinks
Description
The most BEAUTIFUL drink around – and it tastes great, too! Impress your friends with this tasty concoction.
Ingredients
1–2 Dragonfruit Axio Packets, mixed with water
1–2 limes, sliced
Beautiful flower, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Fill an ice cube tray halfway with Dragonfruit Axio mixture and freeze until mostly (but not fully) frozen.
Once it is firm, add a lime slice and water to fill trays and re-freeze until solid.
When ready to serve, remove ice cubes and add to glasses. Fill with your favorite water or beverage and garnish with optional flower. Enjoy!
Notes
I find using a Kitchen Frother makes quick work of the blending process.
Cherise loves her special ice cubes!
Keywords: dragonfruit, mocktail, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free