Whether you typically wish friends and family “Happy New Year!” or “¡Próspero Año Nuevo!” chances are you’re headed to or hosting some kind of celebration come Dec. 31. If you don’t actually get a kick from champagne — or you find the notion of selecting a good bottle of the stuff overwhelming — try kicking off 2019 by expanding your party beverage options.
These recipes aren’t just fun, imaginative and refreshing. They’re also family-friendly and road-safe, as they contain no alcohol. Nevertheless, we promise: they look and taste just as festive as the real things.
Tamarind Mocktail Mule
This Latin twist on the enduringly popular Moscow Mule gets a tart and mildly sweet spin from tamarind, a fruit that also plays a starring role in Southeast Asian and African cuisines.
Ingredients
- 3 ouncestamarind soda.
- 2 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer (it’s just stronger than ginger ale).
- 1/2 ounce mint syrup.
- Crushed ice.
- Fresh sage or mint leaf.
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tamarind soda, ginger beer and mint syrup. Stir to mix, then pour the contents into a copper mug filled with crushed ice. If your cupboards are bare of copper, an Old Fashioned glass or short tumbler will do. Garnish your Mocktail Mule with fresh sage leaf or mint, then sip and enjoy!
Mango and Ginger Mocktail
Fresh and fruity with a mango twist, this fun mocktail can be dressed up with edible flowers such as hibiscus, marigolds (calendula) or violets.
Ingredients
- 3 ouncestamarind soda.
- 2 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer (it’s just stronger than ginger ale).
- 2 ounces non-alcoholic ginger beer (it’s just stronger than ginger ale).
- 1/2 ounce mint syrup.
- Crushed ice.
- Fresh sage or mint leaf.
Directions
Just before serving, mix the ginger ale, mango soda and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Pour into tall (or Collins) glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices.
>Pineapple Virgin Mojito
This refreshing recipe skips the usual rum to create a delicious booze-free blend.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh mint leaves.
- 3 ounces pineapple soda.
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice.
- 1/2 ounce lime juice.
- 3/4 ounce sugar syrup.
- Splash of club soda or sparkling water.
Directions
Pour the lemon juice, lime juice and sugar in a Collins glass. Add the mint and the crushed ice. Stir. Finally, splash in the apple soda and club soda, then stir again. Serve; straws optional.
The Cantarito
A cousin of the Paloma and a favorite all across Mexico, the Cantarito can be made with tonic water or ginger ale instead of tequila.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces grapefruit soda (or enough to fill a tall glass).
- 1 1/2 ounces tonic water or ginger ale.
- 1/2 ounce lime juice.
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice.
- 1/2 ounce orange juice.
- Garnish: lemon, lime, and orange wedges.
Directions
Fill a Collins glass with ice and add the citrus juices. Top off with grapefruit soda. Garnish with fruit wedges. If you want an even more authentic Cantarito experience, rim the glass with salt before mixing up your mocktail.
Guava Citrus Sparkler
Thus Cuban-inspired concoction is slightly sweet, fresh, fruity, and plenty bubbly — what more could you ask for in a New Year’s Eve mocktail?
Ingredients
- 6 ounces club soda or flavored sparkling water.
- 4 ounces guava soda.
- Lime wedge.
- Lemon wedge.
- Rosemary or thyme and grapefruit wedge for garnish.
- Splash of simple syrup (optional).
Directions
Pour the grapefruit soda into a tall glass, then squeeze in lime and lemon juice using the wedges. Top off the mixture with club soda or sparkling water, stir to combine and add a few ice cubes. Add a splash of simple syrup, if desired. Add the garnish and serve.
Angelina (Mexican Shirley Temple)
The classic mocktail, this Mexican version of a Shirley Temple is made with orange and lime rather than the traditional lemon-lime soda.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces club soda.
- 2 ounces orange soda.
- 2 teaspoons grenadine.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice.
- 6 ice cubes.
- 1 lime wedge.
Directions
Pour the club soda, lime juice, orange juice, and grenadine over ice and stir. Garnish with lime wedge.
Feeling inspired yet? Get your New Year’s mix on with Jarritos. Mexico’s most popular maker of soft drinks is also one of the world’s leading companies when it comes to creating unique, and uniquely palate-delighting, fruit-based flavors. Jarritos’ super-good sodas are sure to enliven your next gathering, no matter what the occasion.
Find even more mocktail recipes at Jarritos’Pinterest page, and visit their website to find a retailer near you who stocks Jarritos on their shelves.