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Stock your bar with these zero-proof alternatives to spice up your mocktail game. Take it from a professional bartender, these all-natural tools and mixers will enhance the look and taste of your non-alcoholic drinks this summer.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you.

The Essentials

As a full-time bartender, I have seen a recent rise in mocktail orders as many people are becoming more mindful of their alcohol consumption and are choosing to drink less or not at all.

For a while, my job did not offer a mocktail list for our booze-free clientele, so it was up to me to get creative with the ingredients and garnishes I had in stock. Lucky for you, many of these premium cocktail necessities are available on Amazon.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day, these mocktail must-haves will help you create the perfect non-alcoholic cocktail every time.

Here is a list of my favorite things to shake up:

It isn’t a fun mocktail without presentation:

Orgeat

Orgeat almond syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and water. It’s the cornerstone of many vibrant tiki drinks like the Mai Tai. This syrup gives a distinct nutty flavor and a slightly thick, almost buttery consistency that adds depth and richness to any drink. It’s also really good in coffee drinks.

Bitters

Nothing elevates a drink like a few dashes of aromatic cocktail bitters. It adds dimension and flavor to any beverage, giving it a natural essence of rich distinct flavors of fruits and spices. Though most bitters contain trace amounts of alcohol, a few dashes will not affect your blood alcohol level.

Family owned and operated since 1863, Fee Brothers bitters pack a punch of flavor with just a few dashes. Their hottest flavors are:

Old-Fashioned Aromatic – slightly spicy with a hint cinnamon

West Indian Orange – Brightens any mocktail or sparkling water with citrus, Derived from the skins of oranges grown in the West Indies

Black Walnut – Robust and nutty flavor, adds a smoky essence. Earthy taste. Goes fantastic in ginger beer

Pro-Tip:

Sucking on a lemon slice with 2-3 dashes of bitters is a miracle cure from hiccups.

Fee Brothers Botanical Flower Waters

The guys known for bitters also offer a Botanical Flower Water for refreshing, summer spritzes and more.

Luxardo cherries

Made in 1905, Luxardo cherries are said to be the original maraschino cherry. These candied cherries are rich, sweet, and slightly tart. Cocktail bars all over the world use these cherries as garnishes and for muddling. The syrup alone makes a fantastic Shirley Temple. Unlike their bright red counterparts, these cherries contain no added colors, no thickening agents, no preservatives.

Strongwater Sparkling Mixers

I stumbled upon these delicious and all-natural Strongwater mixers at a vegan pop-up shop last summer. Created with water from the Rocky Mountains and carbonated at a very high altitude, these sparkling elixirs have a punch that is similar to a bubbly champagne. Made in Denver, Colorado with real, all natural ingredients. No preservatives or artificial flavors.

Contains:

Ginger Beer
Grapefruit
Tonic
Orange Blossom Tonic
Club Soda

Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits

A representative for Seedlip came into my job to propose the concept of refined mocktails that were more than just juice and soda. Though my employer declined, I got to taste these botanical, boozeless spirits and fell in love with the possibilities. Allergy-friendly, Booze-free, and Calorie-free. Transform even the simplest soft drink into a mocktail with these signature blends:

Garden 108 – Peas, Rosemary, Thyme. I’d compare this to an herby gin.

Spice 94 – Allspice, Cardamom, and Grapefruit. This one resembles a more floral gin.

Grove 42 – Orange, Ginger, and Lemongrass. The best way to describe the flavor is a citron vodka or rum.

Also available in a Trio.

Salt and Sugar Rimmer

Accentuate the flavors of your mocktails with a touch of sugar, salt, or tajin with each sip. This bamboo rimmer is easy to clean, microbial, and offers two rims for variety. It also doubles as a cutting board when turned over, and stores easily in your kitchen or home bar.

Twang-A-Rita Salt Blends

When simple salt and sugar isn’t enough for your creative palette (take it from me, a Latina bartender), zest up your cocktails with these sweet and tangy salt blends. Family-owned and operated since 1986, Twang-A-Rita uses all natural flavors to give your drinks extra punchy pizazz with each sip. Proudly made in Texas, USA.

Cocktail Smoker

Let’s play with fire. Using a cocktail smoker adds dimension to your mocktails, especially if you opt for an old-fashioned or margarita inspired mocktail. Experimenting with the types of wood chips is the best part of bartending, in my opinion. My personal favorites are Pecan, Apple, and Pear.

Cocktail Smoker with Wooden Box

My job uses a wooden box for a dramatic effect. You can fit up to 2 mocktails per smoke session. It only takes about 30-60 seconds for the delicious smokiness to infuse with your drink of choice. While smokiness isn’t for everyone, I find that smoking the non-alcoholic spirits alone before building the rest of the drink adds a subtle richness without overpowering your whole beverage.

Garnish Picks

These food-grade steel garnish picks by Homestia are a simple and stylish way to add more flair to your mocktail. They can also be used for appetizers and finger foods. Also available in Safari Animals and Skulls.

Ice Molds

People eat with their eyes, and the same goes for drinks. Unique ice molds give your drinks a visual edge with the functionality of chilling your drink. You can also add flavor by freezing juices, tea, or coffee to keep your drinks robust with flavor and less dilution.

Cheers!

Thanks for reading! I’m always excited to share tips and tricks on how to enhance fun beverages, boozy or boozeless. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day, these mocktail must-haves will help you create the perfect non-alcoholic cocktail. If you liked this post, feel free to share with your friends, and leave a comment below if you would like more mocktail tips.

Thanks! – Envision La Vida.