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Discover how to make Dry January fun and flavourful with five easy mocktail recipes. From Virgin Sangria to Berry Blush Fizz, these recipes will keep your celebrations delicious – all without a drop of alcohol.
Sip into Dry January
Dry January is the perfect time to hit the reset button. But saying ‘no’ to alcohol doesn’t have to mean saying no to celebrations – or missing out on delicious drinks.
Mocktails are a great way to enjoy flavourful drinks while staying on track. So, we’ve put together 5 easy-to-make mocktail recipes – ideal for parties, family gatherings or quiet nights in.
Tips for the best mocktails
Mocktails – or alcohol-free cocktails – are the ultimate way to mix things up.
1. Choose the right base
Alcohol-free wine, bubbly and spirits alternatives have come a long way … the choice today is better than ever.
2. Balance flavours
The most important part of any cocktail (mocktail or not) is balance. You don’t want one flavour to overpower the rest.
3. Experiment
Mocktails are a fun and creative – so don’t be afraid to mix and match flavours until you find something right in your flavour zone.
4. Don’t forget to garnish
Presentation matters. A really simple way to elevate any mocktail to is garnish like a pro. Whether it’s orange slices, a sprig of rosemary, or even edible flowers, this small addition makes a huge difference.
5 easy mocktail recipes to try
Fruity Virgin Sangria
A crowd-pleasing, easy-drinking mocktail that can be made in batches – perfect for parties with guests of all ages.
What you’ll need:
750ml of alcohol-free red wine – I’d recommend Wednesday’s Domaine Vignette
250ml apple juice
250ml orange juice
120g fresh mixed fruits (blackberries or apples), chopped or sliced
1 sliced orange
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced lime
2 tbsp honey
Sparkling water
Ice
How to make it:
Add the alcohol-free red wine, apple juice and orange juice into a large pitcher.
Stir gently.
Then add your sliced orange, lemon, lime, fresh mixed fruits and honey.
Refrigerate for at least one hour – though overnight would be best.
Just before serving, add in the ice.
Serve in your glass of choice and top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water.
Classic Virgin Mojito
Refreshing, zesty and full of tropical flavours – transport yourself out of the cold with this alcohol-free twist on a classic favourite.
What you’ll need:
150ml alcohol-free white wine – I’d recommend Wednesday’s Domaine Piquant
60ml sparkling water
15ml sugar syrup
15ml lime juice
Fresh mint leaves
Ice
Lime wedge (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
Add ice to a glass of your choice.
Pour in the alcohol-free white wine, sugar syrup and lime juice.
Stir gently.
Top off with sparkling water and fresh mint leaves.
Stir gently.
Garnish with lime wedge.
M-m-m-my Mimosa
It doesn’t get much easier than a two-ingredient mocktail. Hosting brunch for friends? They’ll love this booze-free icon.
What you’ll need:
750ml alcohol-free sparkling wine – I’d recommend ¡H! Barcelona Hola
750ml freshly squeezed orange juice
Six orange slices (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
Half-fill six Champagne flutes with the alcohol-free Cava.
Top off each glass with orange juice, until the glass is full.
Stir gently.
Garnish with orange slice.
Rosé lemonade
A wonderfully light cocktail that’s as quick to make as it is delicious – superb for family gatherings
What you’ll need:
750ml alcohol-free rosé – I’d recommend Noughty rosé
250ml lemonade of your choice
100ml simple syrup
Ice
Lemon slices (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
In a pitcher, add the alcohol-free rosé, lemonade and simple syrup.
Stir well.
Add ice to your glasses of choice.
Pour in the rosé lemonade.
Garnish with lemon slice.
Berry Blush Fizz
A vibrant and deliciously fruity mocktail, with a tangy kick.
What you’ll need:
500ml alcohol-free sparkling rosé wine – I’d recommend Oddbird Alcohol-free Sparkling Rosé
200ml berry juice of your choice (raspberry, strawberry, cranberry etc)
Juice of 1 lemon
Ice
Fresh berries (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
In a pitcher, add the alcohol-free sparkling rosé, berry juice and lemon juice.
Stir gently.
Serve over ice in a glass of your choice.
Garnish with fresh berries.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
