We already know cocktail parties are a blast but have you ever considered throwing a mocktail party? If not, don’t worry. Now is the perfect time to start since it’s dry January and registered dietitians, Diana Licalzi and Kerry Criss are here to help!
What you’ll learn about if you keep reading:
- How to plan ahead for hosting a mocktail party
- How to find the best mocktail recipes all in one place
- How to set up a mocktail bar for your guests
- Things to remember when throwing a mocktail party
Throwing a mocktail party can be a fun and refreshing alternative to a traditional cocktail party. Not only do mocktails provide a non-alcoholic option for designated drivers or anyone looking to abstain from alcohol, but they can also be a fun and creative way to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. These easy mocktail recipes are perfect for pregnant women or those that simply want to experience drinking without the hangovers.
Here are some tips for throwing the perfect mocktail party:
Step 1: Plan ahead. As with any party, it's essential to plan ahead to ensure everything runs smoothly. Make a list of all the ingredients and supplies you'll need, including glasses, mixers, and any special equipment like shakers or strainers. You should also decide on a theme or color scheme for your mocktails, which can help to guide your ingredient choices.
Step 2: Get the book, Mocktail Party. This will provide you with all of the best mocktail recipes! Developed by two registered dietitians, these non-alcoholic drink recipes feature nutritious, all-natural ingredients with minimal sugar that you can easily find at any grocery store.
Mocktail Party includes recipes for every occasion:
• Classics like a Pal-no-ma and Aperol-less Spritz
• Drinks with a twist like Watermelon Mock-jito & Summer Jam Fresca
• Brunch favorites like No-Bull Bloody & Kiwi No-secco
• Dessert treats like Salted Carmel & Tiramisu Mock-tinis
• Frozen coolers like No Way Frose & Blueberry Acai Daiquiri
• Holiday beverages like Pumpkin Spice Latte & Warm Cider and Sage
Here is an example of one of the easy and best mocktail recipes included in the book:
Ingredients
Salted rim
Lime wedges
Sea salt
1 cup and 2 tablespoons lime juice
¼ cup and 2 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons agave nectar, plus more to taste
2 ½ cups and 2 tablespoons coconut water
Few dashes of salt
Lime wheels for garnish
Tools
Pitcher
1. Salt the rims of four to six lowball or margarita glasses.
2. Combine all the drink ingredients in a pitcher. Stir.
3. Fill the rimmed glasses with ice and divide the mixture among the glasses.
4. Garnish with lime wheels.
The end result:
Step 3: Set up a mocktail bar. To make it easy for guests to mix and match their own mocktails, set up a mocktail bar with a variety of ingredients and supplies. This could include a selection of mixers, syrups, fruit, and herbs for guests to choose from.
Step 4: Don't forget the snacks. No party is complete without snacks! Offer a variety of appetizers, finger foods, and dips to keep your guests satisfied. Some favorite party snack ideas include pretzels, chips and salsa, and crackers with cheese. Just be sure to also provide non-alcoholic beverages like water and iced tea to wash everything down.
Step 5: Make a playlist. One of the most important aspects of throwing the perfect mocktail party (or any party, for that matter) is remembering to play great music that makes people want to get up and dance! Who said you needed alcohol to have a good time?
…And there you have it! Follow these five simple steps on how to throw a mocktail party and people will simply forget that they’re not drinking real cocktails.