18 Nonalcoholic Cocktails To Sip This Winter

Over the last decade, the nonalcoholic drinks category has blossomed from, “Have you heard about this gin that has no booze in it?” to a full catalog of wines, beers, cocktails, and other spirits. That's GREAT news for those who do not partake in alcohol because it opens up the world of mocktails and N/A or no-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails.

With the number of nonalcoholic drink options now available, it’s possible to build an entirely sober bar (here’s how to do it).  Grab your favorite N/A ottles because we gathered our favorite mocktails for you below. Cheers!

Robin Shreeves joins Elana Lepkowski in compiling this list.

1. Cranberry Ginger Sparkler

Senior Editor Laurel Randolph says, "This mocktail is equally good with Trader Joe’s 100% Cherry Juice and you’ll still achieve a nice red color. For a drier and less sweet nonalcoholic drink, swap up to half of the ginger beer for plain sparkling water."

2. Nonalcoholic Negroni (NAgroni)

Do you crave the bittersweet taste of a Negroni? Perhaps invest in a few bottles of booze-free gin and vermouth to mix up this alcohol-free take on a classic cocktail. The ratios are different, but the taste is just as bold as the original.

3. Earl Grey Tea and Tonic

Tea provides a wonderful stand-in for alcohol with its strong tannins and often complex flavor profiles. A citrus-y Earl Gray tea syrup has a luscious mouthfeel in this bright and bubbly drink made with lemon and tonic water. 

4. Hibiscus Spritz

Dried hibiscus petals pack a TON of flavor—use it to make a ruby-hued syrup. For a simple N/A spritz, pair it with ice and sparkling water. I like it with a generous squeeze of lime. It's a refreshing, anytime drink. Bonus: The syrup will last for weeks in the fridge!

5. How To Make Ginger Switchel

If gingery drinks are your thing, try this combination of ginger and vinegar with a touch of honey. It’s super easy to make—no wonder folks have been enjoying it since the 17th century! It's a great base for sparkling water or even iced tea.

6. Spicy Margarita Mocktail

Senior Editor Laurel Randolph says, "This formula works every time for me and is a crowd-pleaser—not too sweet, not too tart. However, adjust this to your tastes. If you like your drinks on the tart side, use as little as one teaspoon of agave. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use two teaspoons. And add more or less jalapeño to meet your heat tolerance."

7. Pear-Ginger Shrub

Pears are in season in January and a perfectly ripe bunch will make a flavorful shrub. Steeped with ginger or vanilla, this tart shrub is invigorating sipped on its own or mixed with club soda. Complete the party with a cheese plate.

8. Lavender Lemonade

Want to elevate a tart lemonade? Add a hint of lavender. Want even more? Add a splash of club soda and an ounce of Seedlip’s Grove 42 for a burst of citrus.

9. Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail

Highlight fresh citrus with this spice-scented mocktail. This is a recipe for a bitter orange squash (a fruity syrup, not a vegetable). Serve it with sparkling water, as a sweetener for your tea, or even drizzled over an orange loaf (a baked dessert, not a mocktail).

10. Limeade with Mint

While limeades conjure up summers by the pool, it’s also a mood booster on cold winter days. With a hint of mint, this refreshing drink can be enjoyed from morning till night. And if you’re looking for a nightcap, add an ounce and a half of booze-free tequila.

11. Cucumber Lime Mint Aqua Fresca

Make a pitcher of emerald-hued Cucumber Lime Mint Agua Fresca when you need an N/A drink for a crowd! It’s a great option when you’re hosting and need something for imbibing guests (place a bottle of vodka nearby) and those who aren't.

12. Hot Mulled Cider

Batch up this cold weather favorite for a week’s worth of warm, comforting, mulled cider. The secret to a deep apple flavor is using freshly pressed cider, not the shelf stable kind, plus whole spices for more potent flavors.

13. Classic Mimosa (Made Zero Proof)

Pretend that bottle of La Marca in the photo above is an alcohol-free brut-style sparkling wine. Boom! You've just visualized how easy it is to make an N/A mimosa. With so many varieties on the market now, you may even consider creating a N/A Mimosa Bar.

14. Homemade Butterbeer

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this Harry Potter-inspired drink. Use store-bought or homemade butterscotch syrup and add it to cream soda. Top with whipped cream—flavored with more butterscotch syrup—and you're drinking like you're a Gryffindor.

15. Raspberry Lime Rickey

Originating in New England, this popular, refreshing, fizzy, N/A drink contains a simple-to-make tart and sweet raspberry syrup, lime juice, and seltzer. This is the perfect mocktail for a mixed group with some who want to abstain and others who want a little nip because it works well with vodka or gin in it.

16. Apple Cider Hot Toddy

There's nothing like a hot toddy to perk you up when you're feeling a little under the weather. Omit the whiskey in this recipe to make a Not Toddy, and you have all the flavor and warming vibes with none of the booze.

17. Rosemary Lemon Rhubarb Spritzer

As winter comes to a close and spring is in the air, that's when you'll want to your attention to this nonalcoholic spritzer. Rhubarb pieces, water, sugar, and rosemary leaves simmer until the rhubarb disintegrates. Add a little lemon, chill, and you'll have syrup to add to soda water to make a refreshing spritzer.

18. Tepache

Wintery? No, but this on-trend fermented pineapple drink has a natural fizz that's invigorating in bleak winter months. Intimidated by home fermentation? It doesn't get any easier than this one. Bonus: homemade tepache is way easier on the wallet than buying it in cans or bottles.