Do you ever feel like having a special drink, but don’t want all of the sugar, calories and err… ‘artificial colour’ that accompanies alcohol?

Me too.

Enter the cocktail’s healthy cousin – the mocktail.

Still fun, still fancy, the healthy mocktail makes any day a glass-half-full kind of occasion. And, they can easily be turned into high-octane drinks… if you prefer not to mocktail, which makes them perfect for pre-mixing at parties. Simply add the spirit or liqueur of your choice as suggested below.

But remember, the human spirit is the most potent of all!

Healthy Mocktail Recipes

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

Tasters notes: This healthy mocktail tastes like the real deal martini. Apéritif or as a dessert drink.

1 Tbsp cacao
1/4 c coconut milk
1 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice – optional
1/4 c raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 c filtered water
Handful of ice cubes

• Blend all ingredients together in a blender
• Serve in a chilled martini glass
• Garnish with fresh raspberry skewers

Serves 4

Optional alcohol addition: Chambord or Creme de cacao

Raspberry Basil Highball

Tasters notes: A nice light, refreshing mocktail.

1/4 c  raspberries (fresh or frozen)
5 fresh basil leaves, or substitute with mint or rosemary
6 oz mineral, sparkling or soda water
1 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice – optional
Handful of ice cubes

• Muddle raspberries, basil (or herbs of choice) and sweetener, if using, together in a shaker
• Add mineral or sparkling water and gently stir all ingredients together
• Serve in a highball glass over ice

Serves 1

Optional alcohol addition: Gin or Vodka

Cucumber Basil Garden Party

Tasters notes: Light as a feather and oh, so refreshing.

2 Tbsp chopped cucumber (washed, skin on if organic)
5 fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice – optional
6 oz mineral water
Handful of ice cubes

• Muddle cucumber & basil leaves together in shaker
• Stir in lime juice & sweetener if using
• Add mineral water and ice cubes
• Lightly shake all ingredients together & strain into a glass of your choice (if you don’t strain, you will definitely have a garden party in your glass – your choice)
• Garnish with a slice of cucumber and cluster of basil leaves

Serves 1

Optional alcohol addition: Gin or Vodka, of course

PURE Pomtini

Tasters notes:  Slightly tart, simple and delicious.

1 oz pomegranate juice
4 oz mineral water 
Handful of ice cubes

• Lightly shake all ingredients together in a shaker
• Pour into a champagne flute & top with pomegranate seeds

Serves 1

Optional alcohol addition: Triple Sec, Grand Marnier or Vodka

Apple Sangria

Tasters notes: A Canadian take on traditional sangria, with all the flavours of a fine, autumn mocktail.

2 c apple cider
1/2 c pomegranate juice
2 c mineral water
1 chopped apple (washed & skin on if organic)
2 Tbsp pomegranate seeds

• Mix all ingredients together into a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled
• When ready to serve, pour into a wine glass

Serves many

Optional alcohol addition: Appleton’s Rum, Triple Sec or Vodka

Cheers to good health and good times,