Sophisticated Cocktails for When You're On The Wagon

Whether you’re on the wagon for health reasons, or because you’re the designated driver for the evening, it should not mean that you cannot enjoy the same level of sophistication in your drinks that your wine-loving friends get to. And you know what these days, it really doesn’t have to mean that because there are so many amazing non-alcoholic options for you to savor, as you will see below.

The Faux-jito: A Minty Marvel

Okay, so you’ve probably heard of this one what with it being a classic, and it’s basically a Mojito, minus the rum, but may I present to you, the surprisingly good Faux-jito? It’s a true classic. Just mix fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime, a teaspoon of sugar (or to taste), and top it off with sparkling water. Add some crushed ice, and voilà! It’s refreshing, it’s minty, and best of all, you can drink it without texting your ex.

Citrus Zinger: Zest is Best

This one’s definitely for those sweet, bitter citrus lovers out there. Simply combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, a bit of lime, and a splash of tonic water for that extra zing. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, and you’ve got a drink that’s as vibrant as a sunrise but won’t leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck in the morning.

The Sophisticated Spritz

If you miss those lazy afternoons sipping on something light and spritzy, then you simply must try a non alcoholic spritz. Citizen Spritz offers a number of delightfully sophisticated options that are as close to the real thing as you can get without the unfortunate side effects of singing karaoke on a wobbly table at 2 a.m. Serve it over ice with a slice of orange, and you’re golden.

Berry Bliss: Fruity and Fancy

Who needs wine when you can have an even fruitier bouquet in the form of Berry Bliss? Mash up some fresh berries, mix with sparkling apple cider, and a splash of lemonade for a fruity treat. It’s like summer in a glass, minus the hangover.

Ginger Zest: Spice It Up

For something with a bit of kick, mix ginger beer (the non-alcoholic kind, obviously), a splash of lime juice, and a dash of bitters. Garnish with a lime wedge or a curl of ginger. It’s sophisticated, spicy, and screams ‘I’ve got my life together’.

Seedlip Garden: The Herbalist’s Dream

If you’re feeling fancy, Seedlip Garden is a herbal, non-alcoholic spirit that’s like a botanical garden in a bottle. Mix it with tonic and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an herby, sophisticated sipper.

Cucumber Cooler: Refreshingly Chic

Muddle some cucumber slices in a glass, add a splash of elderflower cordial, top with tonic water, and garnish with a sprig of mint. It’s like a spa day for your palate.

Mocktail Sangria: A Party in a Pitcher

Who says Sangria needs wine? Mix a variety of chopped fruits (think oranges, lemons, and berries) with grape juice, a splash of sparkling water, and a bit of cinnamon. Serve it in a fancy pitcher, and watch as your guests keep coming back for more.

The Teetotaler’s Tea Party

For something totally different, why not go for a warm and cozy, experiment by testing out as many different herbal teas as you can find? Add a drizzle of honey, a slice of lemon, or a cinnamon stick to make it even more interesting and you won’t miss that liqueur at all. It’s like a hug in a mug and a perfect way to wind down your evening when alcohol is a no-no

The Lavender Lemonade: A Floral Fantasy

Last but definitely not least for you true sophisticates out there, we have Lavender Lemonade. It’s a floral, refreshing drink that’s, thanks to its purple hue, just as pretty as it is tasty. Mix lemonade with a hint of lavender syrup (homemade or store-bought), and there you have it – your own relaxing flower garden in drink form. Tastes way better than it sounds!

As you can see, you really don’t need alcohol to have a good time, or more importantly, to have good taste, so if you’re on the wagon for an evening, or a year, don’t feel like you are missing out, and try one of these classy drink alternatives instead.