- MK
Bored of Water? Try Making Hydrating & Healthy Mocktails!
Updated: Apr 16, 2022
How To Make Mocktails, Healthy Mocktails
Mocktails are always a good idea.
But just because a mocktail doesn't have alcohol, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's healthy and hydrating.
I'm not saying that they have to be—sometimes a fun drink is a fun drink and that's all it needs to be.
But why not get some nice benefits out of a mocktail while you're at it? Personally, it's one of my favorite things to do because I like to avoid soda as much as possible and regular water just gets kinda boring, right?
So in this post, I'm sharing some tips on how to make healthy mocktails along with 3 of my favorite ways to whip them up. Whether you don't drink alcohol at all or you just need a break, these mocktails will delight!
Ideas For What to Put In Healthy Mocktails
To be honest, a mocktail can be whatever you make it. If you know anything about the recipes I share on this blog, that probably doesn't surprise you.
I'm all about making healthy eating simple—which usually means not needing to follow exact directions and making do with whatever you have on hand.
So before I get into the specific recipes that I enjoy sippin' on, here are some general ideas for what to put into your healthy mocktails. If you do it right, you can have a tasty and refreshing beverage that's actually packed with good stuff for you!
Use real fruit like raspberries, strawberries, and limes inside the drink and as a garnish!
When using herbs, like mint, put them on the bottom first and "muddle" them: mash them until they soften and begin to break, this releases the scent and flavor
Instead of using simple syrup, make your own simple honey syrup, a good paleo option, or use maple syrup, a great option for those following a vegan diet (how-to below)
Avoid juices and other high sugar beverages like sodas and opt for flavored sparkling water instead
Use juices that have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits—like tart cherry juice in one of the recipes below!
How To Make Simple Syrup
Making your own simple syrup is just as it sounds (or doesn't sound): simple.
All you need is sugar and water at a 1:1 ratio.
(Ex: 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water).
Some prefer a richer syrup to make even sweeter drinks and give them a little texture. All this means is they use a 2:1 ratio or 1 cup of sugar to that 1/2 cup of water.
Make simple syrup with sugar and water in just a few steps:
Heat the water on the stove
Add the sugar
Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves
The water doesn't need to be at a boil before you add the sugar, but it will get there quicker without the sugar already in.
To make simple syrup using honey:
Heat the water on the stove
Add the honey
Stir constantly until the honey dissolves
Let the honey water simmer for about 10 minutes while continuing to stir, as it will harden up a bit. Then it's ready to cool and be stored for use!
Fun Tip: try making your honey simple syrup flavored with these ideas from Fit Foodie Finds by adding one simple step.
Remember this: Seal your simple syrup in an air-tight container and store for one month (sugar) or two weeks (honey).
Another option for sweetening up your homemade mocktail is maple syrup. This might be of interest if you or the person you're serving follows a vegan diet.
Of course, if you're going for the most healthy and hydrating mocktail recipe, using natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup is the way to go.
I had to mention that since the purpose of this post was "healthy" mocktails...but do you, boo.
Which one you choose is up to you—they are pretty interchangeable and can be adjusted to personal taste.
3 Simple Healthy Mocktail Recipes
Making mocktails at home is so simple to do. And once you start, you're not going to want to stop.
You could use them for special occasions—like a day at the pool, a girl's night, or even a holiday-themed party—but they're great to have for no reason at all too.
Maybe you make one for your morning routine every now and then. If you already enjoy a lemon water in the morning (I know I do from time to time), maybe you take it to the next level by getting creative with it and making a sparkling beverage.
Mocktails are also so refreshing after a hot workout! With the added fruits and ingredients like ginger, you can also get some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that your body will love post-workout.
Try these three simple mocktail recipes next time you're craving a refreshing drink:
1) Strawberry Margarita
WHAT YOU NEED
sparkling water- regular works, but try lime, strawberry, or strawberry margarita flavored for a bigger flavor burst
lime
simple syrup or maple syrup
sliced strawberries
ice
WHAT TO DO
This pretty and divinely refreshing take on the classic beverage breaks the monotony of a boring glass of water and reminds you of a fun night out.
If you're looking to keep Taco Tuesday PG and stay hydrated, this is the perfect option!
Here's how to make this delicious mocktail:
Add and stir strawberries with ice first to break the berries up and release their flavor.
Add seltzer, lime juice, and syrup to taste.
Pro tip: make it a simple blended margarita like this Banana Diaries recipe by pureeing and blending the strawberries before adding them to a mixture of lime/regular seltzer, lime juice, maple syrup or (other sweeteners), and ice.
This recipe makes 4, 8 oz glasses!
2) Cherry Immunity Cooler
WHAT YOU NEED
tart cherry juice
lime
lime sparkling water
ground ginger
maple syrup
ice
Both ginger and tart cherry juice are known for their health benefits and may help improve/maintain a healthy immune system. This cooler combines them both together with the typical lime base for a unique flavor and a hydrating immunity boost!
WHAT TO DO
Grind 1-2 cm of ginger into the bottom of a glass.
Add ice
Squeeze in your lime
Drop in a spoon or two of maple syrup for sweetening
Fill the glass almost full with the sparkling water and top it off with cherry juice.
Mix and enjoy!
3) Raspberry Mojito
WHAT YOU NEED
sparkling water- regular or lime
lime/lime juice
simple or maple syrup
raspberries, or berry of choice
mint
ice
Mojitos are tasty but ridiculously simple to make! We opted for raspberry this time around, but you can use any berry your heart desires. Most berries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, so they can take a regular glass of water and make it really packed with goodness.
WHAT TO DO
The first step is to muddle some fresh mint by placing it at the bottom of the glass and smashing it a bit to release that wonderfully minty flavor.
Add ice
Add a handful of berries
Add lime juice
Topping it off with sparkling water
It doesn't get easier than that! Or more refreshing.
Making Healthy Mocktails At Home
It's a little embarrassing how much I go out of my way to make water more fun. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I love a refreshing glass of regular water!
But when I find myself choosing to not drink at all...I know it's time to call in for backup and either grab a Nuun Hydration tablet or whip up one of my favorite healthy mocktails. No harm done—especially since I'm adding some fantastic nutrients while I'm at it!
What's your favorite way to mocktail? Be sure to let me know!
