the mocktail: fake it 'til you make it

many college students center their plans around drinking. but what happens when all your friends want a drink, and you’d prefer a dry evening? is it possible to be included in activities and events involving drinking without a sip of alcohol? enter The Mocktail.

as the perpetual “baby” of my friend group, i have become accustomed to being the designated “sober friend”. fortunately for me, this has helped me become a mocktail connoisseur. i’m here to share some easy recipes that can be made in the comfort of a dorm room and some simple drinks that can be ordered while you’re out and about. 

illustration by me hehe

for at home

before I share some recipes with you, here is how to make one of the most common ingredients in a mocktail (or cocktail): simple syrup.

 DIY Simple Syrup:

• you can easily purchase simple syrup at your local grocery store, however, i prefer to make my own so that i can adjust the sugar-to-water ratio.

• typically, simple syrup is made with one part water to one part sugar, however, more sugar can be added for a sweeter taste.

• first, heat sugar and water over a stove. it doesn’t matter what temperature but do make it hot enough so that the sugar dissolves into the water.

• funnel the mixture into a glass container.

• cool it in a fridge for at least an hour.

• once simple syrup is made ahead, it can be refrigerated for up to a month. this can especially come in handy when you need to add a little extra something to another mocktail.

now that you know how to make your own simple syrup, here are some easy mocktail recipes you can make at home.

1) lemon cream slushie:

growing up, there were always lemons in my parents' fridge. my mom loves this recipe, which serves two.

what you need:

• simple syrup (use as much or as little as you like)

• ½ cup of water

• ½ cup of granulated sugar

• 1 cup of lemon juice

• 5 cups of ice

• 2 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional)

• a blender

Step 1: pour syrup and lemon juice into a blender and add 5 cups of ice.

Step 2: start blending on low and gradually increase the speed until completely blended and creamy.

Step 3: pour into cups and enjoy!

2) piña colada:

no blender? no problem. you can still make this classic mocktail at home. this recipe serves one.

what you need:

• 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons of cream of coconut

• 1 tablespoon of lime juice

• 1 tablespoon of simple syrup

• 2 tablespoons of club soda 

• a cocktail shaker (if you don't have one, you can use a mason jar!)

Step 1: add pineapple juice, cream of coconut, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) filled with ice.

Step 2: shake well.

Step 3: strain into a glass filled with ice.

Step 4: top with club soda and enjoy!

3) Peach Bellini:

if you know me, you know i love a peach drink. this recipe serves four.

what you need:

• 2 peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced

• 2 cups of peach juice 

• 2 cups of sparkling apple cider (or still if bubbles aren't your thing)

• mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Step 1: blend the peach slices and peach juice in a blender and puree until very smooth.

Step 2: add the apple cider to the blender and pulse blender once or twice to combine the juice and cider. be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: pour into cups filled with ice. garnish with mint and enjoy!

for ordering out

refreshing sips for nights out with friends. here are some easily-made drinks you can order at a bar or club when you want to stay dry.

1) virgin margarita

2) non-alcoholic Moscow mule

3) Shirley Temple (a classic!)

4) virgin mojito

5) simple syrup & soda

happy sipping!