The Best Nutrient-Packed Mocktail Recipes

Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or just looking for ways to add nutrients to your diet, these mocktail recipes are sure to delight. Packed with vegetables and fruits, these beverages will help you meet your daily produce quota while also providing hydration. Grab your fanciest glass and try out one of these special recipes!

Recipe #1 - Morning Sunrise Mai Tai (serves 1, includes ½ serving fruit)

This recipe uses vitamin C-rich orange juice and apple cider which will give your immune system a boost. In addition, the ginger-infused simple syrup contains vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.

Ingredients

2 ounces spiced apple cider

½ ounce ginger-infused simple syrup

2 ounce fresh orange juice

¼ tsp almond extract

Ice cubes and crushed ice for serving

Apple slices and a fun straw for garnishing

Directions

Combine the apple cider, simple syrup, orange juice, and almond extract in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with apple slices and straw.

Recipe #2 - Virgin Mary (serves 6, includes 1+ serving of fruit & vegetables)

The horseradish in this recipe is a proven anti-inflammatory while the tomato juice is rich in lycopene, which may reduce the risk of stroke and certain cancers. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium juice if you’re watching your salt intake!

Ingredients

2 tsp horseradish

1 tsp shallot

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp celery salt

1 tsp kosher salt

A few splashes of Tabasco sauce (to taste)

Juice of 2 limes

6 cups (48 ounces) tomato juice

Celery sticks for garnishing

Directions

In a blender, combine the horseradish, shallot, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, kosher salt, Tabasco, and lime juice and process until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pitcher, add the tomato juice, and stir. Chill for at least 2 hours then pour into tall glasses and garnish with a celery stick.

Recipe #3 - Sangrita (serves 6, includes ½ serving of fruit)

This tasty drink is full of vitamin-C rich orange juice, lycopene-rich tomato juice, and also includes an olive garnish. Olives have been shown to contain potent antioxidants and may fight cancer.

Ingredients

2 cups tomato juice

½ cup fresh orange juice

¼ cup olive brine

1 Tablespoon sugar

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Dash of hot sauce

Pinch of black pepper

Olives for garnishing

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate until well-chilled (at least a few hours). Stir and pour into small glasses. Garnish with olives and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Recipe #4 - Virgin Mojito (serves 1, includes ¼ serving of fruit & vegetables)

Muddle your mint leaves well (or nibble on the garnish) and you’ll be adding a decent amount of iron, vitamin A, and fiber to your diet. Meanwhile the lime juice adds a hit of vitamin C. Cheers!

Ingredients

Handful of mint leaves

Ice cubes

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce simple syrup

4 ounces seltzer water or club soda

Lime wedge and mint leaves for garnishing

Directions

Muddle the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker then combine the ice cubes, lime juice, and simple syrup and shake well. Pour into a glass and top with seltzer water. Garnish with lime wedges and extra mint leaves.

Recipe #5 - Shirley Temple (serves 1, includes ½ serving of fruit)

The star in this recipe is the tart cherry juice which is a proven antioxidant and may even aid in post-exercise recovery. Better make that a double!

Ingredients

3 ounces lemon or lime flavored seltzer water

3 ounces tart cherry juice

Ice cubes

Maraschino cherry for garnishing

Lemon wedge and sugar for garnishing

Directions

Run the lemon wedge around the rim on a tall glass then dip the rim in sugar to create a special presentation. Add a few ice cubes to the glass followed by the tart cherry juice and seltzer. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The next time you want a nutritious (and alcohol-free!) beverage, give one of the above recipes a try. You’ll be fueling your body with antioxidants and avoiding a hangover - a win-win!

Megan is a writer, RRCA certified running coach, and new mom living and training in rural upstate New York. She competed in DIII track and cross-country at Wesleyan University and now focuses on the half-marathon and marathon distance.

Main Photo Credit: Rimma Bondarenko/shutterstock.com; Second Photo Credit: ToTo Label/shutterstock.com; Third Photo Credit & Fourth Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker/shutterstock.com