5 Mocktail Recipes to Amaze Your Friends With

That first sip of a refreshing drink as the music hums in the background or a film loads in the background hits different. Mocktails bring the vibes to your night, whether you’re hosting a group catch up or just want to chill with a tasty drink. These easy mocktail recipes work for any kind of student night.

From tropical blends to cosy, spiced fizz, these drinks are made to suit your space, your budget, and your moment. No alcohol, just bold flavours and fresh ingredients.

The Rise of the Mocktail: More Than Just a Trend

Drinking culture among young people is changing. For lots of students, alcohol just isn’t a part of their university experience. Whether it be for religious, financial, or health reasons, many young people no longer feel like they’ve missing out.

Step forward mocktails. Offering something social and celebratory, without the downsides, you can head into town with your friends without feeling pressured to drink. Making them can also be a great way to bring people together, helping you find the resident mixologist in your student house.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn an ordinary drink into something special. And yes, you can absolutely still cheers with a highball full of orange fizz.

The Raspberry Nojito (Non-Alcoholic Mojito)

Fresh, fizzy and fragrant. This is a sweet take on a classic. It’s the kind of drink that wakes you up and cools you down at the same time.

You’ll need: 

• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• ½ lime, chopped into wedges
• A few raspberries (frozen works too)
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• Soda water
• Ice cubes

To Make it: 

Crush the lime, raspberries and sugar together in a glass. Pack in some ice, top with soda water and stir gently. Sip slowly to let the minty fizz refresh your whole mood.

Sunset Citrus Spritz

Perfect for relaxed evenings in the early autumn sun, as the golden light hits your glass as you sip. If you’re making it during the darker months, it helps bring a bit of dazzle to your evening.

You’ll need:

• Orange juice
• Sparkling water or lemonade
• A splash of grenadine
• Ice and orange slice for garnish

To make it: 

Pour orange juice into a tall glass, add your bubbles, then slowly drizzle grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom. Add ice, garnish, and admire the sunset in a glass.

Pro tip: Stir lightly if you prefer a uniform taste or leave it layered for the full visual drama.

Cucumber & Elderflower Cooler

Soft, floral, and spa day level soothing. Ideal for a quiet study session or a relaxing self care evening with your friends.

You’ll need: 

• Thin cucumber slices
• Elderflower cordial
• Sparkling water or tonic
• Ice and fresh mint

To make it: 

In a jug, mix elderflower with sparkling water (about 1 part cordial to 5 parts water). Drop in the cucumber, mint, and plenty of ice. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Light, crisp, and quietly classy.

Spicy Ginger Apple Fizz

Think autumn in a glass. This warming, fiery punch is surprisingly addictive. When the air gets colder but you’re still in search of refreshment, throw on a jumper and whip out this bad boy.

You’ll need: 

• Cloudy apple juice
• Non-alcoholic ginger beer
• A pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick
• Thin apple slices to garnish

To make it:

Combine equal parts apple juice and ginger beer over ice. Add a dash of cinnamon and stir. Finish with a slice of apple floating on top. The result? A drink that feels like a warm hug in a glass, even when it’s chilled.

Tropical Smoothie Mocktail

For those days that start slowly but end with sunshine. It’s a tick, creamy, fruit filled delight that’s healthy and full of flavour.

You’ll Need:

• ½ ripe banana
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or tinned)
• Coconut milk
• Orange juice
• Ice

To make it: 

Blend all ingredients until silky smooth. Pour into a tall glass, maybe pop in a cocktail umbrella if you’ve got one, and enjoy the beachy vibes from your kitchen table.

More Flavour, Less Fuss

If you’re feeling inspired, there’s a whole world of mocktails out there. The good news? You don’t need bar gear or a huge budget. A jam jar works as a shaker. Frozen fruit doubles as ice. And there’s no wrong time to experiment.

Want more ideas?
Check out this full collection of non-alcoholic cocktail recipes from the BBC for fresh spins and seasonal twists on old classics.

If you’re a student that’s just arrived at university, or is planning to be there next year, then you can discover plenty more top tips on how to make the most of student life right here on our blog.

Final Stir: A Toast to You

Mocktails help bring an alternative option to the table at any kind of get together. They’re inclusive, creative, and pretty fun to make! You don’t need to drink alcohol to raise a glass, and party down. All you need is good company, punchy flavours, and the perfect moment to enjoy it all.

So, stock up on the citrus fruits and get your best Tom Cruise impression on the go (Mocktail instead of Cocktail, if you please).

Cheers to you and your next great drink!