Mocktail Mania: Sipping on Health and Happiness in 2025
- The Betty Edit
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Ladies, let’s raise a glass—and no, it doesn’t have to be filled with wine or a fizzy cocktail to be fun, fabulous, and downright delicious. The year is 2025, and mocktails are having their glow-up moment. These alcohol-free wonders are more than just a passing trend; they’re becoming a staple of a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.
I normally try to abstain a bit more in January since I always overindulge over the holidays. Sometimes, it feels like I spend the last couple of weeks of December not knowing what day it is, grabbing a handful of M&M's at 9 am and popping open Prosecco while the sun is still up. No shame in that game - we all deserve to unwind and celebrate. But come January, I need to back off the sinfully good stuff and aim towards being a bit more kind to my liver and gut.
I usually have Diet Coke and La Croix on-hand. I like to pour them into my favorite wine glass, and it feels a bit fancier when I'm binging Yellowstone or my new favorite, The Sticky. (By the way, stream it now if you have Amazon Prime - it's hilarious!). I was complaining about how bored I was with sparkling water, and a friend of mine suggested a pre-made mocktail made by Ghia. Not bad! It was a refreshing change from my beloved DC, so I've been expirmenting with canned pre-made mocktails along with making my own at home.
So, grab your favorite glass (stemware optional), and let’s dive into why mocktails are the drink du jour.
The Mocktail Movement: From Meh to Marvelous
Gone are the days of boring soda water with a sad lime wedge. Today’s mocktails are bursting with creativity, flavor, and even a bit of flair. Think botanical infusions, artisanal syrups, fresh herbs, and fruits that look like they’ve just been picked from a sunlit orchard. Mocktails now rival their boozy counterparts in taste and presentation, and the best part? You get all the enjoyment without the hangover.
Why the surge in popularity? Women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are leading the charge. We’re a group that knows what we want—to feel great, look amazing, and make choices that align with our wellness goals. Whether it’s a commitment to cutting down on alcohol, managing stress better, or just wanting to feel more vibrant, mocktails check all the boxes. And hey, we still like a glass of wine or two. I think it's about finding the balance, especially as we start the new. year.
Health Benefits That Deserve a Toast
Mocktails aren’t just about what they lack (alcohol); they’re about what they bring to the table. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, many mocktails can actually boost your health. Here are a few perks:
Hydration Hero: With bases like coconut water, herbal teas, and sparkling water, mocktails help keep you hydrated and glowing.
Nutrient Boost: Fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs mean your drink doubles as a vitamin-packed treat. Think of it as a cocktail hour that loves you back.
Mood Magic: Some mocktails include adaptogens or ingredients like chamomile or lavender, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Calorie Conscious: Mocktails often come with fewer calories than traditional cocktails, so you can enjoy guilt-free. It also means I don't have to stay on the treadmill as long as when I keep it alcohol-free.
A few canned pre-made mocktails I personally like are below. Now, I know everyone's tastes and preferences are different so if you don't like something I have listed below, that's a-ok. I think of it as the same thing as cocktails -- I detest super sweet cocktails and would prefer a dirty martini, but one of my good friends will only drink the sweetest of the sweet, like pina coladas and apple martinis. If you've tried a great mocktail that's not listed below, please comment and let me know!
I was pleasantly surprised by these. I personally liked the ginger the best but all were quite good and interesting. They aren't overly sweet and do have a bit of a bitterness to them which I think makes it so good. So if you're not looking to induldge your sweet tooth, give these a try!
Delicious! A bit sweet and just the right amount of fizz. A great alternative to a cocktail. They also sell this at Whole Foods (and I'm sure many other local grocers/stores).
These are a little bit outside the box as they are botanical sachets that you add to your beverage of choice - I add it to San Pelligrino. I love these because they are so beautiful! It's freeze dried fruits and spices that release their flavor into the drink and also look so pretty in the glass! For those of you looking for a super strong flavor, this may not be for you. It's very subtle. For me, it's more about the visual presentation this offers.
One of my favorite cocktails, especially in the summer, is a Moscow Mule. This non-alcoholic version is pretty darn good. This company makes other versions like Honey Pop Lemon Drop and Berry Banger Margarita with Basil, however, I haven't tried those yet so cannot give accurate feedback. But the mule did not disappoint!
That completes all I've tried thus far this year. As I try more, I will come back and update this post with my thoughts. If you'd rather just use what's on hand or make your own, I've listed a few easy recipes below:
Cucumber Mint Refresher
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Handful of fresh mint leaves
Club soda
Muddle the cucumber, lime juice, sugar, and mint in a shaker. Add ice, shake well, and strain into a glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Berry Bliss Sparkler
1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon honey or agave
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sparkling water
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Muddle the berries, honey, and lemon juice in a glass. Fill the glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir. Garnish with mint and a couple of whole berries for that Instagram-worthy touch.
Margarita Mocktail
Juice of 1 lime
2 ounces jalapeño honey simple syrup (more if you like it spicier)
2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
4 ounces grapefruit or lime flavored sparkling water
Ice cubes
Lime wedges, jalapeño slices, tajin rim for garnish
In a shaker combine the simple syrup, lime, orange juice and sparkling water. Fill shaker with ice cubes, shake and pour.
The Bottom Line
Mocktails are more than a drink; they’re a lifestyle choice that’s all about balance, wellness, and savoring the moment. So, whether you’re hosting a girls’ night, unwinding after a long day, or celebrating a special occasion, mocktails let you do it all—and feel amazing while you’re at it. Cheers to health, happiness, and the rise of the mighty mocktail!
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