8 Best Drinks for Recovering Alcoholics

If you are recovering from alcohol addiction, you may wonder what to drink when you’re out with friends or family. The good news is that plenty of delicious mocktail recipes are designed like alcoholic beverages that you can enjoy. This article will share eight recipes for the best drinks for recovering alcoholics. Mocktails are perfect for any occasion, and they are all alcohol-free. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or want something to sip on, these recipes are sure to please.

If you feel like your alcohol addiction has become too much to handle, plenty of resources can help. Addiction centers like Summit Detox can provide the support and guidance needed to stay sober. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and treatments.

The Importance of Mocktails for Recovering Alcoholics

Recovering alcoholics should not be deprived of the joys of a good drink; that is where mocktails come in. Mocktails are not only delicious and refreshing, but they can also help you stay sober. With these recipes, you will still enjoy the taste of great drinks without any of the risks associated with drinking alcohol.

1. Virgin Mojito

This light and refreshing drink tastes like a real mojito but without the booze. All you need for this recipe is mint leaves, lime juice, agave syrup, sparkling water, and ice cubes. Mix all ingredients in a large glass and stir until combined. Top off with a piece of lime, and enjoy.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 5–7 mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 2 teaspoons agave syrup
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

2. Strawberry Basil Lemonade Refresher

This fruity drink is a crowd-pleaser and will satisfy any sweet tooth. All you need for this recipe are strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, honey, and some sparkling water. Muddle the strawberries and basil together in a cocktail shaker or glass, then add the remaining ingredients. Shake well until combined. Serve over ice with additional sprigs of fresh basil, if desired.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1 large strawberry sliced
• 2 sprigs of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

3. Minty Green Tea Cooler

A refreshing and energizing drink that is perfect for any time of day. All you need for this recipe are green tea, mint leaves, honey, lime juice, and sparkling water. Brew the green tea, then let it cool down before adding it to the other ingredients in a large glass or jar. Muddle the mint leaves with honey and lime juice before adding the ice cubes and sparkling water. Stir until combined, and enjoy.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1 green tea bag
• 4–5 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

4. Dirty Shirley Mocktail

This tart and sweet drink will surely be a hit with your friends and family. All you need for this recipe are cranberry juice, grenadine syrup, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda. Mix the cranberry juice and grenadine syrup in a large glass until combined. Then add the orange juice and stir until all ingredients have been incorporated. Finally, add some ice cubes to the glass and top off with lemon-lime soda. Stir again before serving, and enjoy.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1/3 cup cranberry juice
• 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes

5. Tropical Twist Mocktail

This fruity and refreshing drink is the perfect hit of summer any time of year. All you need for this recipe are pineapple juice, mango nectar, lime juice, coconut water, and sparkling water. Mix the pineapple juice and mango nectar in a large glass until combined. Add the lime juice, pour the coconut water, and top off with sparkling water. If desired, stir until combined and serve over ice with additional pieces of freshly cut fruit.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup mango nectar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

6. Cherry Lime Fizz Mocktail

A tart and sweet drink perfect for those hot summer days. All you need for this recipe are cherries, lime juice, simple syrup, cranberry juice, and sparkling or soda water. In a blender, combine the cherries with some lime juice and blend until they form a thick paste-like consistency. Pour in the remaining lime juice, simple syrup, and cranberry juice, then mix everything. Add some ice cubes, top off with sparkling water, and stir until incorporated. Serve over ice with extra cherries, if desired.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 4–5 cherries
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons simple syrup
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

7. Blue Hawaiian Mocktail

This sweet tropical drink will surely be a hit at any summer gathering. All you need for this recipe are pineapple juice, blue curaçao syrup, coconut cream, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple slices for garnish. Mix the pineapple juice and blue curaçao syrup in a large glass until combined. Stir in the coconut cream, add some ice cubes to the glass, and top off with lemon-lime soda. Stir again until all ingredients are incorporated, and serve over crushed ice with extra pineapple slices for garnish.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons blue curaçao syrup
• 2 teaspoons coconut cream
• Lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple, sliced (for garnish)

8. Citrus Breeze Mocktail

For the citrus lover in all of us, this zesty and refreshing drink is packed with ingredients you likely have on hand. All you need for this recipe are orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and seltzer water. Mix orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large glass until combined. Add in the lime juice, then top off with some seltzer water and mix everything until all ingredients have been incorporated. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge for garnish.

Ingredients per glass include:

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Seltzer water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedge (for garnish)

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Mocktail Recipe

Non-alcoholic drinks sometimes have the reputation of being dull and boring. But the truth is, you can make just about anything into a mocktail. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect mocktail recipe for any occasion:

• Think about flavor profiles: Do you prefer sweet drinks, tart drinks, or something in between? Try experimenting with different flavors and ingredient combinations to find one that suits your taste buds.
• Make sure to include a mix of different ingredients: Adding a blend of different elements like juices, syrups, and herbs can help boost the flavor profile of your mocktail.
• Don’t forget to add garnishes: Garnishes are an essential part of any drink as they provide an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Add fruits, herbs, edible flowers, or spices as garnishes for added flair.
• Consider the occasion: Is your mocktail intended for a special event or just a casual gathering? If it’s for an event, you may want to choose something more elaborate and sophisticated.
• Special presentation: How you present your mocktails can impact their overall taste! Try serving them in festive glasses, mason jars, or even hollowed-out fruit for a fun twist on traditional drinks.

Coping Strategies

If you’re going to be attending an event with alcohol, there are some strategies you can use to help cope with any temptations or triggers that may arise.

Here are some helpful tips for overcoming temptation:

• Have a plan in place so you know what to do if the urge strikes: You could call a friend who understands and supports your sobriety or take a walk to get out of the situation triggering your craving. Additionally, for those in detox programs, having a sponsor to reach out to can be another great strategy. Find out more about detox programs by contacting Summit Detox.
• Practice mindfulness techniques: Many different mindfulness exercises can help you stay in the present moment and reduce stress. Taking deep breaths, focusing on your senses, or repeating a mantra in your head can all be helpful when dealing with difficult situations.
• Remind yourself why you don’t drink alcohol: Write down your reasons for staying sober and carry them with you as a reminder if needed. This could include anything from wanting to improve your health to setting an example for family members.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks: The Bottom Line

Alcoholism is a disease that impacts millions of people all over the world. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, recovering alcoholics have succeeded with various treatment and coping strategies. Be sure to incorporate tasty and satisfying mocktails into your recovery journey as a delicious way to stay motivated and on track.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, don’t hesitate to contact Summit Detox for help. We believe in providing high-quality care and support in a safe and nurturing environment. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.