Refreshing, expensive-tasting drink recipes are not exclusive to those including alcohol. A party, vacation or any social event can still be enjoyed without the typical refreshments. In fact, many delicious drinks can be replicated so well without alcohol that you may not even miss it. A great example is a virgin mojito or mojito mocktail. The fresh mint and tangy lime paired together with the fizziness of club soda or sparkling water come together to create a flavor-filled refreshment that all ages can enjoy.

Here is how to make a delicious non-alcoholic mojito.

Recipe for a Single-Serving Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water or club soda
• 1/2 cup (120ml) lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) simple syrup
• 12-15 mint leaves
• Lime slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a tall glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to help release the mint oils.
2. Add the lime juice and ice to the glass. Top with sparkling water.
3. Stir everything together gently. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more simple syrup.
4. Garnish with more mint leaves and lime slices if desired.
5. Enjoy your refreshing mojito mocktail! It’s crisp, sweet, minty and extremely refreshing.

Play around with the mint and lime to suit your taste buds. For simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and hot water until combined and let it cool before using.

Recipe for Making a Pitcher of Non-Alcoholic Mojito

Ingredients

• 3 cups (720ml) sparkling water or club soda
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup (180ml) simple syrup
• 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves (about 1 large bunch)
• Lime slices for garnish
• Ice

Instructions

• In a 2 quart pitcher, gently muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup thoroughly to release the mint oils.
• Add the lime juice and some ice cubes to the pitcher.
• Slowly pour in the sparkling water, gently stirring to combine.
• Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more simple syrup.
• Add more ice cubes to fill the pitcher.
• Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each drink with lime slices and mint sprigs.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. Adjust mint leaves or lime juice based on taste preferences.

Helpful Tips for Making a Fantastic Mojito Mocktail

• If you do not have a muddler to muddle the mint and lime try using the back of a wooden spoon, a rolling pin, a pestle or a metal spoon. For any of these, the key is applying gentle, crushing pressure – you don’t want to completely pulverize the mint leaves.
• Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor. Squeeze fresh limes by hand or use a citrus press.
• Don’t skimp on the mint. Use plenty of fresh mint leaves and really muddle them to extract all that minty flavor and aroma.
• Sweeten it well. A virgin mojito will be tart without the alcohol, so get the sweetness right by adding enough simple syrup to balance the lime. Start with 1/4 cup simple syrup and add more if needed. Also, add sugar to the rim of the glass not only for the look but extra sweetness per sip.
• Use soda water, not plain seltzer. The little bit of saltiness in club soda or sparkling mineral water brings out the lime and mint flavors beautifully.
• Load up on ice. A mojito mocktail should be icy cold. Use crushed ice if possible since it will dilute less as it melts.
• Garnish with extra mint and lime. Add some visual appeal and extra flavor with fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges or slices.
• Mix it well before drinking. Give everything a good stir before you take that first sip to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Food blogger and photographer Muna of Munaty Cooking recommended putting the serving glass(es) in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to keep them extra cold for longer.

Follow these tips and you’ll have a restaurant-quality mojito mocktail that even non-drinkers will relish!