BASIC ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

There are three basic types of carbonated water: sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and club soda. We recommend seltzer as it’s typically cheaper than alternatives and is strongly carbonated. Use plain seltzer, with no added flavors or sweeteners.

COCONUT WATER 

Contains electrolytes, such as potassium, and has a natural sweetness. Avoid brands that add additional sugar.

JUICE 

Freshly squeezed juice (instead of bottled) is more flavorful and free of preservatives. For larger quantities, bottled juice is fine. Opt for 100% juice with no added sugar and packaged in Glass.

GINGER 

Adds a spicy, zesty flavor

FRESH HERBS 

Mint, basil, and thyme are favorites

NON-DAIRY MILK 

Almond, oat, coconut, soy, or any other non-dairy milk. Buy unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milks without vanilla flavoring.

COCONUT MILK 

Coconut milk comes in different (can or carton) and different concentrations (regular or light). Canned is richer than carton; and, of course, regular is richer than light; added water makes the difference.

FRESH OR FROZEN FRUIT 

Use whole fruits to preserve the fruit’s nutritional content, namely fiber. Keep frozen blueberries, strawberries, mango, and pineapple on hand. You can even peel, slice up, and freeze ripe bananas for later use. Always wash fresh produce well before consuming.

DATES 

A naturally sweet fruit packed with lots of nutrients. Dates provide antioxidants, fiber, and micronutrients, like potassium and vitamin B6. Soaking the dates in water for about 10 minutes prior to blending helps to soften them up and facilitates blending. 

SWEETENERS 

Agave nectar, honey, maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

ACV adds a “bite” similar to that of alcohol

VANILLA AND OTHER EXTRACTS 

Vanilla and other commonly used extracts are typically prepared in alcohol. For a product to be considered vanilla “extract,” the FDA requires an alcohol content of at least 35% by volume (in 1 teaspoon of extract, there may be 1/3 teaspoon of alcohol, or 0.056 ounces). These extracts are commonly used in baking, and the alcohol evaporates when it is heated. 

If you want to avoid alcohol completely, we suggest substituting a non-alcoholic version. Better yet, use real vanilla bean or bean paste, though vanilla beans are expensive.

This condensed list was extracted from pp 11-14 of Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion by Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi