Call them zero-proof, nonalcoholic, or whatever you please—one thing’s for sure: these spirit-free cocktails are no joke.Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De LucaThis lineup of alcohol-free drinks—okay, fine, mocktail recipes—offers a colorful, creative route to festive zero-proof beverages. The boring old standards such as cranberry and apple juice, iced tea (although, to be fair, agua de jamaica is worth ordering a pound of dried hibiscus for), and even bitters and soda are out; these next-level nonalcoholic drink recipes are in.Now, let’s deal with nomenclature for a moment. Bartender Julia Momosé votes to get rid of the word “mocktail,” arguing in her 2017 manifesto that “spiritfree” is a name “more befitting the care and the skill that goes into creating the beverage.” Since then, there have been many hot takes and think pieces on the topic, as well as awkward stabs at trying to come up with something new. (Writer Camper English has been cataloging them.) Then, earlier this year, cocktail book author John deBary said to call off the whole “mocktail” cancellation and get over ourselves. So that’s what we’re going to do—but, we agree that “virgin” is, as deBary so eloquently put it, “weird,” so maybe you’ve seen recipes for virgin piña coladas (or margaritas or mojitos or sangrias) trending elsewhere, but you won’t find any here. And that’s that on that.On to the drinks themselves, because our best mocktail recipes are delicious, thoroughly adult, and a serious upgrade from what you’re used to thinking of as a nonalcoholic alternative.Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi, Prop Styling by Alex MassillonVegan CoquitoThis mocktail recipe, a dairy-free version of Puerto Rican coquito, is punched up with Jamaican aromatics. The finishing touch, though, is the same as the classic: a cinnamon stick garnish.Photograph by Shawn Michael Jones, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Micah MortonWatermelon Cucumber SlushyBalance is key when it comes to alcohol-free cocktail recipes, which often get flak for being too sweet. A touch of Champagne vinegar prevents this refresher from being so.Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Marina BevilacquaCucumber Sekanjabin SharbatThere’s simple syrup, which is just a combination of sugar and water, and then there’s sekanjabin, a mixture of sugar or honey, water, vinegar, and mint sprigs simmered into a sweet-tart concoction.Photograph by Yudi Ela Echevarria, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Sean Dooley, Special thanks to Frank's HouseSparkling TangawiziThis brunch-friendly soda—inspired by Stoney Tangawizi, a spicy ginger beer popular throughout East Africa—features fresh lime juice and salt to level out a heavy dose of fresh ginger.Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova, Prop Styling by Gerri WilliamsCardamom-Rose BhangNow here’s a mocktail idea: Add some cannabis. More for the California sober than the sober sober, this creamy, floral, and, yes, intoxicating drink is popular at Holi festivities.Photograph by Justin
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