One Time For The Virgins!

Virgin drinks, that is. Not everybody at the party will be able to consume alcohol, and that’s okay. There should always be fun alternatives for those that don’t want to. No pressure, no judgment, just tasty beverages to wet the whistle and keep the party going. 

Let’s just say you drew the short straw and must be the designated driver for the night, but you want a sexy drink in your hand just like everyone else. If you’re out and about, chances are you won’t have a Moxx Box handy to whip up a perfectly balanced mocktail— instructions, ingredients, and all—so you can either leave your tastebuds to chance or you can learn a little about turning any cocktail into a sexy mocktail.

Tip #1: Know Your Non-alcoholic Brands

Let’s start with the obvious. Using non-alcoholic spirits is one way to imitate the taste and feel of your faves. There are quite a few companies that offer everything from gin and whiskey alternatives to botanical spirits and pre-mixed cocktails. Here’s a great list that can give you some ideas of what to ask for when making replacements in your drink of choice. 

There’s even a list for the best non-alcoholic wines that can guide you if that’s more your style. 

Whether you want to mock a Moscow mule, a Negroni, or a Cabernet Sauvignon, there are options out there. You just have to know what to order. 

Tip #2: Texturize It

There are a couple of ways to add a little texture to your drink. The first is bubbles. They always make you feel like you are drinking something fancy, so ask for sparkling water, club soda, or flavored seltzer or tonic water to give you a little fizz. A nod of acknowledgment goes out to Ginger Beer. It’s an awesome way to add both fizz and spice and pack even more punch into your drink. 

Believe it or not, Kombucha can actually add a nice effect if that’s a drink you’re into. You get more flavor and some fizz by adding this fermented beverage to your mocktail. Try ordering this Triple-Citrus Kombucha Fizz to cool down in summer or this Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha when it’s cold out. 

The second is fresh fruit, zest, or herbs. If you want to kick it up a notch, ask the bartender to muddle some fresh fruit or herbs in the bottom of the glass. Skeptical? Check out LaShayla Simpson, the awesome owner of The Moxx Box, as she teaches you how to make a Very Berry Mojito recipe that tastes like summer in a glass. 

She’ll also show you how to blend fruit and ice for a creamy beverage that’s fun and flirty like a Pina Colada Creamsicle, Red Sangria Slush, or a Frozen Strawberry Margarita. 

Tip #3: Don’t Be Bitter but Add Some To Your Drink

Bitters do technically contain alcohol; however, it’s about the equivalent to the amount found in vanilla extract. In other words, it’s not going to get you drunk or cause an issue with a breathalyzer test. 

Bitters are small bottles of alcohol that are infused with herbs and spices that can add a nice bite to a beverage. Cocktails that typically use bitters include the Classic Negroni and the Manhattan. Adding just a splash or two of bitters will not only give your mouth a kick, it may also make you hungry. 

Tip #4: It’s All About Balance

Bitter isn’t for everyone, but most people like a good balance of sweet and sour. For the sweet, using a mixture of sugar and water (to which you can add some amazing layers with herbs) creates a simple syrup that will add just the right touch of sweetness to your day. 

For the sour, squeeze just a touch of citrus, such as lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit juice, and you can create a light, refreshing beverage that tastes just as good, if not better than its alcoholic cousin. Here’s an Amaretto Sour recipe that will make your lips pucker and your tongue pop. 

Choose Wisely

Keep in mind mocktails work best for drinks that have a balanced mix of ingredients. If your go-to drink is primarily made of liquor and you don’t have a non-alcoholic substitute, it will be difficult to recreate and may not give you the flavor you’re looking for. An Old Fashioned relies heavily on whiskey, so without a whisky alternative, this mocktail may fall flat. 

If you don’t want to memorize drinks and you’re feeling adventurous, ask the bartender to make up their own concoction. Many bartenders enjoy the challenge and will work just as hard to please your palate as they do for customers ordering alcohol. In fact, they may work harder. 

The MoxxBox aims to support you in finding your fancy no matter what’s in your glass, so we hope we’ve helped you discover classy non-alcoholic options for your night out on the town. Raise your glass and celebrate yourself, and…

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