12 Refreshing Non Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes for Labour Weekend (and Beyond)
Raise your glass — 2025 is shaping up as the year non alcoholic cocktail recipes finally get the respect they deserve. Not the dusty lemonades of your childhood or the sad soda you sip while everyone else is on the rosé. We’re talking proper, sophisticated booze-free drinks that can hold their own at the BBQ, bach, or even a wedding where Uncle Kev inevitably brings out the guitar.
This guide rounds up 12 non alcoholic cocktail recipes that are as inventive as they are refreshing. You’ll find crowd-pleasers for every season, a few pro tricks to stop your mocktails tasting like fizzy Ribena, and enough inspiration to carry you through every social occasion without waking up crook.
Most 0% spirits are designed to trick your taste buds — they look like gin, taste like gin, but at the end of the night you’re left with… well, water that tastes like gin (and you’re still paying HOW much!?). Terps & Co flips that on its head. Our booze-free drinks don’t just mimic the classics, they’re infused with terpenes — plant compounds that can help you chill out, elevate your mood, or sharpen your focus.
So yes, they taste great. But they also feel good. Whether you’re after a crisp G&T vibe without the hangover, a fiery mule to match the BBQ heat, or a herbaceous soda that chills you out after a long week — these non alcoholic cocktail recipes bring flavour and function in one glass.
So, ready to shake up your sipping routine? Let’s dive in and toast to a long weekend of flavour-packed, hangover-free fun.
Why Non Alcoholic Cocktails Are Trending in 2025
Curious why everyone’s suddenly swapping pints for pineapple coolers? The sober-curious wave has gone from niche Instagram hashtag to full-on cultural shift. More people are choosing non alcoholic cocktail recipes, not because they’ve gone boring, but because waking up clear-headed beats explaining last night’s dance moves. And the stats back it up — zero-proof spirits and mixers are selling faster than hot chips at a rugby game.
The Wellness Revolution
In 2025, self-care isn’t just yoga mats and green smoothies. It’s also what’s in your glass. People are reaching for non alcoholic cocktails to cut calories, sleep properly, and keep the brain fog at bay. Thanks to functional ingredients — adaptogens, botanicals, superfruits — your drink can now be equal parts treat and wellness ritual.
Here’s why mocktails are getting all the love:
Lower Calories —> Keeps the fitness goals alive (even if you still smash a pav)
Better Sleep —> No booze = proper kip
Mental Clarity —> Stay sharp, skip the fog
Social Inclusion —> Everyone can raise a glass (no sad sodas in sight)
Sophistication in Every Sip
Forget syrupy fizz and flat ginger beer. The new wave of non alcoholic spirits and mixers means your mocktail can actually taste good. Think complex botanicals, seasonal fruit like yuzu and matcha, and garnishes that make you look like you know what you’re doing. It’s all the theatre of cocktails, minus the regret.
And socially? Mocktails have levelled up. From rooftop parties to couch hangs, creative zero-proof drinks are making gatherings inclusive — because no one should be left sipping water while the rest of the table clinks glasses.
Who’s Raising a Glass?
The beauty of non alcoholic cocktail recipes? Honestly — they’re for everyone. Designated drivers don’t have to sulk over lemon lime bitters anymore. Pregnant mates can actually join the toast without feeling left out. Fitness buffs, wellness warriors, or anyone who’s just plain over hangovers all get something proper in their glass.
Even bars and brands are in on it — championing zero-proof drinks like they’re the new headliners. You’ll spot botanical-forward concoctions in vintage glassware, or DIY garnish stations that turn a regular night into a full-blown experience. The future looks bright, a little fizzy, totally inclusive… and for once, you don’t need a greasy pie the morning after to survive it.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Mocktails
Here’s the secret to taking your non alcoholic cocktail recipes from “sad soda” to “Instagram-worthy showstopper”: it’s all about the ingredients and tools. You don’t need a mixology degree, just a few basics that bring the wow factor.
Must-have ingredients:
Fresh fruits: pineapple, watermelon, berries — the bolder, the better.
Herbs: basil, mint, rosemary — basically your herb garden in a glass.
Premium mixers: tonic, soda, or anything that sparkles.
Syrups: simple syrup, ginger, or DIY yuzu if you’re feeling fancy.
Zero-proof spirits: the real game-changer — complex, aromatic, and anything but boring.
Tools of the trade:
Shaker (because shaking things feels cool).
Muddler (for smashing fruit without just smashing it to bits).
Strainer and jigger (to look precise, even if you’re winging it).
Glassware that makes your drink look like it belongs in Ponsonby.
Presentation hacks:
Never underestimate ice. Big cubes, crushed, or spheres — it makes a difference. Fresh juices over bottled, every time. And garnish like you mean it: edible flowers, citrus twists, skewered berries. It’s half drink, half art project.
Trending Ingredients, Natural Sweeteners, and Eco Choices
What’s hot in non alcoholic cocktail recipes right now? Spoiler: it’s not Diet Coke in a wine glass. The new wave is all about ingredients that sound exotic enough to impress your mates but are actually easy to get your hands on.
Trending flavours:
Yuzu — the Japanese citrus darling. Zesty, sharp, and basically sunshine in liquid form.
Matcha — for when you want caffeine and antioxidants but also want to look like you’ve got your life together.
Hibiscus — tart, floral, and guaranteed to make your drink look like it belongs on Pinterest.
Natural sweeteners:
Forget the white stuff — it’s all about agave, honey, or monk fruit. They keep things light, guilt-free, and just smug enough that you can say, “oh, it’s naturally sweetened” when someone asks.
DIY twists:
Want to go full show-off? Infuse your own syrups with spices, herbs, or even chilli if you like a kick. It’s easy, looks impressive, and makes you feel like a scientist in your own kitchen.
Eco-friendly moves:
We all know a soggy paper straw ruins the vibe. Instead, opt for reusable straws, compostable garnish picks, and — here’s a radical idea — use local produce that hasn’t flown halfway around the planet. Drinks taste better when they don’t come with a side of guilt.
Bottom line: with a little effort, your non alcoholic cocktail recipes can go from “that’s nice” to “holy heck, did you make this yourself?” And bonus: you’ll feel like you’re doing good for your body and the planet.
12 Refreshing Non Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes for Labour Weekend
Gin-Like & Tonic (Terps & Co Classic)
For when you want to look sophisticated but still be able to drive home afterwards.
Ingredients:
50ml Terps & Co Gin-Like spirit
100ml tonic water
Lemon wheel
Rosemary sprig (to make it look like you tried)
Ice
How-To:
Chuck everything in a glass.
Give it a stir.
Nod knowingly as if you’ve just invented the G&T.
Margarita Muse Spritz (Tequila-Style)
Like a trip to Mexico, minus the bad tattoos and regrettable sunburn.
Ingredients:
60ml Terps & Co Margarita Muse
90ml soda water
15ml fresh lime juice
Salt for rim (optional, but let’s be honest, always worth it)
Ice
How-To:
Salt the rim if you’re feeling extra.
Add everything else and give it a stir.
Say “¡Salud!” and pretend you know Spanish.
Rum-Esque Pineapple Punch
Tastes like a tiki holiday… if your tiki bar is actually a deck chair in Whanganui.
Ingredients:
50ml Terps & Co Rum-Esque
80ml pineapple juice
40ml coconut water
15ml lime juice
Pineapple wedge
Ice
How-To:
Shake it all up.
Pour over ice.
Pretend your backyard is Waikiki.
Tropical Coconut & Lime Cooler
Hydrating enough to convince yourself this counts as wellness.
Ingredients:
100ml coconut water
20ml lime juice
15ml agave syrup
Crushed ice
Lime wedge
How-To:
Shake it all up.
Pour into a tall glass.
Sip smugly and say you’re “rebalancing electrolytes.”
Botanical Berry Smash
Basically a smoothie with delusions of grandeur.
Ingredients:
40g mixed berries
4 mint leaves
15ml honey syrup
45ml Gin-Like spirit
Soda water
Ice
How-To:
Smash the berries like you’re in a bad mood.
Add the rest, shake, and strain.
Garnish with more berries so it looks “healthy.”
Spiced Apple & Cinnamon Mule
Warm, cozy, and makes you feel like you live in a Pinterest board.
Ingredients:
50ml Rum-Esque spirit
60ml apple juice
15ml cinnamon syrup
60ml ginger beer
Apple slice + cinnamon stick
Ice
How-To:
Shake up everything but the ginger beer.
Pour over ice and top.
Serve with a flourish that says, “yes, I own a cinnamon stick.”
Monday Mule (RTD Hero)
Basically does the work for you. You just pour it in a glass and take the credit.
Ingredients:
1 can Terps & Co Monday Mule
Ice
Lime wedge
How-To:
Crack can.
Pour over ice.
Say “I made this myself.”
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Refreshing, juicy, and the closest you’ll get to eating fruit this weekend.
Ingredients:
120ml watermelon juice
20ml lime juice
6 mint leaves
Crushed ice
Watermelon balls
How-To:
Muddle mint and lime.
Add watermelon juice and shake.
Serve over crushed ice and pat yourself on the back for “hydrating.”
Non-Alc Espresso Martini
Caffeine: the only socially acceptable drug left.
Ingredients:
60ml espresso
30ml vanilla syrup
30ml Vodka-Vibe (optional, but highly recommended)
3 coffee beans
Ice
How-To:
Shake until your arms hurt.
Strain into a martini glass.
Place three coffee beans on top and act like you know why.
Terps UnWind Refresher
For when you want to drink something that sounds like yoga in a can.
Ingredients:
1 can Good Herb Soda – UnWind
Fresh berries
Mint sprig
Ice
How-To:
Pour into a glass with ice.
Add berries and mint so it looks fancier than it is.
Whisper “namaste” if you must.
Matcha & Coconut Refresher
For when you want to look like a wellness influencer but still eat chips for dinner.
Ingredients:
1 tsp matcha powder
100ml coconut water
15ml agave syrup
Ice
Matcha dust
How-To:
Whisk the matcha so it doesn’t clump (good luck, sending prayers).
Shake with coconut water and syrup.
Strain into a coupe and sprinkle matcha dust like you’re in Bali.
Rum-Esque Dark & Storm-Free
Big, bold, and perfect for your mate who swears he “doesn’t do mocktails.”
Ingredients:
50ml Rum-Esque spirit
90ml ginger beer
15ml lime juice
Lime wedge
Ice
How-To:
Build it all in a glass.
Top with lime.
Serve with a wink: “Told you it was legit.”
👉 There you have it: twelve ways to drink like an adult without acting like one. Lose the booze, not the feels — and definitely not the banter.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Non Alcoholic Cocktails
Want to take your non alcoholic cocktail recipes from “yeah, that’s nice” to “holy hecka, who made this?” Time to channel your inner mixologist — no bow tie required. Whether you’re a rookie with a lime and a soda stream, or someone who’s already got a collection of fancy bar tools, these tricks will make your mocktails look flash and taste even better.
Balancing Flavours (Without Losing the Plot)
Every decent drink needs balance. Sweet, sour, bitter, umami — think of them like the band members of Fleetwood Mac. Alone, they’re fine. Together, they sing.
Here’s your quick cheat sheet:
Sweet —> Syrups, agave, fruit
Sour —> Citrus, shrubs
Bitter —> Herbal spirits, tonic
Umami —> Tomato, miso, herbs
Play around until your non alcoholic cocktail recipes hit the Goldilocks zone — not too tart, not too lolly-water. Taste as you go. Trust your palate (yes, even yours).
Technique & Presentation (a.k.a. Looking Fancy)
Technique makes the difference between “juice in a cup” and “wow, did you train at a bar in Ponsonby?” Shake citrus-based mocktails for that frothy top. Muddle herbs gently, not like you’re grinding garlic. Try layering juices and syrups — nothing says “cocktail hour” like a sunrise in a glass.
And presentation? It’s the secret weapon. Quirky glassware, oversized ice cubes, edible flowers — garnish like you’re being judged. Dehydrated citrus wheels, a sprig of rosemary, even a sprinkle of matcha. If it looks good, it tastes better. Science.
Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Tweaks
Want to keep your mates happy? A few swaps make non alcoholic cocktails more inclusive:
Use aquafaba instead of egg whites for vegan froth.
Gluten-free mixers if you’ve got the sensitive types.
Natural sweeteners like agave or stevia to keep it light.
Seasonal fruit purees or homemade syrups for a personal touch.
Basically: customise until everyone at the table can join in without fear of FOMO — or indigestion.
Insider Party & Batch Tips
Hosting a crowd? Don’t spend all arvo behind the bench. Batch your base mix early, then keep the fizzy stuff separate until serving. This keeps your non alcoholic cocktail recipes fresh and bubbly.
Level up the fun with a DIY garnish bar — bowls of herbs, citrus wheels, edible flowers. Kids love it. Adults pretend they don’t, then spend 10 minutes competing for “best looking drink.”
Glassware matters too. Retro coupes, mason jars, even mismatched op-shop finds give your mocktails personality. And don’t sleep on ice shapes: spheres, crushed, or flavoured cubes will have guests talking.
Hosting with Non Alcoholic Cocktails: Occasions & Pairings
Mocktails aren’t the sad cousin at the party anymore. They’re rewriting the rulebook for weddings, birthdays, brunches, even the Wednesday-night dinner you swore wouldn’t turn into a party. Picture it: a table lined with jewel-toned drinks, fizzing away, looking every bit as fun as their boozy cousins.
Match the menu to the season:
Spring/Summer: breezy watermelon coolers, sparkling yuzu spritzers.
Autumn/Winter: spiced apple mules, matcha-coconut warmers.
Pair with kai for maximum glory. A botanical berry smash next to a grazing platter? Yes. Ginger peach iced tea with grilled corn? Double yes. Alcohol-free amaretto sour with almond cake? Game over.
Want to go full wow-factor? Set up a themed mocktail bar. Let guests play bartender with syrups, herbs, citrus, dehydrated fruit. It’s fun, inclusive, and stops anyone feeling left out. Real-world events are going booze-free more and more, and the verdict? People love it. Creativity up, hangovers down.
Final Sip
Demand for non alcoholic cocktail recipes at big celebrations is booming. Batch ahead, keep ice fresh, and always have a mix of flavour profiles on hand. With a bit of imagination, your mocktails won’t just be “the sober option” — they’ll be the highlight.
Ready to shake things up in 2025? Skip the boring juice mixes and dive into Terps & Co’s terpene-infused spirits and sodas. They’re crafted to help you stay present, feel good, and enjoy the buzz without the booze. No headaches. No regrets. Just proper drinks that happen to be alcohol-free.
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