3 Mocktails You'll Actually Want to Make This Dry July

Everyone else is settling for sparkling water. You're making these. Discover three ridiculously easy mocktails from Terps & Co and Six Barrel Soda that prove alcohol-free drinks can still steal the show.

3 Mocktails You'll Actually Want to Make This Dry July

Three easy serves from Terps & Co. x Six Barrel Soda that prove alcohol-free doesn't have to mean flavour-free.

There's always that moment.

Everyone's gathered. Ice is clinking. Someone asks what you're drinking.

And suddenly you're holding... sparkling water with a slice of lime.

Dry July deserves better.

So we've teamed up with our friends at Six Barrel Soda to create three easy mocktails that feel every bit as considered as your favourite cocktail. They're packed with bold botanicals, bright flavours and designed for the moments that matter - whether that's a long lunch, an afternoon catch-up or music in the backyard as the sun goes down.

No fancy equipment. No obscure ingredients. Just three drinks you'll probably keep making long after July is over.

 

First Light

Bright. Fruity. Naturally invigorating.

If sunshine had a signature serve, this would probably be it.

Fresh raspberry meets bright lemon, layered with Terps & Co Vodka-like for a crisp, sparkling drink that's made for slow afternoons and spontaneous catch-ups.

It's light, refreshing and dangerously easy to make again.

Why you'll love this

First Light is one of those recipes you'll remember without needing to look it up. It comes together in under two minutes, uses just a handful of ingredients and is easy to scale up when friends come round. Whether you're taking part in Dry July or simply looking for a better afternoon sip, it's proof that simple can still feel special.

Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Pour in 20ml Six Barrel Raspberry & Lemon Syrup.
  3. Add 30ml Terps & Co Vodka-like.
  4. Top with chilled soda water.
  5. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with fresh raspberries, a lemon wheel and a sprig of rosemary if desired.
  7. Tips & variations

For a brighter citrus finish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon before topping with soda water. Frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh and help keep the drink chilled. If you're making drinks for a crowd, mix the syrup and Terps & Co Vodka-like ahead of time, then top each glass with soda water just before serving to keep everything fresh and fizzy.

Recipe Card for the alcohol-free mocktail 'First Light'

Rosemary Revival

Crisp. Aromatic. Naturally uplifting.

Some drinks ask you to slow down.

This one quietly gets you back in the room.

The herbal notes of rosemary and cucumber pair beautifully with Terps & Co Gin-like, creating a clean, botanical serve that's refreshing without trying too hard.

Perfect for garden parties, long lunches and "just one more" conversations.

Why you'll love this

Despite looking like something you'd order at a cocktail bar, Rosemary Revival couldn't be easier to make. It's fresh, elegant and made with everyday ingredients, making it just as suitable for entertaining as it is for winding down after work.

Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add 30ml Six Barrel Rosemary & Cucumber Tonic.
  3. Pour in 30ml Terps & Co Gin-like.
  4. Top with chilled soda water.
  5. Stir gently.
  6. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and a rosemary sprig.

Tips & variations

Try adding a crack of black pepper or a fresh thyme sprig for an extra savoury twist. Chilling your glass beforehand keeps the drink colder for longer, and if you're entertaining, you can prepare the syrup and Gin-like mixture in advance before finishing each serve with soda water to preserve the bubbles.

Recipe Card for the alcohol-free mocktail 'Rosemary Revival'

Rooted

Herbal. Spiced. Naturally grounding.

Big flavour. Zero fuss.

Six Barrel's Cola Six Syrup brings warming spice and depth, while Terps & Co Rum-esque adds rich botanical character for a serve that feels familiar but completely its own.

It's the kind of drink that belongs beside a barbecue, around a fire pit or on the couch after a long week.

Why you'll love this

If you're usually drawn to richer drinks, Rooted is an easy favourite. It delivers plenty of depth without requiring any fancy techniques or equipment, making it a brilliant option for cooler evenings, sharing with friends or whenever you're after something a little different.

Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Pour in 30ml Six Barrel Cola Six Syrup.
  3. Add 30ml Terps & Co Rum-esque.
  4. Top with chilled soda water.
  5. Stir gently.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh rosemary if desired.

Tips & variations

A squeeze of fresh lime lifts the cola spices beautifully, while a star anise garnish adds extra aroma for special occasions. Prefer a bolder serve? Use a little less soda water. If you're making a jug for guests, combine the syrup and Terps & Co Rum-esque ahead of time and simply top individual glasses with soda water as you pour.

Recipe Card for the alcohol-free mocktail 'Rooted'

Why we made these

At Terps & Co, we're all about helping people get out of their head and into their life.

Sometimes that starts with something as simple as making yourself a proper drink.

Six Barrel Soda has been crafting small-batch syrups in Wellington for years, bringing bold, natural flavour to cafés, restaurants and home kitchens around New Zealand. Pairing those syrups with our botanical drinks felt like a natural fit - simple recipes, quality ingredients and drinks designed to be enjoyed, whatever the occasion.

Because a great drink shouldn't need alcohol to feel special.

Whether you're taking part in Dry July or simply looking for something different to pour this weekend, these three serves are an easy place to start.

Here's to better drinks, better conversations, and making the most of the moments in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these mocktails completely alcohol-free?

Yes. All three recipes use Terps & Co botanical spirits and Six Barrel Soda syrups, which are alcohol-free, making them perfect for Dry July or whenever you're looking for a great-tasting alcohol-free drink.

Can I make these mocktails ahead of time?

Absolutely. For the best flavour and fizz, combine the syrup and Terps & Co botanical spirit ahead of time, then add chilled soda water just before serving. This keeps each drink fresh and sparkling.

Where can I buy Terps & Co in New Zealand?

You can shop the full Terps & Co range online at drinkterps.co.nz or visit our stockist page to find a retailer near you. Six Barrel Soda syrups are also available online and through selected cafés and retailers across New Zealand.

Which mocktail should I start with?

If you like bright citrus flavours, start with First Light. Prefer fresh botanicals? Rosemary Revival is for you. If richer, spiced drinks are more your style, Rooted is the perfect place to begin.

Can I customise these recipes?

Definitely. These recipes are designed as a starting point, so feel free to experiment with different garnishes, citrus fruits or sparkling waters to make them your own while keeping the same simple formula.

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