The Best May Mocktails and Alcohol-Free Drinks

Here in Colorado, May means that spring is finally making headway. Days get longer, the weather starts warming up, and we start getting out and socializing more. This month is also packed with opportunities to do that. While that may seem scary as you adjust to living life alcohol-free, it’s actually a perfect chance to put into practice all the tools and techniques you’ve been learning to use. And one of the best is still being able to say “Yes!” when someone asks if you’d like a drink. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, there are so many holidays that we associate with drinking in May. Rest assured you can say “Yes!” to any of these May mocktails and alcohol-free drinks that pack a flavor punch without the hangover hell and guilt trip that always accompanied your drinks in the past!

For even more support, drink ideas, and resources, check out the This Naked Mind Companion App.

Now, let’s get mixing and celebrate May with some seriously delicious mocktails!

5 Magnificent May Mocktails To Make

Sparkling Orange Juice with Berries

Skip the mimosa and embrace the fizz with this elegant and flavorful Sparkling Orange Juice with Berries! (Something I probably should have done that morning I swapped out a mimosa for a screwdriver but in the end, it led to This Naked Mind. So I’ll call it a hidden blessing!) This mocktail is perfect for National Mimosa Day or to spoil mom with on Mother’s Day. This is a drink you can feel good about indulging in as it’s as good for you as it is tasty to drink. With every sip, you’re not only getting a delightful explosion of citrus and berry flavors, you’re also getting an infusion of vitamin C and all the antioxidants in those superfruits!

Ingredients:

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1/2 cup sparkling water, chilled 1/4 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) 1 tablespoon blood orange syrup Fresh mint sprigs and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

In a shaker filled with ice, combine orange juice, sparkling water, blood orange syrup and berries. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into two champagne flutes or coupe glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and an orange slice.

Pair it up:

Sparkling Orange Juice with Berries will fit right in alongside brunch dishes like eggs benedict, quiche, or pancakes. It can also be enjoyed alongside lighter fare like salads or fruit platters.

Mediterranean Lemonade

Few areas seem as dreamy and romantic as the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Allow this flavorful and refreshing lemonade to transport you there in honor of National Mediterranean Diet Month! This lemonade is unlike any you’ve ever tasted before. You’ve heard of craft beers but you haven’t truly lived until you experience what can only be called a craft lemonade. The Mediterranean is known for its citrus-infused dishes and drinks and this lemonade combines all the best flavors of the region. Earthy, refreshing, and tangy, one pitcher won’t be enough!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed
• lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 cups cold water
• Fresh mint sprigs and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, and honey. Heat over low heat until honey dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. In a pitcher, combine the cooled lemon syrup, rosemary sprig, and cucumber slices. Muddle the cucumber slightly to release its flavor.
3. Pour in the 4 cups of cold water and stir well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
5. Serve chilled over ice and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lemon slices.

Pair it up:

Don’t just stop at your drink for this culinary escape. Make sure to pair it with dishes that embody the entire scope of Mediterranean flavors! Enjoy it alongside grilled chicken or fish, falafel wraps, dolmas, or a platter of hummus and pita bread.

Salsa Fresca Mocktail

Who says salsa is just for dipping? Celebrate National Salsa Month with this vibrant and zesty Salsa Fresca Mocktail! This mocktail is a fun and unexpected twist on the classic salsa, offering a burst of fresh flavors and a surprising kick of spice. Who knew making a drink that combines the sweet tang of tomatoes and tomatillos with a twist of lime and a fiery kick of jalape?o could be so-so good? This fiesty drink will heat up your May for sure!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatillos
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• Pinch of sea salt
• Fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients (except garnish) and blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture to remove any large chunks, if desired.
3. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

Pair it up:

It’s not just your drink that will have you saying, Ole! Pair it up with traditional Latin fare like tacos, tamales, and posole, or serve it alongside grilled burgers, brats, or even a spicy chili.

Spicy Mango Agua Fresca

Agua Frescas deliver what alcoholic drinks never could. They are refreshing, hydrating, and flavorful. This spicy Mango Agua Fresca is the fire water tequila wishes it could be! Call it a fiesta on your taste buds – that’s what this drink delivers. Sweet, juicy mangoes strike up a dance with a hint of lime and throw down a zapateado with a surprising kick of spice from fresh jalape?o. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and add a festive and authentic touch to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped (depending on desired heat level)
• Agave nectar or honey to taste (optional)
• Fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine mangoes, water, lime juice, and jalape?os in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp, if desired.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness with agave nectar or honey, if needed.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges.

Pair it up:

Spicy Mango Agua Fresca is delicious when served with burritos, fajitas, or a light and refreshing ceviche. Serve it alongside frutas con crema for a dessert!

Sweet Vidalia Onion & Herb Infused Water

National Vidalia Onion Day just got a whole lot sweeter (and way more refreshing)! Forget the greasy onion rings, this Sweet Vidalia Onion & Herb Infused Water is a delightful and unexpected twist that will have you rethinking water forever. While drinking onion water sounds far-fetched, none of us thought twice about fermented grapes, grains, or potatoes. So be daring and give this unique drink a try! Subtle sweetness from Vidalia onions pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs for a truly unique and incredibly refreshing beverage. You’ll keep this in your rotation long past making May mocktails!

Ingredients:

• 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 pitcher filtered water

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine sliced Vidalia onion, rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices.
2. Pour filtered water over the ingredients and stir gently.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
4. Serve chilled over ice and enjoy!

Pair it up:

Sweet Vidalia Onion & Herb Infused Water is a fantastic complement to light and flavorful dishes like grilled chicken or fish, salads, or even a summer picnic spread.

What happens after making May mocktails?

Could you use some support to get started on the road to sipping these May Mocktails? We have a Control Alcohol Challenge beginning May 20 that will start you off on an amazing journey to a new, happier, and healthier you.?

Join our Control Alcohol Challenge!

More Ideas For May Mocktails

If you need more May mocktails or you’re wondering if NA drinks are even okay to indulge in – we’ve got you covered!

Each month we feature drink ideas to let you indulge without guilt or regrets. They can all be found?right here. Our podcast also tackles the tough questions when it comes to what to drink or how to socialize without drinking. Here are a few of the top episodes on those subjects:

EP 64: Reader Question – Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Are they okay? EP 198: Reader Question – Alcohol-Free drinks? Are they OK? EP 88: Reader Question – Social Drinking – How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink? EP 542: Reader Question – Do you serve wine when you host parties? EP 438: Reader Question – How do you survive the holidays without alcohol?

This post was originally published here.