8 Dietitian-Approved Ingredients for Your Mocktails
Cut down on sugar and bring a boost of nutrients without compromising on flavor.
Flavia Morlachetti/Getty Images
Sober curiosity continues to inspire alcohol-free creations that can be found all over feeds and bar menus. But within the movement itself, people want their mocktails to be more than just alcohol-free. There seems to be an emerging trend of mixing in more health-forward or functional ingredients. In fact, there are a handful of ways to cut down on added sugar and boost nutrients, while still mixing up flavorful and beautiful drinks. In addition to fresh fruit, like hydrating watermelon, and antioxidant-rich herbs, I’ve rounded up a list of ingredients even a registered dietitian (like me!) can feel good about adding to mocktails.
Traditional soda pop is getting a major upgrade. Prebiotic soda Olipop keeps the added sugar low while providing an impressive nine grams of plant-based prebiotic fiber, plus a mixture of botanicals that help support digestive health. Olipop offers a huge selection of flavors including Cream Soda, Cherry Vanilla and Tropical Punch, Vintage Cola and Ginger Lemon – a mocktail maker’s dream ingredients.
Bitters are used in cocktails to add dimension and balance, and they can add the same to mocktails. Bitters are also touted for their medicinal prowess as many of its common ingredients include health-promoting botanicals. A few dashes of Cider Vinegar Bitters from Urban Moonshine may help to settle an upset stomach and Runamok has created a stunning line of subtly sweet, maple-infused bitters.
Instead of sugary, artificial juice blends, use mixers made from the simplest of real ingredients. RIPE Bar Juice features flavors including Paloma, Cosmopolitan and Lemon Sour – blends of fresh juices, bursting with citrus flavor, packed with vitamin C and sweetened with agave. You can enjoy these mixers on their own over ice or with a generous splash of sparkling water.
Never underestimate the simple sweetness and floral notes honey can bring to your favorite beverage. It also provides numerous health benefits, including improvements to gut health and a wealth of antioxidants.
Sparkling water should always be a welcome addition to your bar menu. Waterloo has created several crafted, alcohol-free flavors inspired by classic wines and mixed drinks, such as All Day Rosé and Mojito Mocktail.
Refreshing and one of the most plentiful sources of potassium, a vital mineral for muscles and heart health. Try coconut water over ice, with a twist of fresh lime and served in a glass rimmed with a smoky spice blend.
If you love tonic, but not the added sugar from many canned and bottled varieties, this tonic syrup from Barr Hill is for you. Infused with and sweetened with honey, and flavored with citrus and other botanicals, you can adjust the sweetness level to your taste. Mix with seltzer for a mocktail with nearly 75-percent fewer calories than traditional tonic.
Related Content:
