As the new year approaches, many of us begin to think more about our health and goals. An increasingly popular practice is starting the year with "Dry January," meaning that alcohol is not used for the month of January. Fortunately, if you find yourself wanting to enjoy tasty beverages, you can still experience the social and stress-supporting aspects of drinking with herbal mocktails.
Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks that resemble a cocktail in appearance and taste but keep you sober. They often include fresh fruits, organic botanicals, and culinary spices for delicious flavor and rich color combinations. These “zero-proof” drinks are both replenishing and hydrating, allowing you to sip and socialize at gatherings while maintaining vibrant energy throughout the night and into the morning.
Best yet, crafting a mocktail is just as fun as drinking one. Whether you’re craving a cold, fruity pick-me-up or a warm, spicy treat, the perfect mocktail experience begins with using the right bar equipment and quality ingredients. Below, I have compiled a list of items to stock your herbal mocktail bar. Refer to this master list for your home bar essentials and seasonal festivities!
We will also be having Mocktail Mondays each Monday in January so stay tuned for some fun new recipes!
How to Stock an Herbal Beverage Bar
Having the right tools and ingredients to craft your mocktails will make the process easier and more enjoyable. These are some of the tools, herbs and spices, fruits, and mixers I like to have available for mocktail making.
Equipment
- Tin shaker
- Mixing glass
- Swivel spoon
- Mortar and Pestle
- Mesh Strainer
- Funnel Strainer
- Spice Grater
- Chopper
- Juicer
Herbs and Spices
- Thyme leaf
- Basil leaf
- Butterfly pea flowers
- Lemon balm
- Holy basil (Tulsi)
- Rosemary
- Peppermint leaf
- Spearmint leaf
- Hawthorn leaf
- Hibiscus flowers
- Ginseng leaf
- Ginger root
- Sage leaf
- Maqui Berries
- Black peppercorns
- Pink peppercorns
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cayenne powder
- Orange peels
- Anise star pods
- Vanilla bean powder
Fruits
- Limes
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Cranberries
- Pomegranate arils
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Blackberry
- Raspberry
Mocktail Mixers
- Club soda
- Tonic water
- Sparkling water
- Apple cider
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ginger beer
- Orange juice
- Cranberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Pineapple juice
HERBAL MOCKTAIL RECIPES TO TRY
- Bee's Knees Mocktail with Lemon Balm
- Elderberry Shrub + Mocktail Recipe for Immune Support
- Elderberry Ginger Mocktail
- Alcohol-Free "Gin Fizz"
- Maqui Berry Mocktail for the Holidays
- 3 Apple Cider-Inspired Mocktails
- Spicy Paloma Cocktail & Mocktail with Herbs
- Minty Lemongrass Oxymel + Refreshing Mocktail
- Berry Mocktail with Cooling Herbs
- Herb-Infused Summer Cocktails and Mocktails
- Holy Basil & Strawberry Aqua Fresca
- Elderberry Bellini Mocktail
- Tulsi & Damiana Spritzer
Looking for more Low-Alcohol drink inspiration?
Try 3 Functional Fizzies with Herbal Extracts and Syrups!
You may also enjoy:
- Herbal Tea Blend for Meditation
- How to Create Your Own Tea Blends
- 3 Magic Moon Milk Recipes for Restful Sleep
