Easy Mocktail Recipes for Dry January

Start the year with easy mocktail recipes that are fresh, flavourful, and easy to make at home. Swap your favourite cocktail recipes for these Dry January mocktails that range from elegant and floral to rich and creamy. 

 

Delicious Mocktails for Dry January

What is Dry January?

Dry January is a month-long reset where you skip alcohol and try drinks that are just as flavourful, without the spirits. It’s a chance to craft zero-proof spritzes, refreshers, and creamy dessert-style sips. Monin makes it easy to craft premium mocktails with our wide array of Monin Syrups, Purées, and HomeCrafted Cocktail Mixers.

How to Make a Delicious Mocktail

To make a great mocktail that tastes just as complex as a craft cocktail, here are our ingredient recommendations to use in your easy mocktail recipes:

1. Flavour or Sweetener: Choose a hero flavour to be the star of your mocktail. First, decide what flavour profile you want to focus on: Fruity? Floral? Spicy? Dessert-y? Explore our collection of more than 200 Monin Syrups, Purées, or Sugar Free Flavours and find the right flavour for you. Once you have decided what flavour mocktail you want, you can choose the appropriate base.
2. Base: This is the body of your mocktail. Popular mocktail bases are sparkling water, flavoured seltzer or soda, iced tea, lemonade or limeade, fruit juices or other non-alcoholic mixers. You can even find non-alcoholic spirits now made from tea or botanicals that mimic the distinct flavour notes of popular spirits. Check out your local liquor store for non-alcoholic gin, bourbon, tequila, or even sparkling wine you can use to craft full-bodied mocktails.
3. Fresh ingredients: Muddle in fresh ingredients like berries, peach slices, jalapeños, cucumbers, or fresh herbs to add layers of flavour to easy mocktail recipes.
4. Acidity: Citrus juices, cranberry juice, or even vinegars and shrubs can add brightness and dimension to your mocktails.
5. Top it off: Add a finishing touch to your easy mocktails! Maybe it’s a splash of club soda, tonic, or ginger beer in addition to your base, or a garnish of fresh herbs, edible flowers, light cold foam, or citrus salt.

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The Best Monin Syrups for Mocktails

Elevate your easy mocktail recipes with Monin Syrups and Purées. Here are some of our favourite flavours for crafting quality mocktails you can make at home or behind the bar:

Cocktail Classics

• Grenadine Syrup: The secret ingredient in the OG mocktail: the Shirley Temple! Grenadine offers a bright pomegranate-cherry note that is perfect for Shirley Temple mocktails, Tiki mocktails, sunrise spritzes, and layered party punches.
• Blue Curacao Syrup: Zesty orange peel profile with a vibrant blue colour. Monin Blue Curacao Syrup offers a non-alcoholic version of the bar staple. Use it in island spritzes, sparkling coolers, or Tiki-inspired mocktails.
• Mojito Mix: Craft mojito mocktails in seconds with this blend of bright lime and mint notes in one pour, this is a staple to add to your mocktail bar for no-jitos or mint julep-style mocktails.
• Sangria Mixes: Choose from Red Sangria Mix, White Sangria Mix, or Blackberry Sangria Mix! Each offers a unique blend of spice and fruit notes to help you craft sangria mocktails without a lot of prep time. To make batch sangria mocktails, simply blend your sangria mix of choice with fruit juice, soda, or tea and your choose of citrus wheels for crowd-friendly pitchers.
• Ginger Beer Syrup: Skip the six-pack of cans! If you like mocktails with ginger beer, Monin Ginger Beer Syrup provides an easy way to make ginger beer at home. Simply mix club soda for that classic crisp ginger bite with a clean finish. Use it to craft Moscow mule mocktails, dark ‘n’ stormy mocktails, and more.
• Sugar Free Triple Sec Syrup: An alcohol-free and sugar-free version of the classic cocktail liqueur. Use it to craft skinny margarita mocktails and paloma mocktails that are bright, balanced, and sippable.
• Irish Cream Syrup: Silky cocoa-vanilla with caramel nuance; blend into dessert “martinis,” iced coffees, or creamy shakes. For lighter dessert mocktails, try using Sugar Free Irish Cream Syrup.

Fruity or Tropical Mocktails

• Blackcurrant Syrup: This European favourite offers a sweet, tangy berry taste and is traditionally used to make jams, juices, syrups, ice creams, and cordials. Try in a lemon soda spritz, gin and tonic mocktail, or a berry sangria mocktail.
• Stone Fruit Syrup: This blend of peach, apricot and and black cherry notes is a delicious choice for sparkling punches, spritz mocktails, and mock mules.
• Blackberry Syrup: Juicy blackberry’s ripe and tangy flavour shines in mules, lemonades, and tea mocktails.
• Peach Purée: Sun-ripened and lush, peach is a classic for bellini mocktails, zeroproof summer spritzes, and iced-tea refreshers.
• Desert Pear Syrup: Desert Pear’s gorgeous magenta colour and complex taste of pear and prickly pear is vivid and aromatic. Craft eye-catching margarita mocktails or citrus spritzes.
• Blood Orange Syrup: Ruby red citrus with a bold and exotic citrus flavour. A delicious choice for paloma-style mocktails, Italian spritz mocktails, and mock margaritas.
• Exotic Citrus Syrup: Zesty citrus blend of Meyer lemon and makrut lime notes. Use it to craft zero-proof “sours” and Collins mocktails.
• Raspberry Syrup: Bold, tart, and ripe raspberry notes pair beautifully with lemonade, green tea, and non-alcoholic gin alternatives for unique spring or summer mocktails.
• Ruby Red Grapefruit Syrup: Clean, zesty, and refreshing. A perfect option for a paloma mocktail, grapefruit mimosa mocktails, or grapefruit “margaritas.”
• Kiwi Syrup: Tropical-tart and lively flavour. Pair with fresh ingredients lime juice or mint leaves to craft garden “coolers,”  fizzes, and kiwi sparklers.
• Black Cherry Purée: Balanced, ripe cherry flavour and rich texture to frozen mocktails, “margaritas,” and more. Try it with a non-alcoholic bourbon for delicious mocktail smashes or sours.  

Tropical Mocktails

• Yuzu Pineapple Syrup: A vibrant blend of yuzu and juicy pineapple perfect for summer mocktails and tropical refreshers.
• Mango Syrup: A juicy taste of the tropics. Fresh mango aroma and flavour you’ll love in a margarita mocktail or frozen drinks.
• Dragon Fruit Syrup: Dragon fruit’s flavour is delicate with notes of fresh strawberry and pear. It’s unique flavour and striking fuschia colour makes it a delicious choice for showstopping pink mocktails, coconut refreshers, and pink spritz mocktails.
• Passion Fruit Purée: Tangy and aromatic passion fruit elevates tropical paloma-style mocktails and sparkling lemonades.
• Lychee Syrup: Lychee’s fragrant aroma and juicy blend of fruity and floral notes makes it a natural choice for lychee sangria mocktails and delicate spritzes.

“Swavoury” (Sweet + Savoury) Mocktails

• Toasted Coconut Syrup: Sweet-meets-savoury blend of creamy coconut and subtle toasted notes. Toasted Coconut adds a delicious twist to dirty sodas, espresso martini mocktails, and margarita mocktails.
• Hickory Smoke Syrup: Rich, sweet, and smoky. Use it to add a delicious smoky layer to a zero-proof “Old Fashioned” or smoked paloma mocktail.
• Spicy Agave Sweetener: Lightly earthy and spicy, organic agave nectar meets the taste of real Hatch and Guajillo chile peppers. Use it to craft “swicy” margarita mocktails and tequila-inspired drinks.
• Hot Honey Syrup: Add layered sweet-and-spicy warmth to honey-inspired mocktails. Shake up a spicy bee’s knees mocktail, or try it with ginger beer, lemonade or tea-infused mocktails.
• Chipotle Pineapple Syrup: Juicy pineapple with a smoky chipotle-pepper finish. Perfect for grilled-pineapple sodas or a sweet-and-savoury margarita mocktail.

Floral Mocktails

• Lavender Lemon Syrup: Lush lavender and crisp lemon notes that taste lovely in spritzers, Arnold Palmer riffs, or spring-inspired espresso martini mocktails.
• Elderflower Syrup: Botanical and elegant; use it to craft a Hugo Spritz mocktail or add a splash of elderflower to cucumber and sparkling water for a brunch-perfect beverage.
• Honey Jasmine Syrup: Delicate jasmine and organic honey notes that taste like spring in a bottle. Add floral flair to white-tea spritzes, sparkling lemonades, or green tea mocktails.
• Strawberry Rose Syrup: Rosy and romantic with a bright berry note. Use it to craft pink spritzes and lemonade coolers perfect for Galentine’s Day brunch, spring bridal shower, or at-home happy hour.
• Hibiscus Syrup: Tangy and floral with a bold red hue; adds a vibrant layer to a margarita mocktail, paloma mocktail, or mock mule.
• Violet Syrup: An underrated floral with a beautiful candied violet profile. Use it to craft an Aviation mocktail or add a delicate purple hue to sparkling lemonade and white tea mocktails.

Dessert Mocktails

• Tiramisu Syrup: A delicious blend of cocoa, espresso, and mascarpone notes that was made for dessert espresso “martinis” and Italian-inspired coffee sodas.
• Cupcake Syrup: A nostalgic blend of vanilla cake and creamy frosting flavour. Craft delicious dessert mocktails topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a whimsical treat.
• Pistachio Syrup: Rich, nutty, pistachio perfection. Pair with white chocolate or cherry for a bakery-inspired mocktails or enjoy on its own in an espresso martini mocktail.
• Chocolate Fudge Syrup: Rich, fudgy depth. Use this chocolate syrup to make Black Forest Cake-inspired mocktails or other delicious dessert drinks.
• Key Lime Pie Syrup: Creamy key lime and custard delight. Use this citrus-y syrup to make dessert-y sparkling lemonades or espresso martini mocktails.

Seasonal Mocktails

• Peppermint Syrup: Cool and candy-clean. A classic choice for holiday mocktails, peppermint bark-inspired drinks, and more.
• Gingerbread Syrup: Another classic holiday blend of molasses and spice notes. Use it to create indulgent cream sodas or spicy-sweet gingerbread mocktails.
• Spiced Pumpkin Purée: Real pumpkin and spice notes. The secret ingredient for crafting the perfect pumpkin spice espresso martini mocktail.
• Caramel Apple Butter Syrup: Orchard apple, creamy caramel, and warm spice. Add a fall twist to cider spritzes and pair with ginger beer to craft mule mocktails.
• Praline Syrup: A little sweet and salty, deliciously nutty with caramel notes. A delicious choice for fall dessert mocktails.
• Cranberry Syrup: Tart and festive cranberry is a natural choice for holiday “spritzes,” mock margaritas, and tea mocktails.
• Pomegranate Syrup: Bright, garnet hue and a bold, tart flavour perfect for winter cosmopolitan mocktails, coolers, and sparkling lemonades. 

HomeCrafted Cocktail Mixers for Mocktails

Monin HomeCrafted Cocktail Mixers take the guesswork out of crafting delicious mocktails. They are made with real fruit juices and authentic fruit flavours to provide an easy way to craft unique alcohol-free beverages, like Spicy Watermelon Margaritas, Cherry Smashes, or Dragon Fruit Cosmo mocktails. Simply pair with sparkling water, ginger beer, and a seasonal garnish for fresh, perfectly-balanced mocktails every time.

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New Year, New Easy Mocktail Recipes

Go beyond the classic Shirley Temple mocktail with these easy mocktail recipes perfect for Dry January. Shake up a delicious White Peach Sangria Mocktail, a White Chocolate Coconut Espresso Martini Mocktail, or a Dragon Fruit Punch Mocktail.

 

Here are more of our favourite easy mocktail recipes to try at home:

 

Blackberry Thai Basil Mocktail

Ripe blackberries meet fresh basil notes and lime for a garden refresher you’ll want to sip and savour. Crafted with Monin Coconut Syrup and Monin Basil Concentrated Flavour, this Blackberry Thai Basil Mocktail is a delicious choice any time of year.

 

Zenshine Cooler

This drink blends Monin Toasted Coconut Syrup, lemonade, and green tea for a delicious tropical mocktail. Try this Zenshine Cooler the next time you want something refreshing.

 

Lavender Hibiscus Highball

This floral mocktail is a delicious non-alcoholic spritz for spring or summer. Monin Hibiscus Syrup and Lavender Lemon Syrup are the stars of this Lavender Hibiscus Highball.

 

 

Peach Cobbler Mocktail

How do you make a Peach Cobbler Mocktail? By blending black tea, lemon juice, and Monin Peach Purée with Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup for a dessert mocktail you won’t soon forget.

 

 

Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz

Enjoy the popular spritz without the spirits. This Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz features Monin Elderflower Syrup, fresh mint, and lemon juice for a splash of brightness.

 

 

Very Berry Shortcake Mocktail

Enjoy a delicious dessert mocktail with this Very Berry Shortcake Mocktail. A base of berry hibiscus tea gets a floral twist from Monin Strawberry Rose Syrup. A garnish of whipped cold foam takes this mocktail from refreshing to decadent.

 

 

Check out this Spirit-Free Sangria recipe and make this sangria mocktail at home!

Watch the Spirit-Free Sangria mocktail video on YouTube

Low-Sugar Mocktails

If you are looking for sugar-free mocktails and low-sugar beverages, try one of these easy mocktail recipes below.

Skinny Peach Squeeze Mocktail

Juicy peach, orange, and grapefruit make for a light, refreshing sip you’ll want to add to your list of easy mocktail recipes. Made with Natural Zero Peach, this Skinny Peach Squeeze Mocktail is a delicious Dry January treat that is full of flavour and low on sugar. 

 

Pomegranate Cos-No

Make the Pomegranate Cos-No your new favourite Dry January mocktail! This easy mocktail gets its bold, tart flavour from Monin Sugar Free Pomegranate Syrup.

New Year, New Me Mocktail

If you’re looking for easy mocktail recipes, ring in 2026 with this New Year, New Me Mocktail. Made with Monin Sugar Free Triple Sec, this zero-proof take on a margarita is refreshing and light, the perfect margarita mocktail to sip on all January long.

 

 

Try this Raspberry Lime Sparkler for a delicious sugar-free mocktail!

 

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Dry January Tips & FAQ

What are the best garnishes for easy mocktails?

To add fresh flavour to mocktails, try using garnishes like these:

·        Citrus wheels, curls, and zests

• Fresh herbs (mint, basil, thyme) or edible flowers
• Tajín®, floral sugars, or citrus salt rims
• Fancy ice with fruit or herbs frozen inside
• A small dollop of vanilla cold foam (dairy or alt-milk) for creamy drinks

What is in a mocktail?

A mocktail is a mixed drink made without alcohol. Most include a base (sparkling water, iced tea, juice, or a non-alcoholic mixer), flavour (choose from countless Syrups, Purées, or Sugar Free Flavours), acid (citrus or vinegar shrub), a mixer (ginger beer, tonic, soda) and a garnish (fresh herbs, edible flowers, non-alcoholic bitters).

What are good Dry January mocktails to try?

Start with easy mocktail recipes of popular cocktails. You may like to try a Spicy Watermelon “Margarita,” Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz, or a White Chocolate Coconut Espresso Faux-tini. For variety, try incorporating seasonal or tropical flavours like Toasted Coconut, Pistachio, Dragon Fruit, Yuzu, or Spicy Agave to add complexity.

What are easy mocktail recipes to make at home?

To craft easy mocktail recipes at home, you can use Monin Cocktail Mixers like our Mojito Mix, Sangria Mixes, or HomeCrafted Cocktail Mixers. Simply leave out the alcohol! Explore our range of cocktail mixers and sweeteners.

How can I make a margarita mocktail?

To make a delicious margarita mocktail, focus on getting the right balance of sweet and tart. You can use various ingredients such as fresh lime juice, sour mix, club soda, orange juice, agave, and a favourite complementary flavour. 

Flavours like Monin Hibiscus Syrup, Ruby Red Grapefruit Syrup, and Toasted Coconut Syrup add flair to any margarita mocktail. For a "swicy" twist, make your margarita mocktails using flavours like Monin Spicy Watermelon HomeCrafted Cocktail Mixer, Spicy Agave Sweetener, or Spicy Mango Syrup.

What are some mocktails with ginger beer?

Ginger beer adds heat and fizz that plays well with fruit and botanicals. Try a Blackberry Mock Mule, Sticky Apple Mule Mocktail, or Hibiscus Mock Mule.

How can I make a paloma mocktail?

To make an easy paloma mocktail, use grapefruit soda or sparkling water for the base, agave, and lime juice. You can create your own grapefruit soda using Monin Ruby Red Grapefruit Syrup and sparkling water. Add a pinch of salt or Tajín® on the rim for a refreshing, patio-ready sip.

How can I make an espresso martini mocktail?

Make an easy espresso martini mocktail by mixing bold espresso, creamy texture, and a frothy finish. Shake fresh espresso (cooled) with your ingredients with ice until frothy, strain into a coupe, and garnish with coffee beans. Add flair to your espresso martini mocktails with flavours like Toasted Coconut Syrup, Sugar Free Caramel Syrup, and Lavender Syrup.

How can I make better-for-you mocktails?

If you prefer lighter mocktails, focus on flavour without excess sugar. You can use Monin Sugar Free Syrup or Natural Zero flavours for aroma and depth, and select lighter bases (sparkling water, unsweetened tea, sugar-free lemonade). Finish off your low-sugar mocktails with fresh herbs, citrus, and fruit. Try a Pomegranate Cos-No or the New Year New Me mocktail.