10 Low-Sugar Mocktails to Sip Smartly

Low-sugar mocktails are a delicious shift from sugary drinks, giving you a chance to savour flavourful options without compromising on taste. Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply want to enjoy a refreshing beverage, these delightful choices offer a tasty experience that extends beyond just being a lighter option. Cheers to enjoying the good stuff without compromise!   

Why are sugar-free mocktails trending?

Enjoying low-sugar and sugar-free mocktails can contribute to a healthier lifestyle without compromising on taste. They are an excellent choice for folks who are looking for flavourful, guilt-free options, making social gatherings more enjoyable while supporting a balanced and mindful approach to nutrition.  

1. Grapefruit Thyme Spritzer

If you love low-sugar mocktail recipes that have plenty of flavour and personality, you’ve got to try this Grapefruit Thyme Spritzer. Start by making a thyme simple syrup, swapping sugar for stevia in the standard recipe. Once the syrup is ready, and cooled, combine 1 tablespoon of the thyme syrup with 120ml fresh grapefruit juice over plenty of ice, and top it off with 60ml club soda. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve. 

2. Apple Margarita Mocktail

Making mocktails with low sugar content does not have to be super tricky; it just calls for a little creativity. To make a batch of Apple Margarita Mocktails to share with friends, combine the juice of 3 whole, fresh limes, and 4 cups of apple cider in a pitcher over plenty of ice. To serve, rim your serving glasses with coconut sugar and a dusting of cinnamon for that extra wow factor.  

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3. Virgin Bloody Mary

We love savoury low-sugar summer mocktails for easy brunches and chilled aperitif moments. To make one umami-packed Virgin Bloody Mary, combine 180ml tomato juice, 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice, a few dashes of hot sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of fresh lime juice and a pinch of celery salt in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until frosty. Decant into a serving glass over fresh ice, and dress it up with your savoury favourites. We often go with celery, pickles, or green olives. 

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4. Hibiscus Sangria

This no-sugar mocktail is a showstopper of note, and a great option when you need to serve a crowd. To make a batch, start by steeping six hibiscus tea bags in 3 cups of hot water for 8 minutes. Discard the tea bags and allow the tea to cool. Then add 3 cups of cold water, and a selection of chopped-up fruit—apples and oranges work well. Refrigerate until tea is fully chilled and serve in tumblers over fresh ice. 

5. Cucumber & Dill Cooler

These healthy cucumber mocktails have the perfect balance of cucumber, dill, and lemon. This sugar-free mocktail recipe is low sugar, vegan, and very simple to make. Place 2 teaspoons of fresh dill, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a touch of stevia (if preferred), and muddle for about 20-30 seconds. Add 180ml cucumber juice, and a few ice cubes, and shake well. Double strain into an ice-filled glass and top with soda water. Stir gently, garnish, and serve. 

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6. Watermelon & Mint Mocktail

Love watermelon? So do we! To make this refreshing Watermelon & Mint Mocktail, start by whipping up a fresh batch of watermelon juice with 3 cups of cubed watermelon (seeds removed), and blitzing it in a blender. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a glass, fill it with ice, add 120ml watermelon juice, and top it off with soda water. Stir gently, garnish with a thin slice of watermelon and a sprig of mint, and serve. 

7. Tom Collins Mocktail

Healthy low-sugar mocktails do not have to be complicated. To make a Tom Collins Mocktail, combine 45ml alcohol-free gin (or a botanical infusion of your choice), with 45ml fresh lemon juice, and 30ml honey syrup in a glass filled with ice. Stir well, top off with club soda, garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry, and enjoy. 

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8. Virgin Pineapple Mint Ranch Water

On sunny days, a tall glass of ice-cold Virgin Pineapple Mint Ranch Water always goes down a treat. To make a batch to serve four, combine 360ml pineapple juice, a few fresh mint leaves, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to a blender and pulse to combine for about a minute. Decant into serving glasses over fresh ice, top off with sparkling mineral water, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve. 

9. Aperol Spritz Mocktail

Mocktails with no sugar, and an Italian spin? Yes, please! To make a batch of the non-alcoholic version of the super popular Aperol Spritz, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a piece of lemon peel, 3 sage leaves, and 3 sprigs of thyme to a glass and muddle it together. Decant into a cocktail shaker with 180ml orange juice, 180ml grapefruit juice, 120ml pomegranate juice, 120ml white grape juice, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Shake until frosty and strain into four glasses filled with fresh ice. Top off with zero-sugar tonic water or soda water, garnish with fresh orange, and serve. 

10. Virgin Piña Colada Smoothie

When someone is learning how to make mocktails, we always recommend having the Virgin Piña Colada as an ace up the sleeve. This pretty drink tastes like a little tropical vacation in a glass. Essentially a pineapple and coconut smoothie, this morish mocktail can be made using coconut milk, pineapple juice, and ice, or you can dare to dream and use sugar-free ice cream for an extra creamy serve. Simply divine!     

Cheers to a delicious and health-conscious mocktail experience! Tag us in your pics on the ‘Gram and remember to sign up for our newsletter if you would like more tasty inspiration pieces like these delivered straight to your inbox.