Alcohol-free dinner parties needn’t be boring, as proved by these titillating teetotal recipes for mocktails so healthy they’re practically mind-altering.
Dry January, Octsober, pregnancy, recovery, Lent. There are moments in all of our lives when abstention becomes the name of the game. You may have honed your ‘Oh, you brought me 0% beer’ face down to a T, but stoicism is so last century my friend. Who says teetotallers can’t get their kicks too? Below are Bane + Antidote’s favourite craft recipes for mocktails that pack a punch. These exquisite artisanal concoctions, loaded with health benefits, would make for an impressive alcohol free dinner party, or a thoughtful yet self-interested gift for any host.
Why not add a Faust’s Potion Health Shot into the mix too? Your night will be a nutritional rave!
Time Intensive Brews…
Homemade Ginger Beer by The Roasted Root
Prep time: 3 days.
Health benefits:
- Lemon – contains vitamin C.
- Ginger – is anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, used to ease nausea, aid digestion, combat colds and flu, improve circulation and provide energy.
Ingredients
- 9 cups spring or well water
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar*
- ¼ cup fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice**
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast***
Homemade Tonic by The Bojon Gourmet
n.b. If pregnant avoid this recipe (see below).
Prep time: 2-3 weeks.
Health Benefits:
- Lemons and limes – contain vitamin C
- Quinine – antimalarial (warning: potentially unsafe to consume during pregnancy)
- Lemongrass – is used to relieve headaches, speed detoxification and aid digestion.
- Verbena – aids joint function, muscle recovery and boosts the immune system, is an anti-depressant and is used to treat respiratory conditions.
Ingredients:
- 2 limes
- 1 lemon
- 37 oz Mamà brand quinine (cinchona) bark pieces
- 1 cup chopped lemongrass
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm or lemon verbena leaves (optional)
- 6 tablespoons citric acid
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups sugar
- Soda water
We recommend adding alcohol-free bitters like Nature’s Answer Alcohol Free Bitters with Ginger to your homemade tonic water for an added health kick and flavour boost.
Strawberry Basil Kombucha by The Roasted Root
Prep time: 8 days.
Health Benefits:
- Basil – is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Kombucha – is a fermented beverage that is used to aid digestion, weight loss and detoxification, and is an energy an immunity booster.
Ingredients
- 1-2/3 gallons homemade kombucha
- 2 heaping cups ripe strawberries, chopped
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 ounces fresh basil, chopped (1 cup)
Rose Petal Iced Tea by Um Safia on Food.com
Prep time: 10 hours.
Health benefits:
- Rose – rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and other antioxidants and is known to ease menstrual cramps.
- Lemon – contains vitamin C.
- Green tea – is used to aid weight loss and healthy cell regeneration, to improve circulation and lower cholesterol.
Ingredients
- 3 large roses (petals only, white bases removed)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons rose water
- 1 drop pink food colouring
- 3 green tea bags
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
15 Minutes or Less…
Cucumber and Mint Limeade by So Lets Hang Out
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Health benefits:
- Lime – contains vitamin C.
- Mint – is used to help digestion, speed weight loss, improve memory, and to combat fatigue, colds, flu and headaches.
- Cucumber – rehydrates, flushes out toxins and contains skin-loving minerals.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 4 sprigs of mint, de-stemmed
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp course sea salt
- 3 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1 cup ice
- cucumber spears, mint leaves and lime wedges to garnish (optional)
Green Tea Mojito Mocktail by Imbibe
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Health benefits:
- Lime – contains vitamin C
- Mint – is used to help digestion, speed weight loss, improve memory, and to combat fatigue, colds, flu and headaches.
- Matcha – contains antioxidants and L-Theanine (induces relaxation without drowsiness, is a mood enhancer and improves memory), is an energy and immune booster, a detoxifier AND a calorie burner!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. powdered matcha green tea
- 3 oz. hot water
- 6 mint leaves
- 5 tsp. lime juice
- 2 tsp. simple syrup
- 2 lime wedges
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
Quick Fixes…
20 Infused Water Recipes by Style Me Pretty Living
Prep time: 2-3 minutes.
Health benefits:
- Rehydration and detoxification.
Ingredients
- Various, see slideshow.
Matcha Tea Lemonade by Lauren of The Perfect Pear
Prep time: 5 minutes.
Health benefits:
- Lemons – vitamin C.
- Matcha – contains antioxidants and L-Theanine (induces relaxation without drowsiness, is a mood enhancer and improves memory), is an energy and immune booster, a detoxifier AND a calorie burner!
Ingredients
- One lemon
- Desired amount of sugar
- Matcha green tea powder
- Ice and water
Health Shots by Faust’s Potions
Prep time: 0 minutes. Would complement all of the above beverages.
Health benefits:
- The Awake Potion contains electrolytes, green tea, guarana, ginseng, B vitamins and vitamin C. It acts as a pick-me-up and an immunity booster and would be the perfect way to greet your guests on arrival.
- The Asleep Potion contains honey, 5-HTP and electrolytes. It acts as a sleep aid and a detoxifier. It would be the perfect party favour to send your guests home with at the end of the evening.
- Both can be purchased online from the Faust’s Potions Shop.
Bane + Antidote 