Mocktails have never been more popular than they are today. Most bars and restaurants have multiple alcohol-free options, while package stores, bodegas, and supermarkets are stocked with canned, ready-to-drink selections as well as pre-made mixes for your non-potent potable of choice.
However, many of these options are made with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and cost-cutting production methods that can leave your canned mocktail or mixer tasting more like a mash-up of different energy drinks than your favorite classic cocktail. Who wants that?
Thankfully, you can now get the best mocktails shipped directly to you, courtesy of Harry & David. The company’s new selection of canned beverages from Mocktails is made with 100% natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients. From the classy cosmopolitan to the breezy margarita, each can is non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan, with no preservatives or additives. So, you can serve/gift these to even your most health conscious of friends and guests.
After tasting through the lineup, here’s a quick review of each mocktail along with some of my favorite mocktail food pairings and cocktail customization suggestions for each.
The Vida Loca Mockarita
Deliciously zesty and tangy, The Vida Loca Mockarita has sharp but pleasant bursts of citrus flavors that fade to a clean, crisp finish. For an authentic twist, serve in a salt-rimmed glass with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to your favorite tropical paradise, or at least like you’re drinking a proper margarita in your living room.
The Mockarita works well with classic Mexican dishes, such as chicken verde or beef enchiladas with a side of Mexican street corn, but is surprisingly balanced enough to pair with lighter fare like ceviche or grilled shrimp tacos as well.
Karma Sucra Mockapolitan
This was classy and sophisticated, like a proper Cosmo should be. It had a delicate balance of refreshing cranberry and lime flavors complemented by a hint of orange zest with enough bite to let you know this is an adult beverage and not a spiked energy drink. Feel free to add a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary to the rim of a highball glass for a more elegant, elevated experience.
For pairings, the light but vibrant flavors of the Mockapolitan are a great accompaniment to sophisticated appetizers like crab cakes or wild pacific shrimp cocktail, but my favorite way to enjoy it was with a creamy baked brie en croute. The richness of the cheese perfectly complements the tartness of the Mockapolitan, leaving a pleasant volley of flavors back and forth on the palate. The Mockapolitan also pairs well with desserts like an Oregon berry or cherry crunch pie.
Scottish Lemonade Moscow Mule
With a very intended pun, the Moscow Mule had more kick right out of the can than any of the others, combining the invigorating flavors of ginger beer with lime juice and the perfect amount of mint. Its refreshingly bold and bubbly flavor profile makes it a great pair for dishes with a kick of their own, such as a spicy seafood cioppino, a smoked salmon chowder, or grilled blackened sockeye.
You can also enjoy the Mule alongside hearty pub-style meals like chicken pot pie, or a gourmet Waygu or grass-fed burger, as well as, of course, spicy buffalo wings.
Espresso Martini
For coffee lovers, the premium non-alcoholic Espresso Martini is a dream come true, and my favorite of the quintet, with an intense espresso flavor nicely balanced with a touch of sweetness. The texture is rich and velvety but not sticky, with plenty of caffeine for a kick before your night out or some extra energy with dessert.
The Espresso Martini pairs exceptionally well with both desserts and brunch items. It was obviously perfect with chocolate-based desserts, such as chocolate decadence or flourless chocolate cake, chocolate brownies, and even tiramisu. The surprise, however, was how well it paired with brunch items like a fluffy stack of blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry or cranberry English muffins (with your preserve of choice), and an assortment of gourmet waffles, of which the double chocolate and maple where my favorites.
Sevilla Red Sangria
The Seville Red Sangria tastes like a deliciously fruity non-alcoholic sangria. Simply put, if you like sangria, you will love this.
For a more authentic preparation, pour multiple cans into a pitcher and add your favorite combination of juices and cut-up fruits to create your own personal at-home sangria mocktail experience.
No matter the occasion, these premium non-alcoholic mocktails are sure to impress. With their distinct flavors and versatile pairing options, they offer a delightful alternative to alcoholic beverages. Relax and enjoy the sophistication and taste of these mocktails without compromising on flavor.
