As non-alcoholic drinks become more popular, more and more home entertainers are preparing our homes for zero-proof entertaining. Because I do not drink, I often have a few different items in my bar that are perfect for mocktails.
Of course, when you’ve never been a drinker or have stopped drinking for a period of time, you tend to be a little rusty when it comes to keeping the bar stocked.
Here are a few items that I like to keep on hand and some tips on how to stock your bar for non-alcoholic drinks as well. This way, you’ll be ready to serve some drinks with or without alcohol.
All-in-One Bar Set.
This bar set from Godinger is a great starter for your bar. It comes with one ice bucket with a cover, one shaker, one tool holder, and four tools with a silver tray to match. These tools will help with making any type of mocktail you’ll want to serve up!
Glasses.
Every bar needs glasses. Some of the most basic ones you can start off with are:
Margarita Glass: perfect for frozen margaritas
Wine Glasses: red and white wine glasses which can also be used for non-alcoholic wine
Martini Glasses: perfect for your favorite martini recipes
Old Fashioned Glasses: you can even make your own old-fashioned bar for guests
Muddler.
Having a good cocktail muddler in your arsenal will help when a recipe calls for you to smash or muddle fruits like strawberries or citrus, or leaves like basil and mint.
Pitcher.
If you plan to make a big batch of a specific drink then make sure you have a good pitcher. This will allow guests to help themselves to their own drinks all night. A long stir stick will also help with mixing.
Check out our favorite non-alcoholic recipe below that uses one.
Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines.
Some of your guests won’t need a mocktail, so having these options is great! Companies like Fre have some great options that I hear tastes like the real thing. Serve them up in beautiful glasses and you’ve got a drink for everyone!
Bitters and Spirits.
If you want to add some flavor to your drinks then using spirits and bitters will give your cocktails a boost! Bitters add flavor while spirits replace the alcohol flavor you would normally have in a cocktail. Seedlip is a company that took away the fermentation process and made a gin-like spirit which has a great herbal taste. It’s a great spirit to have in stock!
Make sure to check out some of our favorite cocktails and mocktails here on The Inspired Home!
Fresh Fruits and Herbs.
Of course, you can’t keep fresh fruits and herbs stocked in your bar forever, but having fresh fruits and herbs on hand will prove to be very important when you’re entertaining. Before you have your guests over, have one or two mocktail recipes that you will serve or have your guests self-serve to make it a little bit easier.
Strawberry, Lime & Mint Smash-Up Mocktail
Strawberry, Lime & Mint Smash-Up Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, plus more for garnish
- 5 fresh mint leaves (use up to 8), plus more for garnish
- 0.5 cups sugar
- 4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 12 oz club soda, ginger ale, or flavored sparkling water
- ice cubes
- lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, blend together strawberries, mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice until well-blended to make the strawberry concentrate. Transfer to pitcher.
- To make one drink, pour ½ cup of the concentrate into a tall glass. Top with ice. Pour 6 oz. of your sparkling beverage over the ice. Give it a little stir.
- Garnish with strawberries, mint, and a lime wedge.
Nutrition
