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Illinois State | Wellness

Mocktails Recipes You Have to Try

Chloe Sweitzer Student Contributor, Illinois State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Move over alcohol, because mocktails are having a major moment. Pinterest is overflowing with dreamy colors, sparkling garnishes, and refreshing flavor combos, and the best part…you can recreate all of it right at home without complicated ingredients and special equipment!

Mocktails are the kind of drinks that make you feel fancy and refreshed with no alcohol needed. They pack all the flavor, color, and fun of a cocktail, just without the buzz or the next-day regret. Whether you’re keeping things healthy, driving home later, or simply love a good drink that tastes amazing, mocktails let you join the party on your own terms. They’re vibrant, creative, and honestly, they make every sip feel like a little celebration.

1. Strawberry Rose Fizz

Why I love it: It’s pink, bubbly, and easy to make.

You’ll need:

  • ½ cup fresh strawberries (muddled)
  • 1 tsp rose water 
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • Sparkling water or club soda
  • Ice
  • Optional: edible rose petals + fresh strawberry slices

How to make it:
Muddle strawberries until juicy, add rose water and lemon. Shake with ice, pour into a glass, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a strawberry slice and rose petals to make it Pinterest-perfect.

2. Pineapple Coconut “Nojito”

Why I love it: It’s a light drink that’s very refreshing! 

You’ll need:

  • Pineapple juice
  • Coconut water
  • Fresh mint
  • Lime slices
  • Sparkling water

How to make it:
Muddle mint and lime. Add pineapple juice and coconut water. Pour over ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with mint. It’s like sipping on a mocktail version of a piña colada meets mojito.

3. Peach Basil Spritz

Why I love it: Peach and basil is the flavor combo you didn’t know you needed. 

You’ll need:

  • ½ cup peach nectar or purée
  • 2–3 basil leaves
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Sparkling lemonade or club soda
  • Ice

How to make it:
Add peach nectar, honey, and basil to a shaker and shake lightly. Pour over ice and top with sparkling lemonade. Add a basil leaf for the aesthetic.

4. Lavender Lemonade Cooler

Why I love it: It tastes like a spa day drink.

You’ll need:

  • ½ cup lemonade
  • 1–2 drops lavender syrup 
  • Sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Optional: dried lavender for garnish

How to make it:
Mix lemonade with lavender syrup, shake, pour into a glass, and top with sparkling water.

5. Watermelon Mint Refresher

Why Pinterest loves it: It’s bright, juicy, and naturally vibrant.

You’ll need:

  • Fresh watermelon, blended + strained
  • Lime juice
  • Mint leaves
  • Sparkling water

How to make it:
Blend watermelon until smooth. Add lime juice and mint. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water for a super refreshing finish.

6. Cherry Vanilla Soda Mocktail

Why Pinterest loves it: It’s nostalgic and gives a summer aesthetic.

You’ll need:

  • Black cherry juice
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Club soda
  • Ice
  • Maraschino cherries

How to make it:
Combine cherry juice and vanilla, pour over ice, and top with soda. Add cherries on top. It’s simple and ridiculously good.

7. Sparkling Green Apple Cooler

Why Pinterest loves it: The bright green color is eye-catching and fun.

You’ll need:

  • ½ cup green apple juice
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • Sparkling water
  • Thin green apple slices

How to make it:
Shake apple & lemon juices, pour over ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with apple slices fanned out along the rim.

Ways To Make Any Mocktail More Aesthetic

Add these touches to level up:

Pretty ice: freeze berries, flowers, or citrus slices inside
Edible glitter: tiny pinch for instant fairy-core
Fun glasses: coupe glasses, mason jars, or frosted tumblers
Rim décor: sugar, Tajín, coconut flakes
Fresh herbs: mint, basil, lavender, and add flavor AND beauty.

Cheers! 

Mocktails are the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and flavor without any of the next-day regrets. Pinterest might be the inspiration, but once you try these recipes, you’ll be making your own picture-perfect drinks in no time.

Chloe Sweitzer

Illinois State '26

Hello, my name is Chloe Sweitzer. I’m a senior nursing student at Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing. I currently work in the emergency room, where I’ve developed a deep passion for caring for a wide variety of patients and health conditions. I love the fast-paced environment of the ER and the constant opportunity to learn and grow. My goal is to earn my Doctorate in Nursing Practice and become an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner (APNP), where I can continue making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives at an advanced level of care.

Outside of nursing, I’m a confident, outgoing person who loves hosting gatherings and spending quality time with friends. I’m not afraid to speak my mind or take on new challenges, I actually thrive in them. I enjoy reading, binge-watching movie series, and getting outdoors whenever I can. Whether it’s hiking, exploring new spots, or just enjoying the fresh air, nature is where I often recharge. I believe in living a full, balanced life that includes both hard work and meaningful connection.

I’m also a proud older sister and love spending time with my younger brother. We share a big love for sports, and I never miss a chance to cheer on my favorite teams: the Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Chicago Cubs. Sports have always played a big role in my life, both watching and playing. They’ve taught me resilience, teamwork, and dedication, which I bring into every area of my life, especially nursing. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to continue growing as a nurse and a person.