January for Hosts: Elevated Mocktails That Impress Guests

Your next gathering might include someone who is not drinking. They might be doing Dry January, cutting back, or maybe they just prefer a non-alcoholic option.

Instead of just skipping the vodka in your usual recipes, prepare a few well-crafted mocktails that feel just as special and intentional as the cocktails you would normally serve. 

The recipes below focus on bold flavors and bar-quality techniques. Layered syrups, muddled herbs, and simple house-made syrups come together to create drinks your guests will enjoy.

Elevated Mocktail Recipes

Each recipe takes 5 minutes or less and uses ingredients you can find at Haskell's. Start with one for your next gathering, or bookmark them all for future hosting.

White Russian Mocktail

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 oz cold brew coffee or strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 oz coffee liqueur syrup (or coffee syrup)
• 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• Ice
• Coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice
2. Pour cold brew coffee and coffee liqueur syrup over ice
3. Stir gently to combine
4. In a small container, mix heavy cream with vanilla syrup
5. Slowly pour cream mixture over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect
6. Garnish with a few coffee beans if desired

Note: For coffee liqueur syrup, mix equal parts strong brewed coffee with simple syrup, or use store-bought coffee syrup.

Moscow Mule Mocktail

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tbsp simple syrup
• ¼ cup club soda
• 3-4 fresh mint leaves
• ¾ cup ginger beer
• Crushed ice
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a copper mug or highball glass, combine lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda
2. Add mint leaves and gently muddle to release oils
3. Fill glass halfway with crushed ice
4. Pour ginger beer over the ice
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig

Cranberry-Orange Mocktail

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• ½ cup cranberry juice
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ½ cup non alcoholic sparkling wine or grape juice
• ¼ cup crushed ice optional

(Optional) Garnish:

• fresh cranberries
• fresh rosemary or mint
• orange wedges

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine cranberry juice and orange juice
2. Pour into a glass until half full, add ice, then top with sparkling grape juice
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange wedges, or rosemary sprigs

Classic Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• 4 oz club soda
• Crushed ice
• Lime wheel and mint sprig (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a highball glass, add mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup
2. Gently muddle the mint to release oils (don't over-muddle or it becomes bitter)
3. Fill glass with crushed ice
4. Top with club soda and stir gently
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprig

Espresso Martini Mocktail

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 oz coffee syrup
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• ½ oz heavy cream or oat milk
• Ice
• 3 coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature
2. In a shaker with ice, combine cooled espresso, coffee syrup, vanilla syrup, and cream
3. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and frothy
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass
5. Garnish with three coffee beans arranged in the center

Pro tip: The vigorous shaking creates that signature foam on top—don't skip it!

Raise a Glass to Thoughtful Hosting

Hosting in January means trying new recipes and expanding your drink-making skills. Whether your guests are committed to Dry January, drinking less, or just want variety, you're ready with options that deliver.

Go make your January gatherings unforgettable.