6 Best Spring Mocktails for Brunch and Beyond
Spring mocktails are having a moment—and for good reason. They’re crisp, colorful, and built to match the season’s shift: lighter food, longer mornings, and a little more sparkle in the glass. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just looking for a refreshing afternoon pour, these drinks bring flavor without the buzz. This lineup focuses on real ingredients, balanced builds, and syrups that add depth without overdoing it.
Expect floral notes, bright citrus, and the kind of clean, layered refreshment that holds up with or without food. No guesswork, no filler—just spring in a glass, ready to serve.
The Best Spring Mocktails for Brunch, Lunch, or Whenever
These spring mocktails are layered, citrus-bright, and made to match the energy of longer days and lighter plates. Perfect for brunch spreads, garden hangs, or just something fresh to sip in the sun.
1. Forbidden Apple
A chilled apple-forward pour with cinnamon spice and citrus balance—built for brunch but good any time of day.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Liquid Alchemist Apple Spice
- ¾ oz Liquid Alchemist Tamarindo
- ½ oz Lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Champagne vinegar (used O from Petaluma)
- 3 dashes non-alcoholic aromatic bitters (used All the Bitter)
- 4 oz Fever-Tree Club Soda
Directions
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin apple slice.
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Apple Spice Cocktail Syrup
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2. Enay Mai Tai (Zero-Proof Adaptation)
Tropical, rich, and nutty—with almond, citrus, and a touch of spice in the mix.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Liquid Alchemist Orgeat
- 1 ½ oz Ritual Zero Proof Rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 oz Fever-Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig or lime wedge.
3. Improved Hot Cocoa (Zero-Proof Adaptation)
Warm, complex, and decadent—ideal for cooler spring mornings or late brunch pours.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Hot Water/Oat Milk/Milk
- 1 oz Liquid Alchemist Coconut Syrup
- 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder
Directions
Combine ingredients in a mug. Stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Raspy Ol’ Collins
Bright, bubbly, and just tart enough—raspberry and citrus in a highball format that feels refreshing, not thin.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Optimist Fresh or Gin Alternative
- ¾ oz Liquid Alchemist Raspberry
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- 3 oz Club Soda
Directions
Shake syrup and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda. Garnish with a lemon twist or a few fresh raspberries.
5. Peach and Every Day
Juicy and just floral enough—this one’s light, round, and meant to sip slowly.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Optimist Bright or Gin Alternative
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Liquid Alchemist Peach
- ½ oz Liquid Alchemist Ginger
- 3 oz Club Soda
Directions
Shake syrup, tea, and citrus with ice. Strain over ice in a tall glass. Top with soda. Garnish with a peach slice or edible flower.
6. Pom-Pom Party
Pomegranate meets citrus in this fizzy, fruit-forward mocktail with just the right amount of zip.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Optimist Smokey Tequila Alternative
- 1 oz Liquid Alchemist Grenadine
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- 1 Egg White
Directions
Build in a glass over ice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon twist or a few pomegranate seeds.
Spring Mocktails That Do More Than Look Pretty
These spring mocktails are sharp, floral, citrus-driven, and refreshing enough to carry a brunch menu—or just a good morning. They’re made to match the season’s vibe: lighter, brighter, and full of flavor without the fog.
Why These Mocktails Belong at the Table
These six drinks start with real ingredients: bright syrups, cold tea, fresh juice, and the occasional spice or floral note to pull it together. They don’t hide behind soda or sweetness, and they’re not just filler between rounds.
Each one is layered, thoughtfully balanced, and built to stand on its own. Whether you’re skipping spirits altogether or just want something that feels like a proper pour, these mocktails are made to deliver—no shortcuts, no distractions, just flavor that holds up.
The Real Way to Do Spring Mornings
Great spring mocktails don’t just swap in soda or squeeze in citrus—they’re layered, thoughtful, and built to show up at the table. These six recipes prove that a good non-alcoholic drink can still carry real presence, structure, and flavor from the first sip to the last.
We build our syrups to support that kind of pour—bright where they need to be, rich where it counts, and always balanced. Explore the flavors that fit your glass, mix them your way, and keep spring in rotation a little longer. Because a drink without alcohol should still be something you want to remember.
FAQs
What are the best syrups to use in spring mocktails?
Look for bright, fruit-forward flavors like raspberry, peach, pomegranate, and passion fruit. These pair well with citrus, tea, or soda water, and add both color and depth without overwhelming the glass.
How do I make a mocktail feel like a proper cocktail?
Focus on structure: citrus for brightness, a syrup for body, and texture from shaking or stirring. Use proper glassware and a thoughtful garnish. It shows intention.
Can I prep non-alcoholic drinks ahead of time for brunch?
Yes, just mix everything except carbonated ingredients and citrus. Add those right before serving to keep things fresh and balanced.
What’s a good zero-proof drink to pair with food?
Anything with acidity—like a raspberry Collins or ginger-based build—cuts through richness and plays well with savory dishes or brunch fare.
Do I need a shaker to make a mocktail?
It helps, especially for drinks with citrus or egg white. But a mason jar with a tight lid works just fine in a pinch.