There’s always that moment before the guests arrive — the glasses lined up, the first candle lit, music humming softly in the background. You want something to pour, something to set the tone before the night begins.
But not every glass needs to sparkle with alcohol. Some evenings call for something lighter — fresh, fragrant, and full of flavour. Enter the Anything Mocktail — a drink so simple, it pairs with everything and everyone.
It’s the host’s secret handshake — chic, refreshing, and universally loved.
🌿 The beauty of balance
What makes a great mocktail isn’t complexity — it’s balance. A touch of acidity, a hint of sweetness, something herbal to give it depth, and that joyful fizz that makes a drink feel special.
Think of it as a little symphony of flavours that plays well with whatever’s on your table — from spicy bites to creamy dips to sweet nibbles.
The Anything Mocktail captures that balance perfectly: citrusy, cooling, and endlessly adaptable. You can twist it, shake it, dress it up or down.
🍋 The Anything Mocktail Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients:
60 ml fresh lime juice
30 ml honey or agave syrup (or simple syrup)
100 ml sparkling water or tonic
A few slices of cucumber
A handful of fresh herbs — mint, basil, or rosemary
Optional: a splash of ginger juice, or a tiny pinch of chili flakes for a playful kick
Method:
In a shaker or jar, combine lime juice, honey, and a few cucumber slices.
Add ice and shake (or stir) until chilled.
Pour into glasses over fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water or tonic.
Garnish generously with herbs — the more fragrant, the better.
It’s light enough for daytime, elegant enough for evening, and flexible enough for whatever mood your table’s in.
✨ Perfect pairings
Here’s where the fun begins — pairing your mocktail with your apéro spread. Because a drink this fresh loves company:
With Smoke Roasted Red Pepper & Pili Pili Pesto:
The crisp citrus balances the heat beautifully. Add a rosemary sprig for extra aroma.
With Zesty Green Herb & Lime:
Mirror the flavours — add mint and cucumber to keep it green and garden-fresh.
With Sunset Caramelised Pineapple & Honey Butter:
A surprising pairing that sings — sweet meets sharp, especially if you add a dash of chili to your mocktail.
🥂 Hosting made effortless
The best part? Everyone can enjoy it — drinkers and non-drinkers alike. It’s inclusive, elegant, and infinitely adaptable.
Serve it in short glasses for a laid-back feel, or in stemmed coupes with herb sprigs and citrus curls for something special.
Want to turn it into a spritz? Add a splash of prosecco. Want to make it cozy for cooler nights? Replace sparkling water with ginger beer and add cinnamon.