Ten Mocktail Recipes Perfect For South Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) Alcohol is part of the lifestyle here in South Louisiana. We do enjoy our cold beer, brown liquors, and the occasional fruity drink when we are on vacation. But there are times when you want the refreshment, but you also need to keep your senses and inhibitions under control. This is where our list of 10 Favorite Mocktails will serve you well.

three clear glass cups with juice — Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash

Why Do People Even Drink Mocktails?

As a non-drinker, one of the most often asked questions I get when I am at a gathering is "Why aren't you drinking?" If I have the desire to be an ass about it, I will tell the person it's because I am an alcoholic, which I am. But it also serves as a gentle reminder that not everyone needs alcohol or its effects to get along in polite company.

Most of the time, though, I just create a non-alcoholic beverage. I find it helps me to avoid the questions and the detailed explanation of the 12 Steps that no one really wants to hear about at a party. Instead, I just sip quietly and remember all of the silly moments that those who imbibe might be forgetting.

A good mocktail looks like a fancy drink. It often has add-ons like a piece of fruit or something on the rim or a dusting of sugar or cinnamon. When you make them correctly, people can't tell by looking.

red liquid with ice and plant — Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

But you can tell by tasting. Mocktails are often brighter, fresher, and healthier than their boozy brethren, and you don't have to wonder if the local PD is conducting a sobriety checkpoint between the party and the house.

How Did We Curate Our List of 10 Favorite Mocktails?

In our list, we asked you what you liked to drink when you're not drinking. We also polled some of our local bartenders, and naturally we looked at what Yelp! TripAdvisor, and other food and beverage sites had to say.

We think we have a very refreshing list, and you could even sip one in the car without having to worry whether the tape is over the straw or not.

Our Favorite Mocktails - 10 Alcohol Free Drinks That You Should Try

Sometimes you just don't want alcohol. Maybe you're the designated driver, or you just don't drink, but you still would love to enjoy a refreshing beverage that isn't just a soda pop. Enter the Mocktail. Those are drinks designed to look like alcoholic drinks but without the booze. They are perfect for when you need to keep your wits about you but still want to seem like you're "having fun". Here are your choices for favorite mocktails. If you have one you'd like to add, let us know about it. We might need to expand our list beyond 10.

Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells