Are Mocktails Good for You?

As more people are drinking less alcohol, there’s been an uptick in mocktails and nonalcoholic options.

And there are many reasons why you may skip that beer or cocktail. Maybe you’re in recovery or you’re pregnant. Perhaps you’re sober-curious, starting a new medication that doesn’t mix with alcohol or finding that drinking is having a negative impact on your health.

Whatever your motivation, it can still be tough to figure out if these options are healthy.

What is a mocktail?

Think of it as a cocktail without the alcohol. A variety of ingredients like tea, syrups, sodas and juices are used in place of alcohol to resemble the taste and appearance of a cocktail, says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD.

Here are some things to consider as you navigate mocktails and other nonalcoholic drinks.

Nonalcoholic beverages vs. mocktails

Certain beer and wine options are produced without alcohol, making them nonalcoholic. These can be especially helpful if you’re trying to slowly transition away from drinking and want to comfortably socialize (without anyone asking unwanted questions about your drink choice).

“You may have social stressors when you’re with a group of friends and they’re all drinking,” recognizes Czerwony. “And maybe you don’t want to just be drinking a soda. So, nonalcoholic beers and wines might be one good option to help wean yourself away from alcohol.”

Virgin cocktails or mocktails are drinks that have all the building blocks of well-known cocktails, minus the alcohol. If you’re interested in trying these, you can simply ask for a “virgin” version of your favorite cocktail.

“If you wanted to do a virgin version of something like a mojito or daiquiri, you’re still getting the feel of having a cocktail, but you’re not getting the alcohol,” Czerwony says.

You can also buy premade mocktails in most stores. These are often carbonated or noncarbonated drinks that have similar mixtures to cocktails but without the alcohol content. A lot of these are a good option if you’re trying to experiment with different flavors and want to add a bit of spice to your sober lifestyle.

Are mocktails healthy?

Just because a drink is nonalcoholic doesn’t mean it’s 100% healthy. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Sugar and artificial sweeteners: Make sure to keep an eye on nutritional labels when switching out your rum and Coke for just a regular soda or your glass of wine for apple juice. Especially if you have any pre-existing conditions that are affected by sugar intake, be sure to keep track of how much sugar or artificial sweeteners these nonalcoholic options have.
• Caffeine: Keep in mind that a lot of alcohol alternatives may have caffeine additives — even if they’re not marketed as energy drinks or bottled coffee beverages. It’s also good to know that some drinks may have other additives similar to (or more intense than) caffeine. For example, guarana has been popping up in different beverages, which is an ingredient derived from berries and actually has double the caffeine of coffee beans.
• Vitamin additives: The makers of many popular nonalcoholic drinks are trying out new ingredients to make their products more enticing. So, it’s important to keep an eye on what some of these drinks are adding after they’ve removed the alcohol. Supplements like B12, L-theanine and L-tyrosine are often added to nonalcoholic-branded drinks. While some people may take these supplements for other reasons, you always want to check with a healthcare provider about how much of a supplement is safe for you.

Benefits of mocktails

Cutting out alcohol from your social beverages is a definite plus when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, but are there any other benefits to nonalcoholic options? As Czerwony points out, it all depends on the brand and type you go for, as well as what your usual intake of alcohol is.

In general, cutting down on alcohol can reduce your risk for:

• Sleep disruptions or disorders
• Mental health problems, like anxiety or depression
• Cognitive health issues
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Liver disease

Enjoy with caution

Keep in mind your own history with alcohol. Whether you’re currently going through recovery or you’re serving a friend at dinner, it’s essential to be sensitive to any triggers.

For example, even though there are a ton of tasty mocktails out there, the ones that are modeled after alcoholic cocktails (think: a virgin mojito) can possibly trigger someone into relapse. Czerwony cautions that if you’re worried about going down a slippery slope with certain drinks, you should seek out other alternatives.

The bottom line

Most healthcare providers and physicians will tell you that cutting down on alcohol is a good thing. So, if you’re trying to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle, know that there are many benefits for your health and mental well-being. And there are many alternative drink options out there to help you.

“I think the bottom line is if you don’t drink, don’t start,” advises Czerwony. “And if you feel like you need to cut down, you probably should.”

If you think you’re having trouble managing your drinking, there are other tools that you can try. And if you’re not sure about what nonalcoholic drinks are best for your overall health, it’s never a bad idea to check in with a doctor.