My hubby worked at a local restaurant (Zia Diner) for 15 years and worked as a busboy, waiter, and bartender. He learned how to make a mean cosmo, margarita, and mojito during this time. So, we decided to make them into booze-free household favorites. Enjoy!

FIRST THINGS FIRST, HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP

Simple syrup is just like the name says, simple. 

To make it:

1. Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.
2. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

It keeps for up to a month when stored correctly in a jar in the fridge, so I always make extra to use later.

Virgin Margarita

Ingredients

• Kosher salt for rimming glass (if you like salt)
• 4 ounces simple syrup
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 1-ounce lemon juice
• 1-ounce orange juice
• Lime wheels or wedges for garnish
• Top with a grapefruit or lime seltzer water

Instructions

• Pour about one teaspoon of kosher salt on a small plate. Moisten the rim of the glass by rubbing with a lime wedge. Dip the rim of the glass into salt to coat evenly.
• Pour simple syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled about half full with ice.
• Cover and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
• Pour into rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge. Add a splash of seltzer water. 

Notes

• To make by the pitcher, multiply the liquid ingredients by the number of servings desired. Pour into a pitcher and stir to combine. Pour into salt-rimmed glasses filled with ice.

Virgin Mojito

Ingredients

• 15 mint leaves
• 1-ounce fresh lime juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup 
• ice
• 4 ounces club soda or sparkling water or ginger ale
• lime wedge optional, for garnish

Equipment

• Glass
• Muddler (or wooden spoon)

Instructions 

• Add mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to the glass. Muddle mint leaves gently.
• Add as much ice as desired, then top with club soda. Stir lightly to combine. Garnish with lime wedges (optional) and enjoy.

Virgin Cosmo

Ingredients

• 90 ml Reduced Sugar Cranberry Juice
• 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 60 ml sparkling water
• 30 ml orange juice

Instructions

• Place cranberry juice, lime, and soda in a cocktail shaker or similar (a mason jar works great!). Add plenty of ice and shake gently. See Notes.
• Pour into a martini glass.
• Add a splash of orange juice and serve

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Use a low-sugar cranberry juice for a healthier alternative.
• Shake gently, just enough to combine. The fizz in the soda water can make the cocktail shaker lid fly off if you shake too vigorously!