Sometimes booze-free is the way to go! As I age, I have found that I love my early morning workouts and restful nights’ rests more than a margarita. Additionally, after having a child, your body changes, and more than ever, I want to sleep after a drink. With a toddler and a busy work schedule, nap time is not an option.
My hubby worked at a local restaurant (Zia Diner) for 15 years 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 Thing’s First—Let’s Make the Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is just like the name says—simple.
To make it
- Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- 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
- 4 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- 1 oz. orange juice
- Grapefruit/lime-flavored seltzer water
- Lime wheels or wedges (optional) for garnish
- Kosher salt (optional, if you don’t like salt) for rimming glass
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 and add a splash of seltzer water.
- Garnish with lime wheel or wedge.
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 oz. fresh lime juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- Ice
- 4 oz. club soda, 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. 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 (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
- 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!
- Use a low-sugar cranberry juice for a healthier alternative.