With increased attention to the needs of sober and sober-curious drinkers, Dry January, and a growing respect for individual dietary restrictions, bartenders and spirit makers alike have taken note of the demand for non-alcoholic cocktails offering the same level of sensory and social experience as their higher proof counterparts. They go by many names, meant to evoke respect and innovation in the drinks and spirits industry: zero-proof, no-proof, alcohol-free, virgin, teetotalers, soft drinks, temperance drinks, neutral, 0% ABV (alcohol by volume), and more.

FROM SIMPLE TREATS TO FANCY CREATIONS

Alcohol-free drinks have existed for years, though they have experienced a resurgence recently, as more people choose to drink less (or not at all). Using fresh ingredients, restaurants and bars are redefining alcohol-free beverages and devoting more menu space to creative options. Alcohol-free cocktails have also evolved from simple imitations of popular alcoholic drinks to innovative beverages, with unique flavors and twists, that can hold their own when compared to boozy cocktails. Similarly, while recipe books for non-alcoholic drinks have long been around, they surged in popularity in the 2010s and remain popular today.

Whether readers are alcohol free by choice, health, or life circumstance, the following titles aim to please the palate and expand varied options for mindful drinking. Recipes in these books offer more than sparkling sodas, Shirley Temples, or “virgin” Piña Coladas (though readers will find those too); they are sophisticated, well-balanced adult drinks for all, ranging from classics to drinks with health benefits. Starred titles are essential for most collections.

ANYTIME, FEEL-GOOD DRINKS

Bainbridge, Julia. Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason. Ten Speed. 2020. 176p. ISBN 9781984856340. $22.99.

Bainbridge embarked on a road trip to source the best non-alcoholic cocktails across the United States; the result is a variety of sophisticated drinks for any moment or occasion. Recipes are organized according to hour: Midday, Afternoon, Happy Hour, Evening, and Nighttime. Most require some prep, but handy charts help to determine how involved a drink will be overall. Notes on assembly and instructions for batch options are helpful.

Benson, Kerry & Diana Licalzi. Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion. Blue Star. 2021. 176p. ISBN 9781950968244. $19.95.

From the dietitians behind Drinking for Two, this collection offers plant-based mocktails for everyone. With a focus on health and moderation, recipes fea ture mocktail versions of classic cocktails, drinks with a “twist,” brunch options, dessert drinks, frozen beverages, nutrient-rich options, and holiday/seasonal drinks. Many recipes feature fresh fruits, herbs, juice, and kombucha. An appendix includes tips on going alcohol-free and or dering zero-proof drinks at restaurants.

Briga, Benny & Adeena Sussman. Gazoz: The Art of Making Magical, Seasonal Sparkling Drinks. Artisan. 2021. 224p. ISBN 9781579658755. $17.95.

These Israeli seltzer drinks require actual layering of fruits, herbs, and more to create a colorful, visually stimulating cup. The collection includes an introduction to gazoz, and sections on fermentation, fruit and vegetable juices, syrups, and edible flowers and greens. Don’t be fooled by the fanciful appearance of the drinks; these are highly in volved when it comes to ingredients, prep, and fermentation.

David, Natasha. Drink Lightly: A Lighter Take on Serious Cocktails, with 100+ Recipes for Low- and No-Alcohol Drinks. Clarkson Potter. 2022. 272p. ISBN 9780593232590. $25.

Bartender David brings her expertise mixing craft cocktails at New York City’s Nitecap bar to this fun, invit ing collection of low- and no-alcohol riffs on traditional drinks. Using low spirit wines, spirits, and liqueurs as well as fruit and herb infusions, the varied drinks here are ideal for entertaining. Step-by-step instructions also make this a good starting point for those looking to drink less alcohol but are feeling unsure where to start.

Hwang, Caroline. Mocktails: Nonalcoholic Cocktails with Taste and Style. Weldon Owen. 2018. 192p. ISBN 9781681884356. $22.99.

Hwang offers a richly illustrated guide to a range of lovely drinks. She offers an introduction to equipment and mocktail necessities and presents a solid variety of flavors, including fruit and spice-based cocktails. Those with a well-stocked pantry with a variety of spices, fruits, and sugar options will find a recipe that works, though some planning is required. For example, a cocktail shaker (and some patience) is essential for most drinks.

Liardet, Clare. Dry: Delicious Handcrafted Cocktails and Other Clever Concoctions— Seasonal, Refreshing, Alcohol-Free. The Experiment. 2018. 144p. ISBN 9781615195022. $22.99.

This book features seasonal cocktails for every hour and event (including smoothies and teas). Sections include New Starts (drinks with bright, clean flavors), Friday Nights (pick-me-ups to start the weekend), Lazy Sundays, Long Summers (cool drinks), Wood Smoke Warmers (fall flavors), and Fireside Glow (for the winter months). Illustra tions make it easy to learn about cocktail basics, equipment, glasses, and ingredi ents such as mixers, garnishes, ice, syr ups, shrubs, and more.

Licalzi, Diana & Kerry Jane Criss. Drinking for Two: Nutritious Mocktails for the Mom-To-Be. Blue Star. 2019. 160p. ISBN 9781944515829. $19.95.

This book features plant-based drinks with health benefits to target pregnancy-related symptoms. Recipes run the gamut from bubbly to flat, frozen, warm, and more, with each citing the particular health benefit of a specific drink. The resource also includes information on nutrients, advice on common symptoms, food safety during pregnancy, and tips for ordering non-alcoholic drinks. Worth a look, even if you’re not expecting.

Man, Richard. Mocktails: More Than 50 Recipes for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Punches, and More. Racehorse. 2019. 176p. ISBN 9781631584695. pap. $14.99.

Chemical engineer-turned-bartender Man wants to elevate non-alcoholic drinks to a respected category of their own. With a focus on taste complexity, Man organizes his recipes based on food pairings, ranging from light, fresh dishes to cheese platters and everything in between. Featuring flavors from around the world, each recipe includes a list of ideal pairings, along with substitutions for mixing and serving. Listed are handy alternatives for standard cocktail tools.

Petrosky, Maureen. Zero Proof Drinks and More: 100 Recipes for Mocktails and Low-Alcohol Cocktails. Robert Rose. 2021. 224p. ISBN 9780778806752. pap. $24.95. Petrosky offers zero- and low alcohol options for those who are okay with a minimal amount of alcohol in their drink. The resource includes a detailed introduction to tools, supplies, and low ABV options to stock in a drinks cart, along with instructions on how to make essential syrups. Recipes range from aperitifs, spritzes, punches, and more. Some work is involved in prepping in gredients, but store-bought alternatives are cited where relevant.

Ramirez, Elva. Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking. Mariner. 2021. 256p. ISBN 9780358211914. $22.

With a focus on history as well as drinks, this informative book by Ramirez provides an introduction to the concept of no-proof drinking, a brief review of temperance in the United States from the colonial era to Prohibition, explains Dry January, and speculates on the future of zero-proof drinks. Cocktail recipes range from fruity to decadent, curated from bartenders around the world, along with tips on technique, tools, and more.

Scott, Liz. Zero Proof Cocktails: Alcohol Free Beverages for Every Occasion. Ten Speed. 2009. 138p. ISBN 9781580089593. $17.99.

Scott offers a varied selection of elixirs, aperitifs, martinis, party cocktails, mealtime libations, dessert drinks, and nightcaps. These are “occasion” drinks for guests who want or need to avoid alcohol but are looking for party drinks with an element of flair. Expect to make syrups, garnishes, and more, with bitters, teas, juices, extracts and essences replacing alcohol for the right amount of bite.

Seedlip. Seedlip Cocktails: 100 Delicious Nonalcoholic Recipes from Seedlip & the World’s Best Bars. Weldon Owen. 2020. 192p. ISBN 9781681885100. $20.

Cocktails from the distillate producer that seeks to solve the “what to drink when you’re not drinking dilemma.” Recipes center on Seedlip’s three spir its—Spice 94, Garden 108, and Grove 42—with each section featuring “Long & Short Cocktails” and “Guest Cocktails” that range from everyday to expert level. Includes a discussion about ingredients and pairings, and an overview of eight tenets for the creation of nonalcoholic cocktails.

White, April. Lemonade with Zest: 40 Thirst-Quenching Recipes. Chronicle. 2018. 96p. ISBN 9781452162775. pap. $16.95.

Food writer White devotes an entire book to lemonade, offering several ways to spice up (or cool down) the classic drink. Beyond the traditional blend of lemonade and tea, White shares creations flavored with cherry or vanilla (or spices like ginger and cardamon). These are summer time drinks for entertaining, but fans of lemonade, and citrus flavors in general, will be intrigued all year-round. A few alcoholic drinks are also included.

SOBER LIVING

Alcohol Change UK—Dry January: After Dry January 

Learn about the history of Dry January, how it started, and how to maintain a dry lifestyle throughout the year. Includes statistics, tips, and more on going dry.

White, Amanda. Not Drinking Tonight: A Guide to Creating a Sober Life You Love. Hachette Go. 2022. 272p. ISBN 9780306925856. $27.

This self-help guide is not a manifesto on sobriety, but rather an invitation to examine one’s relationship with alcohol and consider if life may be better without it. White, a licensed therapist, thoughtfully addresses addictive patterns, provides exercises, and explores the subject of disordered alcohol use from a personal and professional perspective to help readers evaluate their alcohol use, address their mental health, and learn to enjoy a sober lifestyle.

OTHER RESOURCES

The following free web resources can round out a collection, LibGuide, or event handout for readers interested in quick access to zero proof cocktail recipes and mocktail basics.

BBC Good Food: Non-alcoholic Drinks

A list of 16 drink recipes that range from classic to cozy, including a number of mocktails and punches. Effort level, time commitment, and dietary information (vegan, gluten free, vegetarian) are cited for each recipe.

Lyre’s Spirit Co: Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes 

Drinks that incorporate Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits, ranging from zero-proof takes on old classics, like Lyre’s Negroni, to Lyre’s Maple Coffee Cocktail. The “Journal” (blog) provides further insight into non-alcoholic options for holiday events and more.

Ritual Zero Proof: Ritual Cocktails and Mocktails—Easy Recipes for Non-Alcoholic Drinks 

Ritual aims to bring a new tool to the cocktail kit with zero-proof alcohol replacements that feel and taste like the genuine thing. Recipes include zero- and low ABV options using Ritual’s whiskey, rum, gin, and tequila replacements.

Seedlip: Cocktails

A primer to Seedlip’s zero-proof distillates, and an easy access alternative to Seedlip Cocktails. Each recipe provides guidance on glass and garnish options for serving.

Sugar and Charm: Your Guide to Making the Best Mocktail 

A primer on how to make the perfect mocktail by Eden from Sugar and Charm. This detailed post introduces the essentials, cocktail tools, zero-proof spirits, syrups, shrubs, and the “basic formula” for making a mocktail.

Taste of Home: 30 Non-Alcoholic Party Drinks 

A refreshing collection of non-alcoholic cocktails that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Recipes are submitted by readers and include individual cocktails, punches, and pitcher drinks. Includes nutritional information.

The Zero Proof: Non Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes 

Created by a group of friends who wanted to live a sober life without missing out on quality drinks, the Zero Proof guide is the “Ultimate Mocktail list of non-alcoholic drink recipes.” The website includes Booze-Free City Guides (currently on pause), non-alcoholic product reviews, and a bottle shop.

Gricel Dominguez is a Librarian at Florida International University Library, and has reviewed fiction and nonfiction titles for LJ since 2014.