Mocktails are fun, fresh, and full of flavor without all the potential health risks that come along with alcohol. They can still allow you to enjoy the social aspect of a delicious drink in hand while doing something great for your body.
“Given the increased awareness around alcohol’s connection to cancer, mocktails are becoming a more attractive option,” shares Alexis LaPietra, DO, FACEP, Medical Director of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) and System Director of Addiction Medicine for the Emergency and Hospitalist Service Line. “Not only do they provide a festive and flavorful alternative, but they also allow you to reduce your alcohol intake without feeling like you’re missing out on social occasions.”
Dr. LaPietra points out that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States and that your risks increase with regular consumption of alcohol, so understanding those risks is crucial to making informed decisions.
When the U.S. Surgeon General announced his warning earlier this year, less than 50% of Americans were aware that alcohol is linked to cancer. Dr. LaPietra emphasizes that educating the public is crucial to helping individuals understand the risks associated with alcohol. She also adds that while cutting back on alcohol won’t drop your cancer risk overnight, it can lower the risks over time.
“Whether you’re worried about breast cancer, which is the most common alcohol-related cancer in women, or colorectal cancer, which tops the list for men, cutting down on alcohol can be a smart move,” Dr. LaPietra shares. “Small changes, like opting for mocktails, can help reduce your risk and improve your overall health.”
You might be wondering: What does this mean if I enjoy a casual drink? Should I stop consuming alcohol entirely? The answer: It can be a step-by-step approach.
“I encourage people to ease into it, especially if they are a regular drinker. Trying out a ‘dry month’ is a great way to see how you feel without alcohol,” shares Dr. LaPietra. “Many people notice they’re more energized and productive, which is always a bonus.”
Dr. LaPietra also recommends talking with your primary care physician, as they can help guide you towards healthier choices, whether that means cutting back or stopping alcohol consumption altogether.
If you would like support in reducing your alcohol use, contact IFPR’s Peer Recovery Program at 848-303-0008 to speak with a certified recovery specialist. Recovery specialists can help you build healthier coping skills, reduce your use of substances and cultivate a supportive community. You can also visit rwjbh.org/preventionandrecovery to learn more about the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery.
So, why not start by mixing up a mocktail as your go-to drink and toasting to better health at your next gathering? You’ll still be part of the fun without all the added risks!
Here are some tasty recipes to get you started below. Cheers!
Pear & Springthyme Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 ounces pear juice
- ¾ ounce thyme simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- Ice
- Pear slice and thyme sprig for garnish
Directions
- In a shaker, add ice, pear juice, thyme simple syrup, lemon juice, and grapefruit juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pear slice and thyme sprig.
Lemon Basil Breeze
Ingredients
- 1-2 fresh basil leaves
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Club soda to top off
- Lemon slice and basil leaf for garnish
Directions
- In a shaker, lightly muddle basil leaves with simple syrup. Add ice, lemon juice, and nonalcoholic white rum if desired.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with club soda. Garnish with a lemon slice and basil leaf.
Watermelon Mint Refresher
Ingredients
- 2 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- Ice
- ¾ cup watermelon juice
- ½ cup club soda
- Small slice of watermelon for garnish
Directions
- Mash mint leaves in the bottom of a large cocktail glass or pint glass with a muddler or small wooden spoon.
- Fill the glass one-third full of ice; add watermelon juice. Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice and more mint leaves, if desired.
Peachy Tea
Ingredients
- 4 ounces sweet tea
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce peach nectar
- ½ ounce orgeat syrup
- Ice
- Peach slice and mint sprig for garnish
Directions
- In a shaker, add ice, sweet tea, peach syrup, lemon juice, and orgeat.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with peach slices and a mint sprig.
Whipped Frozen Lemonade
Ingredients
For Lemon Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Lemonade:
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2½ cups ice cubes
Directions
- To prepare simple syrup: Bring sugar and water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stir in lemon zest and remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 1 hour, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve; discard the zest.
- To prepare whipped lemonade: Add ½ cup simple syrup, lemon juice, coconut milk, and ice to a blender. Blend until ice is crushed and the mixture is slushy. Divide between 4-8 ounce glasses and serve immediately.
Layered Strawberry-Mango Freezes
Ingredients
- 3 cups of frozen strawberries
- 3 cups ice, divided
- 1 cup water, divided
- ⅔ cup lime juice, divided
- ½ cup orange juice, divided
- ¼ cup simple syrup, divided
- 3 cups frozen mango chunks
Directions
- Place strawberries, 1½ cups ice, ½ cup water, ⅓ cup lime juice, ¼ cup orange juice, and 2 tablespoons simple syrup in a blender. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a pitcher or bowl.
- Place mango and remaining 1½ cups ice, ½ cup water, ⅓ cup lime juice, ¼ cup orange juice and 2 tablespoons simple syrup in the blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Decoratively layer the two in 6 glasses.