Creative Coffee Mocktails

Coffee cocktails creatively blend the richness of coffee with exciting themes and garnishes. It’s always nice to have non-alcoholic drink options, and that’s where coffee mocktails come in. Try out a glass with caramel drizzle and fizzy tonic water. Mix a Shirley Temple with espresso. Countless combinations exist, allowing you to customize the perfect coffee mocktail.   

Let’s explore the art of coffee mixology, the best mocktail recipes, how to host a mocktail party, and the benefits of booze-free coffee mocktails. 

Coffee Mocktails 

Coffee mocktails don’t have the alcohol found in coffee cocktails. Instead, non-alcoholic substitutes are used, such as non-alcoholic spirits, infused waters, syrups, and fruit infusions. 

Coffee comes in many flavors, mouthfeels, and aromas. This wide spectrum includes everything from nutty to fruity, earthy to sweet. No matter what drink a mixologist wants to make, they can likely find a suitable coffee as the base ingredient. 

The Art of Coffee Mocktail Mixology

Coffee mocktails typically include these essential ingredients. 

Syrup: Flavored syrups are often used as the base for coffee mocktails.

Milk or a dairy alternative: Oat milk is a popular dairy alternative due to its smooth texture. Coconut milk offers sweet tropical notes, while almond milk comes with a subtle nutty flavor. 

Garnish: The garnish decorates the mocktail, making it look more unique and interesting. Lemon and orange twists are the most traditional and popular, but you can get more creative. Mixologists 

Coffee beans: The type of coffee you choose can heavily impact your final mocktail taste. Instant coffee can make mocktails simpler, but many people enjoy brewing their own coffee for their mocktails at home. You can source incredible, diverse coffee from our curated list of coffee clubs. Deliveries bring high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans straight to your doorstep. 

Tips for a good mocktail composition 

Experience will help you brew better mocktails, but pro mocktail tips can help you build your expertise more easily. The flavors and aromas need to be balanced to form a good mocktail. The texture can’t be too cloudy or thin. 

To improve a mocktail, many mixologists use the following tips and add-ons:

• Xanthan gum powder 
• Flavored bitters 
• Add some honey and maple syrup for a hint of sweetness 
• Try out fun garnish options, such as aromatic herbs, coconut flakes, chocolate, and edible flowers 

The visual appeal of a mocktail is also important, especially if you are serving it to a customer. Color is key to the visual presentation of a mocktail vessel, while garnish can accentuate the theme of the drink. Here are some tips for improving the aesthetic of a coffee mocktail:

• Use wedges or twists of citrus to add a pop of color (depending on the mocktail flavor)
• Add berries for a fruity aroma 
• Choose cohesive colors based on color theory (complementary colors are good) 

No espresso machine? Protip: You can use whipped egg whites instead of steamed milk foam!

Creative Coffee Mocktail Recipes

Espresso Shirley Temple

Made from grenadine (a non-alcoholic syrup), lemon-lime soda, and freshly made espresso, the espresso-version of the classic Shirley Temple is an exciting way to get into coffee mocktails. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
• 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
• ½ cup lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Recipe: 

1. Prepare the base by filling the glass with ice cubes
2. Pour in the grenadine and wait for it to settle into a gorgeous red base
3. Gently add lemon-lime soda to create the next layer
4. Add the fresh, cooled espresso to create the top layer 
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for that classic, scarlet Shirley Temple look 

Sparkling Espresso Tonic 

The sparkling espresso tonic is a refreshing blend of espresso, tonic water, citrus syrup, and a splash of soda water. The flavor varies based on what syrup and flavorings you add, so you can choose your favorite fruits and flavors. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
• ⅓ cup tonic water
• Optional: ⅓ cup soda water for added fizz 
• 1 tbsp citrus syrup 
• Ice cubes
• Orange or lime slice 
• Optional garnish: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme 

Recipe: 

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
2. Pour citrus syrup. Stir gently with the tonic water and soda water until well blended
3. Slowly pour the cooled espresso over the back of a spoon, layering this atop the base to create a gradient
4. Garnish with an orange or lime slice. A fresh sprig of rosemary, elderflower, or other herb is also a great addition 

Coconut Cold Brew Cooler

A tropical-inspired mocktail featuring cold brew coffee, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and a dash of cinnamon.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup cold brew coffee (chilled)
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ tsp cinnamon 
• Ice cubes
• Toasted coconut flakes 
• Pineapple wedge

Recipe: 

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
2. Mix coconut milk, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cold brew together. Stir well until smooth
3. Pour the mixture over the ice
4. Garnish using toasted coconut flakes. Add a pineapple wedge for a fun tropical theme 

Mocha Mint Coffee Cocktail

The Mocha Mint Madness combines chocolate syrup with mint, cold brew, and whipped cream to top it all off. This flavorful, refreshing cocktail can be a good choice for dessert, especially during the winter holiday season. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract 
• ½ cup milk (or a dairy alternative)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candies 
• Fresh mint leaves

Recipe:

1. Mix the cold brew, chocolate syrup, peppermint extract, and milk (or dairy alternative) in a mixing glass
2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
3. Pour the blended mocha-mint mixture over the ice
4. Top with thematic garnish. Add whipped cream as desired

Caramel Macchiato Mocktail 

The iced caramel macchiato is a favorite for many coffee enthusiasts. Why not add some flair to it by making the mocktail version? Make a caramel macchiato and add some sparkling water or tonic for a fizzy twist. Caramel drizzle is a solid way to garnish this classic drink, and you can also use some whipped cream for extra sweetness. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz espresso cooled espresso 
• ½ cup milk (or dairy alternative)
• 1 tbsp caramel syrup 
• ⅓ cup sparkling water or tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream 
• Caramel drizzle

Recipe: 

1. Drizzle caramel syrup inside the glass and fill it with ice cubes
2. Pour caramel syrup and milk into glass. Stir to combine
3. Slowly pour the espresso over the milk, creating a layered effect
4. Top with bubbles by pouring the sparkling (or tonic) water over the espresso layer
5. Top with garnish, including whipped cream as desired 

Berry Blast Affogato

This berry blast is a fruity twist on the classic affogato, featuring vanilla ice cream, mixed berries, espresso, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Perfect for those who enjoy a fruity mocktail. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz hot espresso 
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• ¼ cup mixed fresh or frozen berries 
• 1 tsp honey or berry syrup for extra sweetness
• Cocoa powder and/or crushed freeze-dried berries

Recipe: 

1. Scoop ice cream into a small dessert bowl
2. Sprinkle berries onto the ice cream. Drizzle with berry syrup or honey as desired
3. Pour hot espresso over ice cream and berries. The heat will melt the ice cream for a luscious, creamy texture
4. Garnish using cocoa powder or crushed, freeze-dried berries. Serve immediately with a spoon so the ice cream doesn’t melt too much! 

Coffee Sangria Mocktail

The coffee sangria mocktail uses alcohol-free red wine or juice to create a sweet, flavorful drink that is perfect for a hot summer. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz cold brew 
• 1 cup of orange juice 
• ½ cup pomegranate juice 
• 2-3 tbsp simple syrup 
• Fresh citrus slices, berries, and apple slices 
• Fresh mint leaves
• Cinnamon sticks and star anise (optional garnish) 
• Ice cubes 
• ½ cup sparkling water 

Instructions: 

1. Pour cold brew coffee, orange juice, and pomegranate juice into a pitcher. Stir gently to blend
2. Add simple syrup
3. Add the sliced fruits. Mix slightly using a wooden spoon
4. Cover the pitcher of sangria and let it chill in the fridge (overnight is ideal)
5. Stir in sparkling water right before serving so the sangria is nice and bubbly 

Tips for Hosting Coffee Mocktail Parties

Coffee mocktail parties are a great break from the stress and restlessness of day-to-day life. They’re casual enough that you can host one whenever inspiration strikes – plus, there is no need to worry about hangovers in case there is work in the morning. 

Set a Theme 

Setting a theme is the recommended way to go about a mocktail party. You can go wild with a fun theme or stay simple. Simple themes:

• Tropical
• Cozy 
• Chic 

Fancy themes:

• Pirates 
• The Roaring Twenties
• Spies and Secret Agents
• Space 
• Holiday theme (e.g. Cinco de Mayo, St Patrick’s Day, Halloween, etc.)

Once you’ve chosen the theme, you can send out invitations. Announce the date, time, theme, and location when sending guests RSVPs. Create digital and/or physical invites with a themed design according to your mocktail party’s chosen theme. 

Prepare the Mocktail Menu

While it’s important to stick with the theme set for the party, remember to offer a varied selection of mocktail types. Crowd-pleasing mocktail flavors include popular flavors, such as the espresso Shirley Temple and the coconut cold brew cooler. Choose at least 4-5 signature coffee mocktails to suit diverse tastes. 

When preparing a mocktail and/or cocktail menu for friends and family, it’s important to take into dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, it’s often a good idea to offer gluten-free or vegan options as drinks. Some guests may also have caffeine sensitivity, so make sure to include decaffeinated options. 

Designate and decorate 

Feel free to decorate the location (coffeehouse, home, etc.) as you wish. Set up the designated bar area with the necessary amount of fresh ingredients and glasses. Don’t forget the garnishes, such as whipped cream and extra syrups.  

Host a contest 

Whether it’s a costume contest or a mocktail-making contest, some friendly competition can be a great way to bond. Award fun prizes for creativity and/or taste. 

Health Benefits of Coffee Mocktails

Around 1 billion people drink a cup of joe every day globally. But does the world’s favorite beverage actually have any health benefits? Studies have found that when consumed in moderation, caffeine can offer potential benefits, such as:

• Enhanced productivity
• Better workouts
• Enhanced mood 

Of course, some people may react to high doses of caffeine poorly, such as children, people with high blood pressure, and those who are anxious. Your coffee benefits mileage may vary. 

It’s also important to note that coffee mocktails are versatile, delicious, and alcohol-free. Anyone drinking mocktails can avoid the potential downsides of alcohol. 

Dietary restrictions and preferences

Brewing your own coffee mocktails is perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. You can substitute ingredients for ones more suited to your needs. Mocktails are naturally alcohol-free. 

Sugar-free: If you want to avoid sugar, try out sugar-free flavorings. 

Dairy-free: Whether you’re lactose intolerant or just want to avoid dairy, there are plenty of dairy substitutes that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut are popular substitutes. 

Vegan-friendly: You can easily opt for vegan creamers and avoid honey when looking for a vegan mocktail recipe. Substitute ingredients with their vegan-counterparts. Edible flowers are our favorite way to garnish a vegan coffee mocktail. 

Low calories: The syrups and creams used in coffee mocktails are often high in calories. Consider swapping them out for lightened or calorie-free versions. Unsweetened almond milk can be a good option to cut down calories. 

When substituting ingredients in a coffee mocktail, choose ones that fit your dietary preferences and carefully research the ingredients. 

Summary

Coffee mocktails are fun and sophisticated, perfect for mocktail parties and an everyday treat. They are completely customizable, so whether you want a dairy-free or vegan drink, you can brew to your heart’s content. 

The recipes we’ve listed are only a few examples of countless coffee-inspired drinks. We encourage you to explore the coffee world at your own pace. Check out our scoops on coffee, including our Barista Lingo Guide, best coffee clubs, and coffee culture around the world.