No alcohol, no worries, there’s plenty of delicious virgin drinks to mix.

In any gathering, there will be a mix of those who drink, those who’ll just have one, and those who are alcohol-free. Any host worth their Champagne flutes will want to make all their guests feel welcome and well catered for, so you need a few yum virgin cocktail recipes in your repertoire. Here, we’re telling you how to nail cocktail hour, alcohol-free.

Classics, alcohol-free

One of the best things about the growing offering of alcohol-free spirits on the market, is that everyone can drink the same thing, from the same recipe, with a slight difference. Which is great if you’re catering for a lot of people, some drinking, some not. A round of Eastsides for all, with the virgin option using Seedlip Grove 42 Distilled Non Alcoholic Spirit instead of gin. Just like with a gin or vodka, mixing with an alt-spirit, is all about getting a balance of flavour. When mixing, taste and adjust as you go.

Custom made alt-cocktails

There’s something fun about sipping from a premixed bottle or can (we recommend a glass straw). It’s also low effort on the host. Win. The Duchess Non Alc Floral Pink G&T is a floral and citrusy gin and tonic alternative in a pretty shade of purple. If you prefer rosemary over lemon in your G&T, Monday Distillery Non Alcoholic Classic G&T is a more savoury alt-drink. If your taste veers more to the sparkling wines, Lyres Non Alcoholic Classico is an alcohol-free bubbly drink that tastes of crisp and sweet apples. A great alt for the non drinkers when everyone else is on Champagne cocktails.

Easy-peasy mocktails

If the bar cart is your playground, you might like mixing on demand when guests come by. Some easy, pour-over mocktail recipes are your friend. Pal with a sweet tooth? Make them a classic Shirley Temple. Friend who normally loves a spritz but doesn’t want to drink? Make the most of Lyre’s aperitivo alt spirits and pour a Blood Orange Virgin Spritz. Over summer, long icy drinks are always a hit, so a Grapefruit Julep Mocktail or a Watermelon and Cucumber Highball concoction are great to have on rotation.

Fancy mocktails

On special occasions, think baby showers, night-in or visit from your alcohol-free BFF, you might want to mix some more creative mocktails (shaker required). There’s none more decadent than a Salted Caramel (Non Alcoholic) Espresso Martini. It makes for a very satisfying dessert. For something more fresh, a Dry Basil Smash Mocktail on arrival will impress and delight. For bourbon or whiskey drinkers, a Kentucky Buck Mocktail is a virgin spin on the classic Bourbon Buck. Long, refreshing and with just the right amount of sweetness.