5 Healthy Mocktail Recipes Perfect for Brunch

5 Dietitian-Approved Mocktail Recipes for Brunch

5 Dietitian-Approved Mocktail Recipes for Brunch
Marc Tran/Stocksy

Whether you live an alcohol-free lifestyle or you’re simply looking to cut back on booze, it’s a great idea to explore mocktails, nonalcoholic beer or wine, or another nonalcoholic beverage as an addition to your next brunch menu. These drinks can feel just as fancy and celebratory as their alcohol-containing counterparts, but without the negative side effects. As a bonus, many mocktails include legitimately healthy ingredients.

It’s true that no amount of alcohol consumption is good for your health, as the World Health Organization (WHO) notes in a January 2023 statement.

 On the contrary, Australia’s Alcohol and Drug Foundation points to the many health benefits of limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption, including improved sleep quality, boosted immunity, increased energy, and better mood.

To whip up a healthy mocktail at home, check out these dietitian-endorsed recipes, which are loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals and are lower in calories than boozy alternatives for brunch.

1
Healthy-Nonalcoholic-Brunch-Mocktail-Recipes-Berry-Spritzer
Cameron Whitman/Stocksy

Blackberry Rosemary Spritzer

Berries and herbs may seem like an odd combination, but they marry beautifully to take the flavors of this mocktail to the next level. Bonus: Rosemary contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

5.0 out of 14 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

62

PREP TIME

2 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

12 min

Ingredients

1 pint blackberries (plus more for garnish, if desired)
¾ cup water
1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish, if desired)
16 oz plain seltzer, divided

Directions

1

Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the blackberries, water, and rosemary, and then cook, smashing the berries with a wooden spoon or the back of a fork as you go. Cook until the berries are tender and juice is produced, about 5 minutes. Add more water as needed. Allow the mixture to cool.

2

Press the berry mixture through a fine mesh strainer and into a clean bowl with the back of a large spoon. Divide the berry juice evenly between two serving glasses and fill each glass with ice. Top each with 1 cup of seltzer and garnish with additional berries and a rosemary sprig, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 cup

calories

62

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

14g

fiber

7.2g

sugar

6.6g

added sugar

0g

sodium

52mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Beverage
2
Healthy-Nonalcoholic-Brunch-Mocktail-Recipes-Bloody-Mary-Mocktail
Jeff Wasserman/Stocksy

Bloody Mary Mocktail

If it just isn’t brunch to you without a Bloody Mary on the table, this booze-free version won’t disappoint. Lower-sodium versions of tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce lend lots of flavor while prioritizing heart health. A diet too high in sodium may lead to high blood pressure, a key contributor to heart disease and stroke, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA). Better yet, tomato juice is rich in nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium, according to the USDA.

contains  Soy, Wheat, Fin fish
4.4 out of 14 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

61

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 cups low-sodium tomato juice
½ lemon, juiced or 2 tbsp bottled lemon juice
2 tsp horseradish
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
⅛ tsp ground celery seeds
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Optional garnishes: celery stalks, lemon wedges, green olives, hot peppers or pepperoncini or both

Directions

1

Pour all the ingredients (except any garnishes) into a mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. Pour into 2 serving glasses and garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 cup

calories

61

total fat

0.4g

saturated fat

0.1g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

13g

fiber

2.1g

sugar

8.9g

added sugar

0.1g

sodium

250mg

TAGS:

Soy, Wheat, Fin fish, Mediterranean, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Beverage
3
Healthy-Nonalcoholic-Brunch-Mocktail-Recipes-Grapefruit-paloma
Stacy Allen/Stocksy

Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail

A paloma is a sparkling drink traditionally made with grapefruit juice. This alcohol-free version tastes delicious, and packs an extra-healthy punch as a result of including a whole grapefruit, rather than just the juice. According to the USDA, this means more fiber for you without sacrificing a lick of flavor.

5.0 out of 7 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

85

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 grapefruit, peeled
1 cup water
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 cups plain seltzer

Directions

1

Place the grapefruit, water, lime juice, and maple syrup in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

2

Divide the mixture evenly between 2 glasses and fill each with ice. Top each glass with 1 cup of seltzer.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

85

total fat

0.2g

saturated fat

0g

protein

1g

carbohydrates

22g

fiber

2.1g

sugar

15.2g

added sugar

6.1g

sodium

52mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Beverage
4
Healthy-Nonalcoholic-Brunch-Mocktail-Recipes-Mojito-mocktail
Cameron Whitman/Stocksy

Mojito Mocktail

This low-calorie mocktail is packed with fresh flavors. Not only is it refreshing, but the limes in the beverage make it a good source of vitamin C, according to data from the USDA.

4.4 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

22

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
10 fresh mint leaves
2 tsp granulated sugar
3 cups plain seltzer

Directions

1

Place half the lime wedges, mint leaves, and sugar into each of 2 serving glasses. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, crush the lime and mint to release their flavors.

2

Fill each glass with ice and top with 1½ cups seltzer.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

22

total fat

0g

saturated fat

0g

protein

0g

carbohydrates

6g

fiber

0.1g

sugar

4.6g

added sugar

4.2g

sodium

76mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Beverage
5
mango margarita mocktail
iStock

Mango Pineapple Margarita Mocktail

Who would have thought a margarita could be high in vitamin C? Well, this one is an excellent source, thanks to its namesake ingredients of mango and pineapple, along with banana. One serving provides almost three-quarters of the amount you need for the day. Not to mention, the refreshing mocktail takes only a few minutes and three simple ingredients to pull together.

4.5 out of 22 reviews

SERVES

3

CALORIES PER SERVING

137

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1 ripe medium banana
2 cups frozen mango chunks
1 cup ice

Directions

1

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Dilute with water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1⅓ cups

calories

137

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0.1g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

34g

fiber

2.8g

sugar

26.6g

added sugar

0g

sodium

4mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Beverage, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Quick & Easy
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. World Health Organization. January 2023.
  2. Benefits of Cutting Down on Alcohol. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation. June 16, 2022.
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...

Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN

Author

Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She previously managed and oversaw nutrition content, recipe development, meal...