What's The Difference Between Cocktail and Mocktail?

Commonly consumed by people all over the world both cocktails and mocktails are typically made with a combination of juice, garnishes, and flavors. However, they are fundamentally different. Learn about the difference between cocktail and mocktail and which one might be best for you!

Not sure what the difference between a cocktail and a mocktail is?

At the very base, cocktails are different from mocktails in the sense that they contain alcohol.. and mocktails do not.

However, there are actually a few other differences between the two that can be considered.

What Is A Cocktail?

Cocktails (commonly known as a mixed drink) are alcoholic drinks made with a combination of spirits, mixes (normally mixing fruit juices and soft drinks), and garnishes. Alcoholic beverages are commonly used to indulge and unwind at social gatherings they’re a staple in bars and restaurants.

What Is A Mocktail?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that is made using similar mixes (mixing fruit juices mostly), garnishes, and flavors as a cocktail. Just omitting the spirit base. These drinks have come a long way from Shirley Temples and non-alcoholic pina colada.

Mocktails are a great alternative for people eliminating or scaling back their alcohol intake or for those who are designated drivers or pregnant.

Differences Between Cocktails And Mocktails

Though the biggest difference when comparing a cocktail to a mocktail is that one is an alcoholic beverage, there are a few other things to note as well.

How They’re Made

Cocktails are typically simple enough as the base is a spirit (alcohol). From there you mix in a flavor or two and some garnish. Normally, fruit juices and sodas are used.

Because mocktails don’t contain alcohol there tend to be a few more ingredients to nail down the flavor. Though many mocktails contain fruit juice for their flavor, there are lots of healthy mocktails that use herbs and fruit in place of them.

Taste

Alcoholic beverages are going to have more of a bitter or sour taste because of the alcohol. A non alcoholic drink tends to be sweeter.

How It Affects Your System

For obvious reasons, you’re more likely to get a hangover and feel different after a few alcoholic drinks.

Mocktails on the other hand will keep you stone-cold sober.

What’s The Difference Between A Mocktail And A Virgin Drink?

For the most part, there is no difference. A virgin drink is one that doesn’t contain alcohol and is a blend of fruit juices and soft drinks. Thus, it is a mocktail.

However, mocktails tend to use multiple juices or flavors for their base. If you order a virgin drink, chances are they will use the exact same ingredients as a cocktail but just omit the alcohol. So, it may not taste as sweet as a mocktail.

Why Would People Opt For Mocktails?

A lot of people believe that only recovering addicts choose to drink non alcoholic drinks. But that’s hardly the case!

Here are a few reasons why mocktails are a great choice:

• You’re driving
• You’re trying to scale down your alcohol intake in general
• You have a bit day tomorrow
• You want to stay sober but still want to feel like you’re indulging
• You’re pregnant (these pregnancy mocktails are great for that!).
• You want something fresh

Deliciously Simple Mocktails You'll Love

• Pregnancy mocktails (like raspberry lemonade)
• Low sugar mocktails
• Blueberry mocktail
• Ginger beer mocktail
• Kombucha mocktail

Lastly, you don’t need a reason to skip the alcoholic drink and choose a mocktail over a cocktail!

The choice is yours and you don’t need to explain it to anyone.

One of the best things about mocktails is that they look similar to cocktails. So, unless you’re advertising it, many people won’t even know you’re not partaking in the boozy fun.