The mocktail edit: perfect alcohol-free cocktails the whole family can enjoy

Show stopping cocktails can make a huge difference to any party - they add that bit of pizzazz and sparkle, with their unusual concoctions and stylish glasses making them 100% Instagram worthy. They can come with a headache though!

Enter their better behaved sisters, the mocktails. Still super stylish but they don't get half enough attention. As well as keeping the kids involved, they provide something more interesting for the designated drivers and pregnant guests, plus anyone else who prefers to be alcohol free, especially during the ever popular detox period of dry January. We don't believe anyone should miss out on a stylish, great tasting beverage!

That's why we've collated an impressive round up of the alcohol-free versions of some best loved cocktails, just perfect for the festive season and beyond. They're all pretty easy to make with ingredients that are easy to find. Plus we especially love how you can involve the kids in making and serving these too.

Goodbye boring soft drinks... hello clear headed mornings!

Lemon Drop Martini

This recipe from BBC Good Food has all the zing of its alcoholic counterpart and it looks gorgeous served up in a martini glass with some zesty garnish on the rim of the glass. See how to make it here.

Salted Caramel White Russian

This alternative to a classic White Russian from Tesco, is playful, indulgent and would go down a treat as an after dinner digestif. Dessert in a glass anyone? Get the recipe here.

Virgin Sunrise

This tequila free version of a Sunrise is so adaptable - the only necessary ingredients are OJ and grenadine syrup, to get that pretty colour gradient. Grenadine syrup is available in most good supermarkets, look on the spirits aisle. Check out a great version here from The Mindful Mocktail.

Whisky Style Sour

This super inventive version of the iconic Whisky Sour from BBC Good Food really looks the part and has all the warming qualities of the real thing, thanks to a clever Assam tea and vanilla infusion. Get the recipe here.

Mojito

Nothing beats the refreshing taste of a Mojito - the Cuban inspired a long drink with muddled mint and lime - always served on the rocks. Find out how to make your alcohol free version here. Try adding some non-alcoholic rum for an added flavour kick.

Mulled Wine

It wouldn't be Christmas without this cockle-warming classic and we love this alcohol free version from Eat Love Eat. It packs a punch with a base of pomegranate and red grape juice and a whole host of festive spices to create that unmistakeable Christmas in a glass flavour. Get the recipe here.

Passion Fruit Martini

Loved and commonly known by a less family friendly name, this sober version by BBC Good Food still has a distinctive passionfruit flavour. To intentify the passion fruit taste, substitute sparkling grape juice for Rubicon Passion Fruit Drink. Full instructions here.

Eggnog

An all-American Christmas favourite, try Eggnog and you'll see why it's so popular! Usually laced with brandy or rum this alcohol-free version is just as nice. Heavy on the nutmeg it's a perfect accompaniment to a festive film and a few candles. (Warning: whilst it might be free of alcohol, it's calorific and indulgent!) Check out this recipe from The Spruce Eats here.
 

TOP MOCKTAIL TIPS:

• For alcohol free cocktails on a whim, stock up on one or two non-alcoholic and versatile spirits like rum or gin
• Get the garnishes in. Think cocktail cherries, springs of rosemary, lemons and limes and for Christmas drinks - cinnamon sticks and star anise
• Treat yourself to some pretty glasses. They make all the difference especially if it's wow factor you're after!