Who said mocktails can’t be fun? A mocktail is just a cocktail that hasn’t had the opportunity to show its best side. Sangria without wine is just juice. It is not the same. By definition, mocktails are nonalcoholic mixed drinks meant to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft cocktails. In simpler terms, if mocktails were mullets, they’d definitely be the “business in the front.”

Anyone who’s ever been pregnant and celebrated Mother’s Day with a nonalcoholic mimosa knows the power of a mocktail. When the rest of the party’s kicking off and everyone is happy with a cocktail in hand, a mocktail is a socially acceptable thing to do. Just be sure to hold the liquor — fetal alcohol syndrome is decidedly not cool. Honestly, sometimes mocktails are just superior tasting without that overpowering alcohol flavor but sometimes, alcohol is BAE. Below are 20 delicious mocktails that are easily made into cocktails.

Watermelon Margarita

There is nothing quite as refreshing in the hot summer months as a cold watermelon margarita. All you need to do is follow the watermelon lemonade recipe here and then turn it from mocktail to cocktail by adding 1 1/2 cup of Patron Silver or your favorite white tequila.

Lime Rickey

Summer’s coming and something cool and refreshing is just what the doctor ordered for vaccinated summer 2021. This crisp and clean citrusy no caffeine mocktail recipe can easily be elevated with the simple addition of 2 ounces of gin. It’s essentially a from scratch gin rickey.

Cuddles on the Beach

Sex on the beach is much better in theory than in reality. Seriously, sand is everywhere. But if you prefer cuddles on the beach and to see where the night takes you, have we’ve got the cocktail recipe for you here. But if things escalate, you can always kick those cuddles into high gear and sand be damned.

Sparkling Ginger Crusade

Some mocktails can make you really second guess drinking alcohol at all because they are so delicious. That is the case with this recipe for sparkling ginger crusade. It is refreshing with five types of citrus juice: grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, and blood orange. Then you realize that when you add vodka, it’s even better.

Dirty Shirley

For my children, every special occasion calls for a Shirley Temple. I sneak drinks of it all the time because they are tasty. If you want something sweet but more “mature” how about an adult version of the Shirley Temple cocktail, the Dirty Shirley. Deliciously youthful and refreshing.

Salted Meyer Lemon & Sage Pressé

This robust mocktail packs a big flavor punch. Be sure to use Meyer lemons if possible. If not, substitute with one regular lemon and one mandarin orange but don’t skip the sage that completes the flavor combination. This salted Meyer lemon and sage pressé recipe here is perfect, just add 6 ounces of gin.

Chile-Lime-Pineapple Soda

If you are a chile fan, as I am, and as a little heat to your mocktail or cocktail this chile-lime pineapple soda is life. But it’s more than just heat, you can actually taste the flavor, and paired with the lime and pineapple it’s also super light and refreshing. To make this delicious chile-lime pineapple soda recipe here to the next level, just add 28 ounces of tequila Blanco.

Perrier Sip & Spark

I wish I knew about this mocktail when I was pregnant because it sounds delicious. It’s an easy-to-make recipe with simple and delicious ingredients including Perrier mineral water, coconut water, blood orange juice, and lime juice. If you wanted to kick it up just add 2 ounces of vodka.

Sundowner

Sophisticated and delicately flavored, this sundowner recipe will make you forget your worries. Think Bellini without the champagne. The white grape juice is brisk and refreshing. Light and airy grape soda for adults complete with mint garnish. For an even more adult version, just add 2 ounces of vodka.

Blue Shoe Cocktail

While this blue shoe mocktail recipe is delicious — and beautiful — as is, we think it can be better. The recipe calls for Polar blast Hawaiian punch to get that cool blue color but there is another option, substitute the 3 ounces of punch for 3 ounces of blue curacao.

Frozen Apple Margarita

While a frozen apple margarita is delicious even when you hold the tequila, why would you, unless you can’t have alcohol? This frozen apple margarita recipe is refreshingly clean with lime and apple flavors bursting with flavor. Do yourself a favor and try it with the tequila.

Lemon Drop Martini

A lemon drop was my first drink when I turned 21 years old. It was the perfect metaphor for life at that time, bittersweet, refreshing, and sometimes it just punched you in the face. It’s still a favorite and this lemon drop martini recipe can be done as a mocktail or a cocktail. It is sweet and bold — and absolutely delicious.

Strawberry Balsamic Shrub

This strawberry balsamic shrub recipe is made with fresh strawberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and just a touch of balsamic vinegar. It is a tart yet fruity mocktail that everyone will enjoy. But if you’d like an adult version, simply add 2 ounces of your favorite light rum.

Grapefruit Thyme Fizz

If you like your mocktails and cocktails sparkling, grapefruit-flavored with a little herbal kick, this grapefruit thyme fizz recipe is for you. It is the perfect cocktail to sit on the porch and sip on warm summer nights. Just add a couple of ounces of gin and enjoy.

Pickled Beet Bloody Mary

If you love savory drinks, this pickled beet bloody Mary mocktail recipe might be the one for you. It is more than just a drink, it is a drink and a snack. This unique mocktail is bursting with robust and complex flavors. Just add 2 ounces of vodka to turn it from mocktail to cocktail.

Blueberry Smash Tea

This recipe for blueberry smash tea mocktail is a perfect combination of refreshing and lots of fruity berry fruit flavor. Any drink that starts with a base of blue hibiscus tea and adds fresh berries muddled with mint and lemon juice is obviously only missing one thing … white rum.

Asian Mango & Cocktail Mocktail

This fruity, sweet mango and passion fruit mocktail recipe are delicious with refreshing coconut water. Lime brightens the flavor and chili adds interest. If you’d like your tropical smoothie cocktail with a kick, try adding 2 ounces of tequila. This drink is sure to leave you looking forward to the next celebration.

Cucumber Apple Cooler

This cucumber and apple cooler recipe is fresh and light. All you need is two green apples, half a cucumber, Gomme syrup, and ice. This is the perfect drink to enjoy at a picnic in the backyard with your favorite people on a warm June afternoon. To elevate the mood, just add 2 ounces of vodka.

Michelada

Michelada is a traditional Mexican bloody Mary made of Clamato juice, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This spicy, tart, and savory mocktail recipe is the perfect hangover remedy. It can be the perfect nonalcoholic drink or the more traditional Michelada version made with your favorite Mexican beer.

Sangria

Sangria is a classic Spanish beverage usually made with red wine, chopped fruit, and something to make it all taste sweet. It also happens to be my absolute favorite thing to drink any time, but especially when hanging out with my bestie and chatting. This nonalcoholic version is delicious but can easily be made into mind-blowing by simply switching out the grape juice for red wine.