Are you on the lookout for a refreshing and delicious drink that is both easy to make and alcohol-free? Look no further than my Lemon Ginger Mocktail! This effervescent, luscious drink is a non-alcoholic version of my popular Lemon Ginger Whiskey Cocktail. Honey simple syrup is steeped with rosemary, shaken together with fresh lemon juice and orange bitters (or juice), then topped off with bubbly ginger beer. The result is a fizzy, tangy, slightly fruity mocktail that’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, baby showers, or just a treat for yourself.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe for Lemon Ginger Mocktails Works
- Ingredients needed for this Non-alcoholic Lemon Ginger Drink
- How to Make Lemon and Ginger Mocktails
- Tips for Making the Perfect Mocktail
- Variations and Substitutions for Lemon Ginger Mocktails
- What to Serve with a Lemon Ginger Mocktail
- How to Store Lemon Ginger Drinks
- Lemon Ginger Mocktail FAQs
- Sweet and Tangy Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Why This Recipe for Lemon Ginger Mocktails Works
A few years ago, the challenge of crafting both a cocktail and a non-alcoholic drink for a cooking class I was teaching sparked my creativity. Eager to feature my ever-popular Lemon Ginger Whiskey Cocktail, I began with the foundational elements of that drink and replaced the alcohol with the bubbly goodness of ginger beer, and the result was this deeply flavorful mocktail. Here are the reasons why this recipe works:
- Refreshing flavors. The key flavors in this mocktail are spicy ginger, zesty lemon, and earthy rosemary, which together create a bold, deep, and refreshing beverage.
- Honey rosemary infusion. Steeping rosemary in honey simple syrup adds a layer of complexity, bringing herbal richness that complements the citrusy and spicy elements.
- Playful fizz and tang. The effervescence of bubbly ginger beer not only adds a playful element but also contributes a lively, fizzy texture. The hint of tanginess from the lemon juice enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Versatile. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a family gathering, a baby shower, or simply participating in dry January, this Lemon Ginger Mocktail is a versatile beverage that suits a variety of occasions.
- Easy prep. With a straightforward preparation process, this mocktail is accessible to both seasoned mixologists and those new to cocktail crafting. The combination of readily available ingredients makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Visual appeal. Beyond its delicious taste, the Lemon Ginger Mocktail sits pretty in the glass. The effervescent bubbles and the citrusy hues make it an inviting addition to any drink lineup.
- Proven recipe. I’m proud to say that I’ve received fan mail from cooking class students who made this recipe at home and received rave reviews from their guests!
Ingredients needed for this Non-alcoholic Lemon Ginger Drink
Here’s all you’ll need to create this refreshing drink – and the good news is, other than the bitters, these ingredients will be available at your local grocery store:
- Honey
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh lemons
- Lemon or orange bitters (make sure they’re non-alcoholic) – can be omitted, or substitute a splash of fresh orange juice
- Ginger beer (I like Q brand, regular or light)
How to Make Lemon and Ginger Mocktails
Here’s how you create this easy mocktail recipe:
- Prepare the rosemary-infused simple syrup.
In a small saucepan, heat the honey, water, and rosemary leaves over medium-low heat, stirring, just until the honey is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep (at room temperature) for at least one hour or overnight. - Shake together simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
Place 1/4 cup rosemary-infused simple syrup (with the rosemary) in a cocktail shaker. Add lemon juice and bitters; fill with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for around 10 to 15 seconds. - Strain, add ginger beer, garnish and serve.
Strain the shaker mixture into two cocktail glasses over ice. Divide ginger beer between the glasses. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a slice of lemon.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mocktail
To ensure that your Lemon Ginger Mocktails turn out perfect every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice will give your mocktails a vibrant and zesty flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup or lemon juice to make your mocktails sweeter or less sweet.
- Don’t skip the shaking. Shaking together the simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters helps meld those diverse flavors into a unified base that will easily blend with the ginger beer.
- Don’t forget the ice. Adding ice is important as this drink tastes best when cold.
- Choose the right glass. Make sure to select glasses that will hold the liquid as well as 4 to 5 ice cubes.
Variations and Substitutions for Lemon Ginger Mocktails
Feel free to get creative and customize my recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute fresh mint leaves and mint sprigs for the rosemary.
- Try other fresh herbs, including basil, in the simple syrup.
- Use fresh lime juice and lime slices in place of the lemon.
- Use Sweet and Sour mix, club soda, or sparkling water instead of ginger beer.
- For more fruitiness, add a tablespoon or two of fresh orange juice. It’s also a good substitute for the bitters.
- Add fresh raspberries to the garnish for a pop of contrasting color.
What to Serve with a Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Here are a few suggestions of appetizers to pair with this effervescent drink:
- Hot Crab Dip
- Spicy Southwestern Shrimp
- Salmon Mousse
- Prosciutto, Fig, and Goat Cheese Tarts
- Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Green Chile Canapés
How to Store Lemon Ginger Drinks
Place any leftover rosemary-infused simple syrup in a sealed container and refrigerate; it will last up to one month. Strain out rosemary after 2 to 3 days. It can also be frozen (after straining )for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Lemon Ginger Mocktail FAQs
The main difference is in the production process, which results in a different flavor profile. Ginger beer has a bolder, spicier taste with a more pronounced ginger kick, which comes from being brewed and fermented. On the other hand, ginger ale is milder and sweeter, being carbonated without fermentation.
Yes, other fresh herbs, including mint or basil, would work well. Alternatively, you can omit the herb for a more straightforward honey flavor.
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Prepare a large batch (without the ginger beer) in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Select a glass that is large enough to hold both the liquid and 4 to 5 (or more) ice cubes. This drink tastes best when cold.
Sweet and Tangy Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Skip the booze, not the bubbles! Our easy Lemon Ginger Mocktail is the fizzy, flavor-packed star of any party. Tangy lemon, spicy ginger, and a hint of rosemary dance in this alcohol-free delight, topped with bubbly ginger beer. Perfect for dry January, baby showers, family gatherings, or a refreshing “me time” treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rosemary Steeping: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Rosemary-infused Honey Simple Syrup (Makes around 1 1/8 cups)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, plus more for garnish
Lemon Ginger Mocktail
- 1/4 cup Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 dashes lemon bitters (can also use orange) – optional, as some bitters contain alcohol
- 7 ounces (7/8 cup) ginger beer, labeled “less sweet” (I like Q brand)
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Rosemary-Infused Honey Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey, water, and rosemary leaves over medium-low heat, stirring, just until the honey is dissolved.
- Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep (at room temperature) for at least one hour or overnight.
Lemon Ginger Mocktail
- Place 1/4 cup rosemary-infused simple syrup (with the rosemary) in a cocktail shaker. Place the remaining simple syrup in a sealed container and refrigerate for one month for later use. (Can also freeze for up to 3 months.)
- Add lemon juice and lemon bitters (if using) to the cocktail shaker. Fill with ice. Shake vigorously for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into two cocktail glasses over ice. Divide ginger beer between the glasses.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a slice of lemon.
Notes
Make ahead: the rosemary-infused simple syrup can be prepared up to 1 month ahead and refrigerated. Strain out rosemary after 2 to 3 days. It can also be frozen (after straining )for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mocktail
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 48.4 g
- Sodium: 22.1 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51.1 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
I was in your cooking class when you made this, and it’s been the featured non-alc at my parties ever since! Can’t find anything better! Super yum
Thanks Sara! I’m so happy to hear you and your guests are enjoying my recipe.