The word cocktail has been around since the early 19th Century and refers to a drink made with spirits. It’s a fancy word for an old-fashioned, tiki or punches flavored up with some sparkling wine or a fun liqueur (creating new flavors).
However, it’s difficult to define exactly what makes it a cocktail or not. Mocktails are drinks that contain the same principles as cocktails; however, they do not contain alcohol. That being said, many use mocktails as replacements for alcoholic beverages. They are faster to make and cost less than buying drinks from bars or restaurants.
What is a Mocktail?
Mocktails are carbonated beverages that contain the same ingredients as classic cocktails (such as gin, tonic, etc.) but are not ‘high-proof’ spirits (such as gin, rum, etc.). The best part? They’re just as easy to make as a classic cocktail — and, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in just a couple of hours. It are also referred to as ‘stilted’ drinks.
Stile is Italian for ‘thick’ and the suffix ‘ing’ is added to the word to create a new word. Because of the carbonation, ingredients often have a fizzier taste than fizzy drinks. However, the carbonation usually dissipates within a few hours. Therefore, mocktail recipes are perfect for summer as they’re not too heavy and can be enjoyed with snacks and appetizers outdoors.
What is a Cocktail?
Cocktails are rich, intense beverages that contain high-proof spirits (such as gin, rum, etc.) and mixers (such as sugar, lemon, or lime juice, etc.). Although many mocktail recipes are called cocktails, they are not all made with alcoholic ingredients.
Cocktails are the original blended drinks. Because they’re blended together with sugar, they often have a sweeter taste, especially when citrus is added to the drink. It are often enjoyed with snacks, appetizers, and desserts.
How to Make a Mocktail vs. Cocktail
Mocktails are simply carbonated beverages that do not contain alcohol. Cocktails are high-proof beverages that contain alcohol. The basics for creating a mocktail are the same as creating a classic cocktail. However, you replace the spirits with a non-alcoholic beverage (such as lemonade, soda, ginger ale, etc.) and replace the mixer with carbonation.
You can prepare mocktail drinks at home and then transfer them to the fridge or freezer to store. This makes them easy to serve in the summer months when you don’t want to deal with the mess and smell of alcohol.
Examples of Mocktails and Cocktails
Gin and Tonic – This classic cocktail is a modern take on a British favorite. Equally refreshing and strong, it features gin and tonic water as the mixer. The addition of fresh lime juice and soda water transforms the classic gin and tonic into a mocktail.
Ginger Ale Collins – A Collins is an old-fashioned, high-ball style drink made with ice, soda water, and a little bit of cola. Ginger ale, however, has a zingy, spicy taste that makes it perfect for this mocktail.
Watermelon Collins – This mocktail is perfect for the warmer months and is the perfect sipper for summer evenings. Watermelon is sweet and refreshing making it the perfect summer cocktail.
Which should you make?
If you want to save time and money, try making mocktails at home. You can easily make them in a blender or a food processor, then transfer them to a bottle or jar and store them in the fridge, freezer, or cabinet. If you enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, mocktail-making is a great option. You can create amazing drinks by combining the sweet and savory tastes available in a blender.
Differences Between Mocked and Stilted Drinks
- Mocked drinks are carbonated and contain no alcohol. Stilted drinks are carbonated and contain alcohol.
- Stile is Italian for ‘thick’ and the suffix ‘ing’ is added to the word to create a new word.
- Stile-ing drinks are similar to adding extra ingredients to a cocktail. For example, coffee syrup, orange juice, or apple cider are used to make mocktail versions of a classic cocktail. Mocked drinks are carbonated and can be enjoyed without ice. Stilted drinks are usually served with ice.
Conclusion
Mocktails are beverages that contain the same principles as classic cocktails; however, they do not contain alcohol. They are carbonated beverages that contain the same ingredients as classic cocktails, but with carbonation and other ingredients added to create a refreshing drink.
While they are not alcoholic beverages, they are perfect for summer entertaining and outdoor picnics. Mocktails are perfect for summer entertaining and outdoor picnics. They are also a great option for those who want to save money and time but don’t want to miss out on the fun.
