Most Popular Mocktail: What Tops the Non-Alcoholic Drinks List?

Mocktails have seriously taken off—so much so that most bars and restaurants have a whole section for them now. But not all mocktails are created equal. Some drinks manage to win over just about everyone, from teens at birthday parties to adults at fancy brunches. Want to know which one pops up on every menu and is the first to run out at parties? It's the virgin mojito. No contest.

People can’t seem to get enough of this drink, and for good reason. It’s super refreshing, looks great in a glass, and everyone knows it works, whether you’re at a wedding or just chilling at home. The secret? That cool combo of muddled mint, zesty lime, and a splash of fizz. It’s simple, but you can tweak it a hundred different ways to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

• Why Mocktails are So Popular
• The Champion: Virgin Mojito
• How to Make the Perfect Virgin Mojito
• Smart Tips to Elevate Your Mocktail

Why Mocktails are So Popular

Mocktails aren’t just for folks avoiding alcohol—they’re a solid choice for anyone who wants a tasty drink without the buzz. The boom in health and wellness over the last decade means way more people pay attention to what they’re drinking, not just what they’re eating. In fact, a 2023 survey from CGA Strategy said that 42% of people aged 18 to 34 are now ordering non-alcoholic drinks out at restaurants and bars at least once a week.

No one wants to feel left out if they’re skipping the booze, and with mocktail culture on the rise, you don’t have to. Bars have gotten way smarter about their alcohol-free menus. These days, you’ll see non-alcoholic drinks dressed up with fresh fruit, herbs, and fun glassware. They’re Instagram-ready and taste just as good as the boozy stuff.

There’s also the whole ‘sober curious’ trend, where people take a break from alcohol just to see how they feel. Mocktails help them stick with it, since it’s easier to hang out socially when you’re not stuck with plain soda or water. Plus, mocktail recipes give you all the fun of mixing drinks without worrying about hangovers or making people uncomfortable.

• Virgin drinks are a go-to for parents who want to set an example at parties.
• They’re a lifesaver for drivers and anyone who needs to stay sharp.
• Mojito mocktails, in particular, are a hit with all age groups thanks to their crisp, simple flavor.

If you look around, more supermarkets carry ready-to-drink mocktail cans and even whole aisles devoted to drink trends like non-alcoholic spirits. The demand is clear—people want more choices, and they want their drinks to feel special, even if they’re booze-free.

So if you’re thinking about cutting back, or just want a drink that tastes good and keeps you in the loop, mocktails have your back.

The Champion: Virgin Mojito

Ask someone to name a mocktail they actually crave, and you'll probably hear “virgin mojito.” This drink is the kingpin of non-alcoholic drinks on menus worldwide. In a 2023 global beverage trend report, over 45% of bars put the virgin mojito in their top three requested virgin drinks. It isn’t just hype; people go for its punchy lime and slap-in-the-face fresh mint. It tastes like summer even in January.

Here’s why it crushes the competition:

• You don’t need fancy gear. Just a glass and something to muddle with (a spoon works if you don’t own a muddler).
• The recipe is forgiving—mess up the measurements and it still tastes good.
• No weird ingredients. If you’ve got lime, mint, sugar, and fizzy water, you’re good.
• It looks impressive—cool crushed ice, green mint, lime wheels. Perfect for photos or impressing your friends.

People also love that the virgin mojito is wildly customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Need a flavor twist? Toss in some berries or swap out the soda for ginger ale. It’s super easy to make a pitcher if you have a crowd or stick with a single serving when you’re flying solo.

If you like numbers, check this out:

So, if you’re looking for something classic, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to mix up, the mojito is where you start. No wonder it’s everybody’s favorite pick on the mocktail scene.

How to Make the Perfect Virgin Mojito

If you want to nail the virgin mojito, it’s all about getting the basics right and not overcomplicating things. This classic mocktail only needs a handful of ingredients you probably already have. But getting the most out of them takes a bit of know-how.

• Fresh mint leaves (at least 6-8 per glass)
• Lime (half per serving; go for the juicy ones)
• Sugar (white granulated or simple syrup, about 2 teaspoons)
• Club soda (the fizz is non-negotiable; approx. 4-6 oz per glass)
• Ice cubes

Here’s how you do it, step by step:

1. Grab a sturdy glass. Chuck in the mint leaves. Add the sugar.
2. Slice your lime, squeeze the juice into the glass, and drop the wedges in.
3. Muddle everything—but not too hard—just enough to bruise the mint so it releases flavor, but don’t turn it into bits.
4. Fill the glass with ice. This keeps everything cold and crisp.
5. Top it all off with club soda. Give it a quick stir.

Want to make it even more legit? Use a tall glass—a highball or Collins type works best. Crushed ice over regular cubes? Even better, it chills faster and makes the drink taste sharper. Don’t skip the muddling step; it makes the flavors stand out. If you like an extra kick, toss in a couple of slivers of ginger before muddling.

Here’s a bonus tip: swap half the club soda for lemonade or flavored sparkling water if you want a twist. That way, you get a punchier taste without losing the clean finish.

This non-alcoholic drink is a crowd-pleaser, and once you’ve done it a couple of times, you won’t even need a recipe. Just taste and tweak as you go. The best mocktails are the ones you make your own.

Smart Tips to Elevate Your Mocktail

If you really want to make your mocktail stand out, it’s all about the details. Most people just grab some soda and lime, but you can do way better without much effort. Let’s get practical.

• Fresh herbs over bottled stuff: Always use fresh mint or basil. Bottled syrups or dried mint just don’t give you that vibrant taste or smell. Give the leaves a quick clap between your hands before tossing them in—releases more flavor.
• Citrus is king: Rolling your lime or lemon on the counter before cutting releases more juice. Squeeze it right before mixing so that punchy flavor shines.
• Upgrade your fizz: Swap the basic club soda for flavored sparkling water—think lemon, berry, or even cucumber for a twist. Just avoid sweetened sodas if you want a crisp, not sugary, drink.
• Simple syrup, upgraded: Make a homemade simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) and toss in ginger, rosemary, or strawberries while it’s hot. The flavor beats anything you’d buy, and you can store it in the fridge for a week.
• Ice matters: Crushed ice chills the drink faster and helps blend flavors better. Or freeze berries or mint in ice cubes for a cool look and extra taste.

People love to share drinks that look good. So, don’t skip on garnishes—think lime wheels, a sprig of mint, or even edible flowers. The more photogenic, the more likely it’ll end up on someone’s Instagram.

Want some proof? According to a 2024 poll by a popular drink trends website, 67% of people say they’d pay extra for a non-alcoholic drink if it came with fancy garnishes or house-made syrups. Details really do make the difference.

Bottom line: with a little effort, any DIY non-alcoholic drink can feel just as special as the cocktails people brag about. All it takes is fresh ingredients, a bit of creativity, and not being afraid to mess around with flavors.