Hey there, beautiful party people! Let’s address a new trend in the drink world: “functional mocktails.” First of all, we’re doing away with the word mocktail. Nonalcoholic cocktails are in a class all their own, and they don’t play 2nd fiddle to anything else out there. And they are too mature to be mocking anything really, so we’re relegating mocktail to the trash bin. Now for the “functional” part: Functional non-alcoholic cocktails are changing the game when it comes to N/A sipping. Let’s dive in on how you can elevate your cocktail game using our favorite N/A spirit, JUNiPRE.

First off, you might be wondering, “What in the world is a functional non-alcoholic cocktail?” Well, it’s pretty simple. These are alcohol-free drinks that not only taste great but also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. We’re talking about N/A cocktails that do more than just quench your thirst – they’re designed to give your body a little boost too. They incorporate fruits and veggies that add vitamins, antioxidants and other health benefits.

Now, you might remember from our previous article  that Junipre isn’t just your average N/A spirit. It’s got zero sugar, zero calories, and a whole lot of flavor. But here’s where it gets even better – Junipre is the perfect base for creating functional non-alcoholic cocktails.

So, how do we turn a Junipre N/A cocktail into a functional powerhouse? It’s all about what you mix it with. Here are some ideas:

Remember our Late Summer Sipping article? You can easily turn those refreshing recipes into functional N/A cocktails by adding these superfoods!

Adding fruits and vegetables to your N/A cocktails isn’t just about flavor – it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition. Here are six powerhouse ingredients and their health benefits:

The beauty of functional N/A cocktails is their versatility. Some focus on hydration and vitamins, perfect for a post-workout refresher. Others are packed with ingredients known for their antioxidative properties, like our Berry Blast idea. Don’t forget about herbs – they’re not just garnish! For example, rosemary isn’t just tasty; it’s also rich in antioxidants and may help boost memory. By mixing and matching different produce and herbs, you can create a wide variety of beneficial N/A cocktails tailored to your health goals.

Do Functional N/A Cocktails Contain the Same Calories as Traditional Cocktails? Good news – they typically don’t! Traditional cocktails often pack a caloric punch due to alcohol and sugary mixers. Our functional N/A cocktails, especially those made with Junipre, start with a zero-calorie base. While adding fruit juices or natural sweeteners will add some calories, you’re still likely to end up with a much lower-calorie drink. Plus, the calories you do consume come with nutritional benefits, unlike the empty calories in alcohol.

Want to take your functional N/A cocktails to the next level? Consider adding adaptogens. They’re a special class of herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The term “adaptogen” was coined in the 1940s to describe substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. These natural compounds are believed to support the body’s resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors. While research is ongoing, many people find adaptogens helpful in managing stress, boosting energy, and promoting overall well-being. Here’s how to easily incorporate them:

Start with small amounts and adjust to taste – remember, we’re making drinks, not medicine!

Does this mean your N/A cocktail is going to taste like a health food store? Not at all! The beauty of using Junipre is that its complex, botanical flavor profile can stand up to these additions without getting lost. You’re getting a sophisticated, new, interesting cocktail-like experience – just with some extra perks that you and your friends will love.

Let’s put this into practice with a simple recipe:

Muddle the mint with honey in a shaker. Add Junipre, lemon juice, and green tea. Shake with ice, strain into a glass filled with ice, and top with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a mint sprig.

This N/A cocktail combines the antioxidants from green tea, the potential digestive benefits of ginger, and the refreshing taste of mint – all while showcasing Junipre’s complex flavors.

Looking for more Junipre inspiration? Here’s a roundup of some fantastic N/A cocktail recipes we’ve featured in previous articles. Each of these can be easily adapted into a functional N/A cocktail by adding your choice of health-boosting ingredients:

Cucumber Mint Cooler
Peach Basil Fizz
Watermelon Jalapeño Cooler
Grapefruit Botanical Spritz
Garden Gin & Tonic
Strawberry Lavender Lemonade

Functional non-alcoholic cocktails are more than just a trendy buzzword – they’re a tasty way to take care of yourself while still enjoying a sophisticated drink experience. With Junipre as your base, you’re starting with a clean slate that’s perfect for creating these beneficial beverages.

So, next time you’re mixing up an N/A cocktail, why not make it functional? Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you. 

Remember, as we discussed in our Sugar-Free Sipping article, Junipre gives you all this flexibility without adding any sugar or calories to your functional creations. Cheers to sipping smarter!