No fleeting trend, Dry Jan is a calendar mainstay. Placed in the calendar some may think of this month as a time to get back to basics after an indulgent festive season, but it can actually be an exciting way to explore the wonders of mocktails. If you’ve already embarked on Dry Jan (or thinking about making a start for the second half of this month) then here’s some added inspiration, or bookmark this one to come back to on days where you just fancy a delicious and refreshing drink. With incredible botanical alcohol free spirits now widely available, zesty, bright and refreshing sippable is only a handful of ways to describe how delicious mocktails can actually be!

Even better, if you have extra rosemary, basil or oranges lying around from over the festive period - then this is a great time to use them up as finishing touches to add an extra sparkle to your mocktail. Alternatives to sugar syrup you could try are maple syrup, raw honey and making your own syrup from coconut sugar but these flavourful unrefined sweeteners can mess with the overall taste you are going for. Try using Ayurveda favourite Sharkara or Rock Sugar - a traditional unbleached, chemical-free sugar made from sugar-cane for a more neutral taste. While some recipes require a cocktail shaker with ice which are popular for 3 reasons; in order to chill and aerate and of course to effectively combine the ingredients you can also achieve this in a blender. I tend not to use either in the cooler months - cold and bubbles are not our friends (though in one of the recipes you will find a tonic mixer in the mix) - unless I’m really entertaining or trying to impress friends with the latest mocktail, but in the warmer months I’m inclined to include this extra step.

Below are some of the most popular, tried and tested mocktails out there and the good news is, you don’t have to be a mixologist to make them!

1.FENNEL, GRAPE & MINT REFRESHER - (As seen in the image above) Wine not! This is a great go to recipe for a refreshing alternative to a glass of wine or alcoholic cocktail. The combination of ingredients is not only unusual and delicious but also cooling and calming - the perfect summer tonic.

2. PINE SPRITZ - A spritz but make it green and add some pine. This recipe sounds like the perfect balance in a mocktail. Herby yet light. The addition of the added homemade green syrup, makes it the perfect light and refreshing drink.

3.MARGARITA - In need of some extra zing this January? This mocktail will be the supplement to bring just that. The star of the show is the Seedlip Grove 42 and is what brings the magic to this cocktail.

4. PINK SPRITZ - In the need of a new spin on the classic G&T? Then this Pink Spritz makes for the perfect after dinner refresh. Using Clean G, a gin alternative, and a little elderflower tonic water and cranberry juice combined make it a new fun and fruity spin on the classic.

5. FREEGLIDER BASIL SMASH - While this one may sound unusual, it is sure to be a herbaceous burst inside your mouth. The combination of basil, lemon and sugar syrup amount to a sweet yet balanced refreshing mocktail, a perfect way to kick off a celebration.

DRY JAN - ROUNDUP OF 5 REFRESHING MOCKTAILS