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Dry January *or anytime of the year* Herbal Mocktail Recipes

Writer's picture: Molly EricksonMolly Erickson

Looking for flavorful, alcohol-free drinks to get you through Dry January—or maybe just to cut back on alcohol? Whether you're hosting sober friends or simply craving a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage, I've put together 3 herbal mocktail recipes that are not only delicious but also soothing for the mind and body. The goal here is to create drinks that offer a calming experience, with herbal ingredients that promote relaxation, while keeping the sugar content on the lower side.


Each mocktail features a relaxing herb, so you can pick your drink based on the flavor profile that suits your mood:

  •  Passionflower drink for a tart, spicy, and citrusy kick.

  •  Lavender drink for a fruity, sparkling, floral vibe with a touch of lemon

  •  Kava drink for an herbal, slightly bitter tonic flavor that’s both calming and stimulating.


Note: All 3 recipes include herbal tinctures, which contain alcohol as the primary ingredient that extracts the herbal properties. However, if you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, alcohol-free tinctures are available. I found all 3 tinctures at New Seasons, and they should be available locally or online.



PASSIONFLOWER MOCKTAIL


Passionflower + Hibiscus + Orange + Clove + Honey

Passionflower (leaf) is a mild herb commonly used to gently treat anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It’s often blended with valerian root and lemon balm to improve sleep, mood, and relaxation. Passionflower can also help alleviate anxiety and insomnia during menopause.


Ingredients:

  • 30-40 drops of Passionflower tincture (I like Herb Pharm brand)

  • 1.5 tbsp loose-leaf hibiscus tea (or 1 teabag of hibiscus tea; Steven Smith Teamakers's Big Hibiscus is a great option: hibiscus, rose petals and ginger)

  • 2.5 tsp honey (add more for sweetness if desired, as hibiscus has a very tart flavor)

  • Orange rind

  • 3-4 whole cloves 


Instructions 1 serving:

In a mug, place 1.5 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers (or 1 bags of hibiscus tea). Add several strips of orange peel (without pith) and 3-4 whole cloves. Cover with 12 ounces of hot water and add 2.5 teaspoons of honey; stirring to dissolve. Steep for 10-15 minutes until the tea takes on a dark red wine color. Strain the liquid into a clean jar or mug, discarding the used petals and peels. You can serve this drink hot or chilled:


Chilled: Refrigerate the strained tea until cool. When ready to serve, pour the tea into a glass, add 30-40 drops of passionflower tincture, stir and sip from a favorite glass!

Hot: Pour the steeped hibiscus infusion into a mug and add 30-40 drops of passionflower tincture. Stir to mix in tincture and you're ready to enjoy!


More About Passionflower:

Properties: Mild sedative, hypnotic (regulates neurotransmitters in the central nervous system), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), anodyne (relieves pain), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure).

Dosage: 10-30 drops

Uses: Passionflower is often used for insomnia, neurological disorders (like Parkinson’s and epilepsy), hysteria, neuralgia (nerve pain), shingles, anxiety, and hypertension. It is commonly blended with valerian and skullcap to promote restful sleep.

Note: Passionflower may interact with the following medications:

  • Sedatives (drugs that cause sleepiness)

  • Antiplatelets and anticoagulants (blood thinners)

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors or MAOIs)



LAVENDER MOCKTAIL


Lavender + Sparkling Water + Dark Berry Juice + Lemon Twist

Lavender (flower) is a beloved garden herb often used in essential oils for its calming effects. When taken internally, lavender has been shown to have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects comparable to benzodiazepine class of calming drugs (think: Xanax). Lavender is also known for inducing sleep, improving memory, relieving pain, and boosting mood.


Ingredients:

  • 30-40 drops of Lavender tincture (I like Herb Pharm)

  • 1 part unflavored sparkling water - I used 3/4 cup

  • 1 part dark berry juice - equal proportion of juice to sparkling water. Trader Joe's Power of Seven Purple is a favorite. It includes organic juices from pomegranate, tart cherry, black mulberry, red grape, purple carrot, cranberry, and blueberry.

  • Lemon twist garnish


Instructions: In a medium glass, blend approximately 6 ounces of dark berry juice with an equal amount of sparkling water in a 1:1 ratio. Add 30-40 drops of lavender tincture and stir. Garnish with a twist of lemon- squeeze the peel a little to release some of the citrus oils into the drink. 


More About Lavender:

Properties: Aromatic, carminative (supports digestion), antispasmodic (relieves spasms), antidepressant.

Dosage: 10-30 drops

Uses: Lavender is in the “nervine” class of herbs, meaning it has soothing, calming effects. It can help with emotional upset, stress, and digestive issues. For a calming blend, mix equal parts lavender, lemon balm, skullcap, chamomile, and half the amount of licorice and ginger. Take 1 cup 1-3 times per day as needed. Lavender is especially helpful for those who are so wound up they struggle to digest food.

Note: do not take lavender if pregnant or breastfeeding.



KAVA MOCKTAIL


Kava + Tonic Water + Lime + Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup

Kava (root), meaning “bitter” in Tongan, is a traditional herb from Polynesia; used medicinally, ritually, and recreationally. In ancient times, it was consumed by spiritual leaders, but today it's enjoyed in kava bars for its relaxing properties. Kava is known as a mild tranquilizer that promotes peace, calm, and social bonding.


Ingredients:

  • 30 drops of Kava tincture (I like Herb Pharm)

  • 1- 6.8 oz bottle of tonic water (Fever Tree brand is my favorite—had the best taste without high fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient in commercial tonic)

  • Juice of 2 small limes

  • 1/2 oz rosemary honey simple syrup (option to add more or less honey syrup, according to personal preference on sweetness)


Instructions: Over ice in a 12-14 oz glass, squeeze the juice of 2 small limes. Add 30 drops of kava tincture and 1/2 oz of rosemary honey syrup. Top with the tonic water, stir, and enjoy!


Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup Recipe: To make the syrup, combine equal parts honey and hot water (e.g., 1/2 cup honey + 1/2 cup hot water) in a glass jar and stir until dissolved. Add several sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped up, to the warm honey mixture, shake well, and refrigerate. After 24 hours, strain out the rosemary leaves and store the syrup in the fridge.


More About Kava:

Properties: Antispasmodic, stimulant, analgesic (pain-relieving), muscle relaxant, anti-fungal, diuretic.

Dosage: 10-50 drops. For occasional/rare use, up to 150 drops can be taken to induce a mild euphoric state.

Uses: Kava is traditionally consumed to promote relaxation and clarity, and it enhances social interactions by fostering feelings of camaraderie. It’s both stimulating and relaxing to the central nervous system, helping to relax muscles while stimulating thoughts and ideas.

Note: do not take kava if you have liver disease, Parkinson's disease, are pregnant or taking many medications.


Whether you’re seeking relaxation, better sleep, or just a moment of calm, these herbal-infused drinks offer the perfect balance of flavor and function. So, sit back, relax, and sip your way to tranquility with these thoughtfully crafted herbal beverages!

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