Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca

1. Salty Grapefruit Refresher

For Citrus Lovers Who Want Something Bright, Bitter, and Totally Booze-Free

Who needs a Paloma when you can sip this bright, salty-citrus refresher made with grapefruit, lime, and preserved lemon for a perfectly grown-up balance that keeps things cool, crisp, and summer-ready?

Mixologist’s Note via Joseph Hernandez

The salt in the preserved lemon also helps to keep things from tilting into soda territory; the result is like a grown-up Gatorade you’ll want to sip all summer long.

The Skinny

If you think booze-free drinks have to be syrupy sweet, meet your new citrusy wake-up call. This salty-bright refresher leans into grown-up bitterness with a slick combo of grapefruit juice, lime, and preserved lemon purée — yes, the fancy stuff with the briny kick. It’s the kind of “hydration, but make it chic” sip that feels like a wellness elixir disguised as a mocktail. Think: elevated Gatorade energy, perfect for hot days and hot-girl summer vibes.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. preserved lemon purée (such as NY Shuk)
• Club soda and grapefruit and lime wheels (for serving)

Recipe

1. Divide juice mixture among 4 highball glasses filled with ice; top off with club soda. Stir gently and garnish each drink with a grapefruit wheel and a lime wheel.
2. Stir 1½ cups fresh grapefruit juice, 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, and 2 tsp. preserved lemon purée in a small pitcher to combine.

Best Cocktail Equivalents for the Salty Grapefruit Refresher

1. Paloma

Why it’s a match:
The classic Paloma is built on grapefruit, lime, and a fizzy topper (usually soda). This mocktail mirrors that refreshing bitter-citrus balance almost exactly—just without tequila. The preserved lemon adds a salty complexity similar to a salted rim.

2. Salty Dog

Why it’s a match:
A Salty Dog is essentially grapefruit juice with vodka and a salted rim. This mocktail’s grapefruit base and inherent saltiness from preserved lemon make it a natural nonalcoholic stand-in.

3. Greyhound

Why it’s a match:
This vodka–grapefruit classic is crisp, bright, and citrus-forward. The NA version delivers the same clean grapefruit punch.

4. Hemingway Daiquiri

Why it’s a match:
Although usually rum-based, its signature bitter-tart combo (grapefruit + lime) makes it similar in mood and palate to this mocktail—especially for readers who want a more grown-up, less-sweet drink.

Photograph by Marcus McDonald, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton, Prop Styling by Andrea Bonin

2. Dirty Spritz

For the Martini Devotee or Spritz Lover Who’s Entering Their Sober-Curious Era

Who needs an Aperol Spritz when you can sip this salty-bright stunner packed with citrusy aperitivo and a cheeky splash of olive brine? It’s the savory sparkle your happy hour didn’t know it needed.

Mixologist’s Note via Kendra Vaculin:

In this nonalcoholic spritz, the saltiness and complexity of the olive brine adds depth, while the garnishes contribute visual and aromatic interest.

The Skinny

If you love a spritz but could skip the buzz, this NA twist keeps all the attitude without the aftermath. Instead of bitter liqueur and bubbly wine, this version leans on a citrusy aperitivo and fizzy tonic—then gets delightfully naughty with a splash of olive brine for that salty, grown-up edge. Add a few glam garnishes and you’ve got a savory, sparkling sipper that feels chic, complex, and absolutely ready for your next golden-hour moment.

Ingredients

• 1½ .oz. chilled nonalcoholic citrus aperitivo (such as Wilderton)
• ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz. olive brine
• 3 oz. chilled tonic water
• Olives, thyme sprig, and lemon twist (for serving; optional)

Recipe

1. Stir 1½ cups fresh grapefruit juice, 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, and 2 tsp. preserved lemon purée in a small pitcher to combine.
2. Divide juice mixture among 4 highball glasses filled with ice; top off with club soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish each drink with a grapefruit wheel and a lime wheel.

Best Cocktail Equivalents for the Dirty Spritz

1. Aperol Spritz

Why it’s a match:
It’s the closest NA cousin: citrus-forward aperitivo, bubbles, bitterness, and that unmistakable spritz structure. The olive brine adds a savory edge that makes this feel grown-up, not “grape juice pretending.”

2. Campari Spritz

Why it works:
Campari lovers crave bitterness, depth, and vibrant aromatics. The NA citrus aperitivo + tonic combo hits the same refreshing, punchy notes—minus the booze.

3. Dirty Martini (for martini drinkers in spritz season)

Why it fits:
The olive brine nods directly to a dirty martini. People who love salty, briny, savory cocktails will instantly get that same satisfaction in a lighter, fizzier form.

4. Negroni Sbagliato (especially the lighter versions)

Why this tracks:
Bitter aperitivo + bubbles + citrus = Sbagliato energy. If someone loves the ease of a fizzy red bitter drink, this scratches that itch without the alcohol.

Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Marina Bevilacqua

3. Chile-Cucumber Agua Fresca

For the Spice Chaser Who Loves a Kick Without the Buzz

Who needs a spicy margarita when you’ve got this crisp, chile-kissed refresher? With bright citrus, cooling cucumber, and a whisper of heat, it’s the zero-proof sip that keeps the night buzzing.

Mixologist’s Note via José Roberto Ricalde Gonzalez

This drink is as cool as you’d expect from blended cucumber, sure—but it’s also got notes of citrus, star anise, ginger, and habanero that bring the warmth, heat, and acidity that will keep you coming back sip after sip.

The Skinny

This chile-cucumber agua fresca is basically summer in a glass—with a little attitude. By steeping habanero into a fragrant ginger-spice syrup, chef José Roberto Ricalde Gonzalez captures all the chile’s fruity charm without the full fire hazard. The result? A cool-meets-spicy sip that keeps you coming back, especially alongside salty snacks or rich bites. It’s refreshing, electric, and just edgy enough for your zero-proof after-hours lineup.

Ingredients

• 1 small English hothouse cucumber (about 8 oz.)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 3″ piece ginger, scrubbed, sliced
• 1 habanero chile, halved
• 10 star anise pods
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Cucumber ribbons or slices (for serving)

Recipe

1. Peel cucumber; set peel aside. Cut flesh into 1″ pieces and transfer to a blender.
2. Heat sugar, ginger, chile, star anise, cloves, reserved cucumber peel, and 1 cup water in small saucepan over medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 10 minutes.
3. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into blender; discard solids. Add lemon juice and 2 cups ice and blend until smooth. Strain agua fresca through sieve into a medium pitcher; discard solids.
4. Pour agua fresca into ice-filled glasses and garnish with cucumber ribbons. (Do Ahead): Agua fresca can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Stir well before using.

Best Cocktail Equivalents for the Chile-Cucumber Agua Fresca

1. Spicy Margarita

Why it’s a match:

• The habanero syrup delivers heat similar to a spicy marg made with jalapeño or habanero.
• Lemon juice brings the bright acidity you’d normally get from lime.
• Cucumber adds coolness that mirrors modern fresh-pressed margarita riffs.

This mocktail is an excellent alcohol-free stand-in for people who love a spicy, refreshing, citrus-forward drink.

2. Jalapeño or Cucumber Chilton

Why it’s a match:

• These cocktails are known for being crisp, highly drinkable, and slightly savory — exactly the vibe of this agua fresca.
• The combination of citrus + cucumber + heat strongly resembles the profile of a spicy or cucumber Chilton.

3. Spicy Paloma (or Cucumber Paloma)

Why it’s a match:

• Many modern Palomas add cucumber or chile syrup, making this a nearly direct alcohol-free parallel.
• Palomas rely on citrus brightness, freshness, and a little bitterness — similar to the uplift from lemon + ginger + heat in this mocktail.

4. Cucumber Gimlet

Why it’s a match:

• The spice adds a modern twist similar to many contemporary cucumber-chile gin cocktails.
• A classic gimlet features bright citrus and botanical notes.
• The cucumber and lemon in this agua fresca echo the same crisp, green, tart flavor profile.

Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriot

4. Chile-Lime-Pineapple Soda

For Tropical Drink Fans Who Like Their Sweet With Heat

Skip the spicy marg and grab this fizzy chile-lime-pineapple soda instead. It’s sweet, spicy, and sparkling enough to carry you through any night out—zero alcohol, all attitude.

Mixologist’s Note via Anna Wallace

If you are a chile fan, you can sub in serranos or jalapeños for the chiles de árbol. You will get the flavor of the chile as opposed to just heat.

The Skinny

If your taste buds live for a little drama, this chile-lime-pineapple soda is about to become your new signature sip. Created by Seattle Seltzer Co.’s own Anna Wallace, it takes tropical pineapple, zesty lime, and a flirtatious hit of chile and turns them into a fizzy, feel-good mocktail with major main-character energy. Swap in serranos or jalapeños if you’re the extra-spicy type—this drink is all about dialing the heat to your vibe.

Ingredients

• 1 small English hothouse cucumber (about 8 oz.)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 3″ piece ginger, scrubbed, sliced
• 1 habanero chile, halved
• 10 star anise pods
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Cucumber ribbons or slices (for serving)

Recipe

1. Peel cucumber; set peel aside. Cut flesh into 1″ pieces and transfer to a blender.
2. Heat sugar, ginger, chile, star anise, cloves, reserved cucumber peel, and 1 cup water in small saucepan over medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 10 minutes.
3. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into blender; discard solids. Add lemon juice and 2 cups ice and blend until smooth. Strain agua fresca through sieve into a medium pitcher; discard solids.
4. Pour agua fresca into ice-filled glasses and garnish with cucumber ribbons. (Do Ahead): Agua fresca can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Stir well before using.

This zesty, spicy-sweet, sparkling drink makes an excellent nonalcoholic alternative to several popular cocktails that blend fruit, heat, and citrus.

Best Cocktail Equivalents for the Chile-Lime-Pineapple Soda

1. Spicy Margarita

Why it’s a match:

• Both rely on lime, chile heat, and bright acidity.
• Many modern margaritas incorporate pineapple or jalapeño, making this an easy swap for the same refreshing kick — just without tequila.

Context: Taco night, summer patios, or anywhere a spicy marg would shine.

2. Piña Picante / Spicy Pineapple Margarita

Why it’s a match:

• Pineapple + heat is the core profile in both drinks.
• The mocktail delivers the same tropical-spicy vibe that’s become popular at cocktail bars.

Context: Tropical-themed parties or mocktail menus that highlight bold flavors.

3. Michelada (especially fruity or mango/pineapple variants)

Why it’s a match:

• Micheladas often blend lime, chile, and savory heat.
• While traditionally beer-based, many versions showcase fruity chiles, making this a cleaner, lighter, alcohol-free alternative.

Context: Brunch, BBQs, game day, or spicy-food pairings.

4. Paloma (Spicy Paloma variants)

Why it’s a match:

• The Paloma’s identity comes from citrus + soda water — exactly the structure of this mocktail.
• The chile notes mimic the spicy Paloma trend.

Context: Refreshing summer drink or poolside refresher.

5. Tropical Highball / Pineapple Collins

Why it’s a match:

• A highball is simply fruit + citrus + soda — nearly identical to this recipe.
• Works perfectly for those who enjoy tall, fizzy, fruit-forward cocktails.

Context: Daytime events or lighter cocktail moments.

Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Pearl Jones, prop styling by Sophie Strangio

5. Shirley Tonic

For the Bubbly Highball Lover Who Wants a Softer Landing

Forget the Dirty Shirley—this upgraded, holiday-spiced version brings pomegranate, ginger, and bubbles together for a crisp, zero-proof sip that’s as fun as it is festive. Perfect for any party, minus the hangover.

Mixologist’s Note via Anna Stockwell

A holiday-spiced grenadine syrup, club soda, and a twist is a grown-up Shirley Temple we can all enjoy.

The Skinny

Meet the Shirley Tonic — the glow-up your childhood mocktail never saw coming. This version trades neon-red sweetness for spiced pomegranate syrup, ginger heat, and a bubbly club-soda finish that feels equal parts festive and grown-up. It’s basically a holiday party in a glass, minus the next-day regret. Whether you’re pacing yourself or skipping alcohol entirely, this zero-proof sparkler brings all the flavor and none of the FOMO.

Ingredients

• 3 3″ cinnamon sticks
• 1 4″ piece ginger, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 10 whole cloves
• 6 cups pomegranate juice
• ⅓ cup sugar
• Club soda and lemon twists (for serving)

Recipe

1. Bring cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves, pomegranate juice, and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cook until reduced to 1½ cups, about 40 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof measuring glass; discard solids. Let cool.
2. To serve, pour 1 oz. pomegranate syrup and 1 oz. Scotch, if using, into a tall ice-filled glass. Top off with club soda and stir to combine; garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Do Ahead: Syrup can be made 10 days in ahead. Chill in an airtight container.

This zesty, spicy-sweet, sparkling drink makes an excellent nonalcoholic alternative to several popular cocktails that blend fruit, heat, and citrus.

Best Cocktail Equivalents for the Shirley Tonic

1. Whiskey Highball

Why it’s a good alternative:
Even without the optional Scotch, the Shirley Tonic keeps the same structure as a highball — a spirit-forward flavor softened with bubbles. The pomegranate syrup adds depth where whiskey normally would.

2. Pomegranate Gin Fizz / Classic Gin Fizz

Why it’s a good alternative:
The club soda + citrus twist + tart fruit syrup echoes the bright, effervescent profile of fizz cocktails. The spices mimic botanical notes that gin drinkers often enjoy.

3. Shirley Temple / Dirty Shirley

Why it’s a good alternative:
This is essentially a sophisticated, holiday-spiced adult version. It replaces the heavy sweetness of a Dirty Shirley with layered spice, ginger heat, and real pomegranate.

4. Americano (Campari + Vermouth + Soda)

Why it’s a good alternative:
The Americano’s defining traits are bittersweet fruit, aromatics, and effervescence. Your spiced pomegranate syrup creates a similar bittersweet, complex profile without alcohol.

5. Pomegranate Spritz / Aperol Spritz

Why it’s a good alternative:
A spritz is sparkling, citrusy, and slightly bitter-sweet. The Shirley Tonic hits the same marks—bubbles, fruit, citrus oils—making it a great alcohol-free spritz replacement.