Elevate Your Gatherings with Fall-Inspired Mocktails

When it comes to hosting, not everyone’s drinking — but everyone deserves something special in their glass. These mocktails are proof that “non-alcoholic” doesn’t mean boring. Think sparkling cider stations, artisanal infusions, and flavor combinations that feel as intentional as any craft cocktail.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, brunch with friends, or a cozy night in, these three recipes bring elegance, sparkle, and flavor — without the booze.

Pear & Sage Sparkler

“Crisp, herbaceous, and effortlessly elegant — a sparkling sip of fall sophistication.”

This pear-forward mocktail gets its charm from a touch of honey and the earthy perfume of sage. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or fireside sipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear nectar or pear juice

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• ¼ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey + hot water)

• 2 fresh sage leaves

• Top with sparkling water or ginger beer

• Garnish: pear slice + sage sprig

  
  

How to Make It:

1. In a shaker, lightly muddle the sage with the honey syrup.

2. Add pear nectar and lemon juice. Add ice and shake for 6–8 seconds to chill.

3. Fine-strain into a chilled flute or coupe (no ice).

4. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer.

5. Garnish with a pear slice and sage sprig.

   
   

Batched Ingredients (≈1 gallon base, ~16 servings):

• 4 cups pear nectar

• 1 cup lemon juice

• ½ cup honey syrup

• 16–20 fresh sage leaves (muddle lightly, then strain before serving)

• Top with 2 liters of sparkling water or ginger beer before serving

  
  

How to Make It:

1. In a cambro, combine pear nectar, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

2. Lightly bruise sage leaves (don’t shred) and steep in the mix for 15–30 minutes refrigerated; strain out leaves.

3. Keep base chilled.

4. For service: pour 4 oz base into a glass, top with 2–3 oz sparkling water or ginger beer.

5. Garnish: pear slice + sage sprig.

   
   

Pro Tip:

Add bubbles at service so it stays fizzy—batch Base (no carbonation). Serve in a flute glass for an instant “wow” moment at your cider or sparkling bar station.

Citrus & Rosemary Cooler

“Bright, botanical, and beautifully balanced — a citrus twist on pure relaxation.”

This mocktail screams spa-day chic! Bright citrus meets fresh rosemary for a crisp, herbal drink that feels both energizing and relaxing. It’s a natural fit for afternoon get-togethers and sunny celebrations, even in the fall season.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz orange juice

• 1 oz grapefruit juice

• ½ oz lime juice

• ½ oz rosemary syrup (1:1 sugar + water + rosemary sprig)

• Top with club soda

• Garnish: rosemary sprig + orange peel twist

  
  

How to Make It:

1. Add all juices and rosemary syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake quickly.

2. Strain over fresh ice.

3. Top with club soda.

4. Express an orange peel over the top; garnish with peel + rosemary sprig.

   
   

Batched Ingredients (≈1 gallon base, ~16 servings):

• 2 cups orange juice

• 2 cups grapefruit juice

• 1 cup lime juice

• 1½ cups rosemary syrup

• 2 liters club soda (add before serving)

• Garnish: rosemary sprigs and orange peels in the dispenser

  
  

How to Make It:

1. Combine juices and syrup; whisk and chill.

2. For service: pour 4 oz base over ice, top with 3–4 oz club soda.

3. Garnish: rosemary sprigs + orange peels (prep peels the same day for best aroma).

   
   

Pro Tip:

Chill all ingredients ahead of time, then pour into a clear dispenser to show off those citrus slices and rosemary sprigs—it doubles as décor.

Peach Thyme Spritz

“Juicy peach meets aromatic thyme in a bubbly, sunshine-filled refresher.”

Sweet peach and fragrant thyme make a match made in mocktail heaven. Lightly tart from lemon and finished with a delicate fizz, this drink delivers that “cheers to the good life” feeling — no alcohol required.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz peach nectar or purée

• ½ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz thyme syrup (1:1 sugar + water simmered with thyme)

• Top with sparkling water or tonic

• Garnish: peach slice + thyme sprig

  
  

How to Make It:

1. Add peach, lemon, and thyme syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake briefly.

2. Strain over fresh ice in a wine glass or Collins glass.

3. Top with sparkling water or tonic.

4. Quick stir to integrate.

5. Garnish with a peach slice and a thyme sprig.

   
   

Batched Ingredients (≈1 gallon base, ~16 servings):

• 4 cups peach nectar or purée

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 1 cup thyme syrup

• 2 liters sparkling water or tonic (added before serving)

• Garnish: floating peach slices and thyme sprigs

  
  

How to Make It:

1. Whisk nectar/purée, lemon, and thyme syrup until smooth.

2. Refrigerate to chill thoroughly.

3. For service: pour 4 oz base over ice, top with 3–4 oz sparkling water or tonic.

4. Garnish: peach slices + thyme sprigs (float a few in the dispenser right before service).

   
   

Pro Tip:

Base keeps for 48 hours. If using purée, give the dispenser a gentle swirl every 20–30 minutes to prevent settling. Add a splash of elderflower tonic for a touch of floral sophistication — perfect for brunches or garden parties.

House Syrup Recipes (yields + steps)

Honey Syrup (1:1)

• Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 1 cup hot water

• Steps: Whisk until fully dissolved. Cool, bottle, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

  
  

Rosemary Syrup (1:1 infused)

• Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 6–8 rosemary sprigs

• Steps: Same method as thyme. Steep 15–25 min (rosemary is potent). Strain, cool, bottle, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

  
  

Thyme Syrup (1:1 infused)

• Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 10–12 thyme sprigs

• Steps: Bring sugar + water to a simmer, remove heat, add thyme, cover and steep 20–30 min. Strain, cool, bottle, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

  
  

Final Toast

As the holidays approach, let’s raise a glass — no proof required. These three mocktails celebrate the art of inclusion, creativity, and mindful enjoyment. From the crisp bite of pear and sage to the juicy sweetness of peach and thyme and the bright zest of citrus and rosemary, each sip proves that sophistication has nothing to do with spirits — it’s all about spirit.

So whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving dinner, an office mixer, or a cozy night in, remember: every guest deserves something special to toast with. Cheers to good company, great taste, and gatherings that sparkle — with or without the bubbles.

Stay hydrated. Drink responsibly.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @greeneolivescatering on Instagram and hashtag it #greeneolivescatering.