As the leaves begin to fall and the autumn breeze sweeps in, October brings with it the perfect opportunity to embrace fresh starts and new traditions. Amongst these, Sober October is one the team here at Oh La La! like to follow. It encourages us to take a break from alcohol, try new mocktail recipes and set ourselves up for a busy festive season.
Not only do we love the health benefits we get from an alcohol detox we also get really excited about discovering tasty, alcohol-free alternatives.
And to get you inspired, we’ve curated a list of fabulous British-inspired mocktails that are a testament to the fact that alcohol-free doesn’t need to mean boring. From the comforting warmth of an Earl Grey Refresher to the fruity zing of a Berry Brit, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
So here are our top 5 mocktails for Sober October.
Blackcurrant Fizz
A sparkling blend of blackcurrant cordial with a touch of elderflower and a fizzy finish, topped with fresh mint and blackberries. To truly elevate this refreshment, why not pair with our enchanting English Garden Flowers Macarons? With complementary flavours of apple, vanilla and lemon, it’s a match made in heaven.
Garden Brew
A serene blend of cold-brewed chamomile tea, fresh apple juice, and a hint of honey, adorned with apple slices and chamomile flowers. Our beautiful Bumblebee macarons are the perfect bite to accompany this comforting mocktail.
Berry Brit
A jubilant mix of berry puree with a splash of lemon, topped with alcohol-free sparkling wine, garnished with fresh mixed berries. Our ‘Very Berry’ macarons from ‘Can’t Believe They Are Vegan’ are the perfect addition to this revitalising beverage, as well as our other decadent flavours they sit alongside.
English Rose Cooler
A romantic infusion of rose water, lemon juice and lavender syrup, topped with tonic water, garnished with edible rose petals and a slice of lemon. This mocktail marries wonderfully with our Rose Pink Collection macarons, why not treat yourself?
Earl Grey Refresher
A classic brew of Earl Grey tea with a hint of lemon, sweetened to taste, garnished with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint. We highly recommend pairing this beverage with a serving of our Happy Daisy macarons, accompanying the flavours of lemon and vanilla perfectly!
The recipes are below, so try them and let us know what you think.
And if you don’t want to make your own drinks (who does?) then remember you can always book in for a culinary adventure at Oh La La! Macarons. Our Macaron and Mocktail Masterclasses are more than just a learning experience—they are a journey through a wonderland of flavours where you get the chance to shake up mocktails with one of our trained mixologists.
Alongside learning how to make and decorate your own box of macarons to take away is a fun pressure free environment that people of all ages can enjoy.
We don’t think life should ever be boring, so let’s make Sober October a memorable and delightful adventure. We encourage you to stir, shake, bake and celebrate the myriad of flavours that life has to offer!
Blackcurrant Fizz
Ingredients:
- 50ml Blackcurrant Cordial
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 10ml Elderflower Syrup
- 100ml soda water
- Ice
- Fresh mint and blackberries for garnish
Method:
STEP 1
In a highball glass, mix together the blackcurrant cordial, lemon juice, and elderflower syrup.
STEP 2
Add a handful of ice to the glass and top with soda water. Stir gently to combine.
STEP 3
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and blackberries.
Recipe tip
The elderflower syrup can be adjusted to taste for a sweeter or less sweet drink.
Garden Brew
Ingredients:
- 50ml Cold Brewed Chamomile Tea
- 20ml Fresh Apple Juice
- 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 10ml Honey Syrup
- Ice
- Apple slices and chamomile flowers for garnish
Method:
STEP 1
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Shake until the shaker feels icy cold.
STEP 2
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
STEP 3
Garnish with apple slices and chamomile flowers.
Recipe tip
Honey syrup can be made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water, then cooling.
Berry Brit
Ingredients:
- 50ml Mixed Berry Puree (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- 10ml Simple Syrup
- 100ml Alcohol-free Sparkling Wine
- Ice
- Fresh mixed berries for garnish
Method:
STEP 1
In a shaker, combine the mixed berry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup with a handful of ice. Shake well.
STEP 2
Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
STEP 3
Top with alcohol-free sparkling wine and garnish with fresh mixed berries.
Recipe tip
For a tangier twist, replace some of the berries with currants in the puree.
English Rose Cooler
Ingredients:
- 50ml Rose Water
- 20ml Lemon Juice
- 10ml Lavender Syrup
- 100ml Tonic Water
- Ice
- Edible rose petals and a slice of lemon for garnish
Method:
STEP 1
In a glass, mix together the rose water, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
STEP 2
Add a handful of ice and top with tonic water. Stir gently to combine.
STEP 3
Garnish with a few edible rose petals and a slice of lemon.
Recipe tip
For a more pronounced lavender flavour, add a sprig of fresh lavender as a garnish.
Earl Grey Refresher
Ingredients:
- 1 Earl Grey Tea Bag
- 200ml Hot Water
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- 10ml Simple Syrup
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and a mint sprig for garnish
Method:
STEP 1
Brew the Earl Grey tea with hot water as per packet instructions, then allow to cool.
STEP 2
In a glass, combine the cooled tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
STEP 3
Fill the glass with ice, stir well, and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
Recipe tip
For an added botanical note, consider infusing your simple syrup with a touch of lavender or rosemary.
