17/01/2025

We are in the middle of January and a lot of people are trying to cut back or are cutting out alcohol completely. Personally, I have come to find that alcohol really messes with my anxiety (you can read more about my personal journey in the mental health section on the blog) so I tend to stay clear of it. Whether you are avoiding alcohol for personal, or health reasons, I love to find really good alternatives that are just as delicious, complex in flavor, and are, of course, super delicious. And this Non-Alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktail is exactly all of that.

Two non-alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktails in glasses with cucumber slices and juiced limes to the side; photographed from above

This recipe is inspired from one of our recent trips to Ireland. We had this version in a restaurant and I immediately fell in love with it. It was sour, but not too intense. It was aromatic, but not overpowering. To me, it felt like walking through a spring garden when everything is awakening or coming to light. I loved it and knew I wanted to create a version for the blog.

Juiced limes and cucumber slices in focus with two mocktails visible in the background

What You Will Find in This Post

Here is what you can expect from this post:

What contributes to a good non-alcoholic cocktail?
Easy swaps and questions
How to adjust this Non-Alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktails to your dietary requirements
Other delicious drinks, mocktails, and spritzers on the blog

Non-alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktail photographed up close with an ice cube and cucumber slide visible

What Contributes to a Good Non-alcoholic Cocktail?

Also called a mocktail, a good non-alcoholic cocktail should have a great balance of flavor, aroma, and texture that allows for the drink to feel elevated and special, just as you would with a regular cocktail. The balance here is key. A good mocktail should have sweet, sour, bitter, and umami flavors. This is something I also try to do with all my dishes here on the blog, as it allows for your brain and palate to feel completely satisfied. Sweetness can come from sugar syrups, honey, agave, or similar. The sour element is usually achieved through elements of citrus fruits or some type of vinegar. Bitter flavors can be added through mint or basil, for example in order to provide a bit of a further tang. Fresh herbs or tea infusions can provide a great profile for umami taste.

From a texture perspective, some fizz in the form of a sparkling beverage, creaminess from some form of non-dairy milk, or fruits can all provide great additional texture. The ice added to the drink should also not be underestimated and can make all the difference. Think about crushing or cubing your ice. Or perhaps even making one big blog and freezing some fruit (or flowers) in it.

Two non-alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktails garnished with ice cubes and cucumber slices

Easy Swaps and Questions

I only have non-alcoholic vodka, would this recipe also work? Yes, you can also use non-alcoholic vodka in this recipe instead of the gin. The flavor profile might slightly differ, as each gin is infused but in principal, this is totally possible.

Can I also make this cocktail in an alcoholic version? Of course. Instead of using non-alcoholic alternatives, you can use the “real” counterparts for you or your guests who are drinking alcohol.

Why are you adding chickpea brine to the recipe? The chickpea brine is used in order to create the foam. In other non-alcoholic cocktails this is usually done through some egg whites, however I wanted to create a vegan version that is accessible for all dietary requirements.

non-alcoholic garden sour cocktail being picked up ready for drinking

How to adjust this Non-Alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktails to your dietary requirements

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan. It can, therefore, be enjoyed by everyone!

non-alcoholic garden sour cocktail being picked up ready for drinking and being dragged out of the picture

Other Delicious Drinks, Mocktails, and Spritzers on the Blog

I love a good refreshment so I always aim to bring you options that you can customize – so make them non-alcoholic or alcoholic and then enjoy! If you fell in love with this recipe, be sure to check out the following:

Easy Peach Bellini Cocktail
Strawberry Basil Smash Drink
Ginger Orange and Mint-Berry Mocktails
Summer Day Lemonade
Coconut Pineapple Smoothie (can be made with rum or non-alcoholic rum)

And there you have it for this week! Whether for your next party, dinner, or just for fun (because, why not says me drinking this after shooting on a random Friday morning?!) I hope you enjoy this Non-alcoholic Garden Sour Cocktail as much as I do over here!! Cheers and enjoy!