Pour Something Better: 5 Refreshing Mocktails for Menopause

Let’s be real—what once felt like a fun indulgence can now leave you hot, restless, and regretting that second glass. As hormones shift during perimenopause and menopause, alcohol often becomes less of a treat and more of a trigger. That’s why we’re leaning into mocktails that help you feel good now, not pay for it later.

These five recipes are modern takes on classic cocktails—Piña Colada, Mojito, Lemon Drop, Sea Breeze, and Aperol Spritz—made with real, nourishing ingredients and zero artificial spirits. They’re bright, balanced, and refreshingly adult—proof that you can still sip in style, no buzz (or hangover) required.

Piña Colada

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk)
• 1/2 cup crushed ice or more to your texture preference
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks (optional, for a thicker texture)
• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or simple syrup (optional, to taste)
• A tiny pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

To garnish:

• Pineapple wedge
• Maraschino cherry (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add pineapple juice, coconut cream, crushed ice, and frozen pineapple (if using) to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Taste and add sweetener or salt to taste
4. Pour into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

Tips for elevation:

• Add a splash of lime juice to brighten and balance the sweetness.
• Blend in a small piece of fresh ginger for a subtle spicy kick.
• Top with grated nutmeg or toasted coconut flakes for a tropical garnish.

Lemon Drop

Ingredients:

• 2 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1.25 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water, or adjust to taste)
• 1 oz cold water
• 1–2 drops orange or lemon bitters (optional but adds dimension)=
• Ice

To garnish:

• Superfine sugar for the rim
• Lemon twist or thin lemon wheel

Instructions:

1. Prep the glass: Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass, then dip in superfine sugar.
2. Fill a shaker with ice. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, cold water, and bitters if using.
3. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds to chill and slightly dilute.
4. Strain into your prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tips for elevation:

• Use lavender, thyme, or ginger syrup instead of plain simple syrup for extra flavor.
• Add a splash of orange, grapefruit, or yuzu juice to balance or deepen the citrus.
• Mix your superfine sugar with lemon zest or a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.

Mojito

Ingredients:

• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
• 3–4 oz sparkling water (club soda or lime-flavored works great)
• Crushed ice

To garnish:

• Mint sprig
• Lime wheel

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves gently in the bottom of a sturdy glass with the lime juice and simple syrup. Don’t shred the mint—just bruise it to release the oils.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice (or small cubes if that’s what you’ve got).
3. Pour in the sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel, and serve with a straw or spoon.

Tips for elevation:

• Add a few cucumber slices when muddling for a spa-like twist.
• Use honey syrup or demerara syrup for a richer sweetness.
• A drop of vanilla extract or a few dashes of non-alcoholic bitters can make it more complex.
• Want tropical vibes? Muddle in some pineapple chunks or add a splash of coconut water.

Sea Breeze

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice if possible)
• 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz cold water (optional, for balance and body)
• Ice

To garnish:

• Lime wedge or grapefruit slice

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Add cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and water (if using).
3. Stir gently to mix.
4. Garnish and enjoy!

Tips for elevation:

• Use fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice for brighter, more balanced flavor.
• Add a splash of sparkling water or grapefruit soda for a fizzy twist.
• Muddle a few mint leaves or basil for a fresh herbal note.
• Try a salted rim or pinch of sea salt to enhance the tartness.

Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz orange juice (fresh or high-quality store-bought)
• 2 oz bitter soda (like Sanbittèr, Crodino, or even tonic if you can’t find those)
• 2–3 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Ice

To garnish:

• Orange slice or peel

Instructions:

• Fill a wine glass or tumbler with ice.
• Add orange juice and bitter soda.
• Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
• Garnish with an orange slice.

Tips for elevation:

• Add a splash of grapefruit juice to amp up the bitterness and cut sweetness.
• Use blood orange juice for a dramatic color and deeper flavor.
• Muddle a small rosemary sprig or thyme for an herbal edge.
• Top with grapefruit soda or flavored sparkling water for extra complexity.

Feeling good doesn’t have to mean giving things up—it’s about choosing what truly supports you. These mocktails let you sip with intention, savor the moment, and wake up refreshed. Because in this phase of life, you deserve drinks that love you back.