What Is the Difference Between a Cocktail and A Mocktail?

If you’re new to the wonderful world of cocktails, you might have run into the term mocktail and wondered, “what kind of drink is that.” Well, you don’t have to worry about learning a new recipe, because it’s not a drink at all, well not in the way you think. 

What is Cocktail

A Cocktail is a “stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.” This being the most widely accepted definition of the word. The key here is spirits, meaning alcohol. Read our full post on the origin of the word cocktail here.

What is Mocktail

A Mocktail is simply a cold, alcohol, free mixed drink. The term comes from the combination of “mock,” which means false, and cocktail meaning, well cocktail. 

You can make a mocktail at home by creating your own concoction of fruit juices, syrup and soda, and ice, and serve it all in a cocktail glass for added style. 

One of the more famous mocktails includes Surly Temple, Lime Ricky, and Roy Rogers. If you want to learn how to make a Surly Temple take a look at this Surly Temple rece culinaryhill.com.

What Is the Difference Between a Cocktail and A Mocktail?

Simply put, a cocktail, by definition, contains some sort of alcohol. A mocktail is a play on words and is simply a cocktail like a drink, but contains no alcohol. 

Conclusion

So there you have it—the difference between a cocktail and a mocktail. Now when your younger pens ask for a mocktail, you know not to reach for the liquor cabinet.

Have you ever made a mocktail? Let us know in the comments. Want to read more posts just like this one? Check out our full blog here. Stay safe, stay home, get hammered.