Photo: Lucy Schaeffer
1 / 15
The Best Zero-Proof Drinks for Game Day
Don’t make the game day mistake of rolling out a spread of Super Bowl appetizers and leaving the drinks as an afterthought. Game day drinks are one of the easiest ways to level up your spread. If you’re hosting a mixed crowd, take a tip from some of the best zero-proof bars around and ditch the booze in favor of nonalcoholic wine and mocktails. From big batches of punch to quick, crowd-pleasing sips, these nonalcoholic recipes are designed to keep the party going straight through the final whistle.
Even if there is still snow on the ground where you are, sweet watermelon and tart lemon can make it feel like a summer day. The icy texture helps cool things down when the snacks skew salty or spicy. Pair it with nachos or anything dusted in chili powder.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Matt Armendariz
2 / 15
Calamansi Cherry Spritz
Bright calamansi juice adds citrusy zip while cherry keeps things grounded and fruity. The bubbles make it especially refreshing during long stretches of snacking. If calamansi is hard to come by, regular lime juice will work as a swap.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Renee Comet
3 / 15
Tart Cherry Shirley Temple
This upgraded Shirley Temple leans more thingy than sugary, thanks to tart cherry juice. Just like the original drink, ginger ale adds a punchy effervescence. It’s nostalgic but balanced enough for adults.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: David Malosh
4 / 15
Cherry-Limeade Punch
A can of frozen limeade concentrate can help form the base of this large batch of fruity mocktails. Mix it with tart cherry juice and sugar until it dissolves. Just before your guests arrive, top with seltzer, ginger beer and sliced citrus fruit.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher
5 / 15
Nonalcoholic Margarita
All the tang and salt-friendly citrus you want, minis the tequila. Fresh citrus juice, agave and a bit of chilled lime seltzer make this drink taste surprisingly like the original. This mocktail holds its own next to the bold flavors and spicy heat of the snack spread.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Armando Rafael
6 / 15
Cranberry-Lime Mocktail
Cranberry’s sharpness keeps this mocktail crisp and food-friendly. It’s light enough to sip throughout the game without palate fatigue. This recipe is made to serve a crowd and can be prepared well in advance for seamless game-day set up.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Honey Orangeade
Sweet honey and bright citrus create a smooth, sunny mocktail that’s universally appealing. Add the syrup into each glass and top with chilled seltzer. This mild beverage is great for any time of day or night.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Watermelon-Basil Cooler
Fresh basil adds an herbal note that keeps watermelon from tasting one-note. The result is refreshing, slightly savory and unexpectedly sophisticated. It makes a nice accompaniment to charcuterie boards or light appetizers.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher
9 / 15
Tamarind Pineapple Quencher
A syrup made with coriander seeds and tangy tamarind gives a rich and complex taste to this juicy pineapple quencher. Muddling fresh pineapple turns the pulp into a slushy juice that’s diluted with coconut water. Altogether, it has a bight acidity that cuts through fried snacks.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Matt Armendariz
10 / 15
Nonalcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri
Fruity, frozen and unapologetically fun, this drink feels like a party in a glass. A pour of agave syrup and a bit of fresh squeezed lime juice liven up the strawberries. If you have a slushy machine, make a large batch and keep it churning all day long.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Blood-Red Cherry Punch
No matter what your team’s colors are, you’ll enjoy this deep red cherry punch. Mix up cherry juice in a large pitcher with ginger ale, lemon juice and grenadine. Pair it with BBQ meatballs, ribs or anything sticky and savory.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Sparkling Ginger Cider
Spicy ginger and crisp bubbles make this mocktail lively and refreshing. The base mix of sliced ginger and apple cider ahead of time to cut down on prep, then pour it over ice and top with ginger ale and fresh mint. This buzzy drink will help cleanse the palate between bites of heavier foods.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Photo: Jason Clairy ©
13 / 15
Tea-Tini Mocktail
This tea-based mocktail is lightly sweet from a dash of homemade lemon simple syrup. Shake it with ice and pour into martini glasses for a sophisticated vibe, or mix up a big pitcher to serve a crowd. Its mellow flavor profile won’t overpower food, making it a great all-day sipper.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Watermelon-Cranberry Mocktails
Juicy watermelon and cranberry bring sweet-tart balance with a bright pink hue. Blend the base with fresh lemon juice and grenadine, then pour into glasses and top with a seltzer flavor of your choice.
get the recipe
More photos after this Ad
Orange Sherbet Slushy
This nostalgic, frothy orange slushy tastes like a creamsicle in a cup. Frozen orange juice concentrate blended with milk, water, sugar, vanilla and ice gets airy as a dream. While it would be great with cheesy dips and bites, it could also work as a decadent dessert.
get the recipe