Herbal Glow Tonic (Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Drink)
I’ve been alcohol-free for over two years now, and I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions for my health, energy, and overall mood. If you’re someone who enjoys the idea of a good time without the effects of alcohol, welcome to the club! Today, I’m sharing my Herbal Glow Tonic recipe, a sparkling non-alcoholic drink that captures the celebratory vibe of your favorite cocktails. It’s a delicious drink that’s perfect for any occasion. But first, here's a little backstory!
Want more non-alcoholic beverages? Check out my 7 Non-Alcoholic Recipes on Substack! Or try my sleepy mocktail recipe here!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Why I Stopped Drinking Alcohol
When I stopped drinking, it happened naturally—pregnancy, breastfeeding, and eventually realizing just how much better I felt without alcohol in my life. Being a mom is my absolute favorite thing in the world, and it didn’t make sense to me why I’d do something that could take away from that. So, I decided that drinking no longer brought me the joy it once did.
I also promised myself I’d never be a “Debbie Downer” at parties if I chose to stop drinking. I used to feel frustrated seeing people sit off to the side at social events because they “weren’t drinking.” But now, I’ve attended a few weddings and a bachelorette party—totally sober! And no one knew I wasn’t drinking. I was still out there dancing hard and staying up until 4 AM with everyone else.
And the next morning? I wake up feeling energized and ready to take on whatever life brings.
If you’re curious about cutting back on alcohol, I recorded a podcast episode about my journey here!
Trust me—you can still enjoy fun drinks and have an amazing time without missing a beat.
What is a Mocktail?
A mocktail is a cocktail without the alcohol! It’s typically made with fresh fruits, herbs, and sometimes even vegetables to add flavor without the booze. Non-alcoholic drinks are perfect for those who still want the fun of sipping and enjoying life’s moments, minus the hangover the next day!
Mocktails also offer great benefits: no hangover, improved energy and mood, and better sleep. Personally, I used to struggle with poor sleep and stomach aches after drinking. Now, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Ingredients You'll Need For My Herbal Glow Tonic
This sparkling non-alcoholic drink is light, refreshing, and easy to make. It serves two and takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for special occasions like baby showers, social gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy something elegant and festive!
Ingredients:
6 thin slices of cucumber
4 basil leaves
8 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
2 teaspoons fresh ginger juice
2 cups LaCroix sparkling water (Cucumber, Lime, or Lemon flavor)
Ice
Garnish:
2 slices of cucumber
Basil leaves
Mint leaves
Jazz's Recommended Products for This Recipe:
How To Make My Herbal Glow Tonic:
Muddle the Herbs and Cucumber:
Combine cucumber slices, basil, and mint in a cocktail shaker or large glass. Gently muddle them to release their natural flavors.Mix the Base Ingredients:
Add lemon juice, ginger juice, honey, and sea salt to the shaker. Stir until the honey dissolves completely.
3. Add Sparkle:
Pour 2 cups of LaCroix into the cocktail shaker, secure the lid, and gently mix. Let it sit for a few moments.
4. Assemble the Drink:
Fill two glasses with ice, divide the mixture evenly, and garnish with cucumber slices, mint, or basil.
5. Serve:
Best served immediately while chilled and sparkling!
How to serve to a crowd:
Hosting a party? Multiply the ingredients and mix everything in a pitcher, except for the sparkling water and ice. Add those right before serving to keep the fizz.
Want to add alcohol to this? Here’s how!
There are no rules—if you’d like to add a little alcohol to your mocktail, here’s how to do it! Just be sure to keep the alcohol cold and stir gently:
Vodka – 1.5 oz per serving (1 shot)
Gin – 1.5 oz per serving (1 shot)
Tequila – 1.5 oz per serving (1 shot)
Champagne – 3-4 oz per serving (adjust to taste)
Into cocktails? You’ll love this blackberry mojito recipe!
Let's Talk About Bubbly Beverages!
Choosing the right base makes all the difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences so you can choose the best one for your drinks:
Club soda – has a slightly salty flavor
Sparkling water – naturally carbonated water
Seltzer – bubbly water with no added minerals and sometimes contains added sugar
Tonic – contains added sugars, so use with caution. But if you like your dinks on the sweet side, this might be a great option for you.
Substitutions & Variations
I’m all about using ingredients you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. That’s why I’ve put together a list of ingredient swaps in case you’re missing a few of the ones listed! Mocktails are all about creativity—there’s no strict rule when it comes to making them, so substitutions are a breeze!
Lemon Juice: Use lime, orange juice, or grapefruit juice!
LaCroix: use plain sparkling water, any other flavored water brands or club soda!
Honey: Substitute with agave, maple syrup, stevia, monk fruit or any simple syrup!
Mint/Basil Leaves: Swap these for cilantro, parsley, rosemary or thyme!
What time of year can this be served?
This Herbal Glow Tonic is the perfect drink for any season:
Spring: This drink is perfect for warmer weather and pairs beautifully with a light meal. It’s great for Easter brunch, a garden party, or a baby or bridal shower!
Summer: Beat the heat with this refreshing drink! It’s perfect for poolside lounging, picnics, or BBQs.
Early Fall: I love this in the fall as we transition to colder weather as the herbs keep it seasonal! Serve at an outdoor gathering or a casual night in!
New Year: A low-calorie, non-alcoholic option, making it ideal for “Dry January” as you kick off the new year!
FAQs
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Yes! You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep the fizz intact.
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For a sweeter drink, add more honey, agave, or your preferred sweetener.
For a less sweet version, reduce or omit the honey. The natural sweetness from the basil and cucumber will still provide a refreshing flavor.
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Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the cucumber, mint, and basil at the bottom of the glass or pitcher. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can make the drink taste bitter.
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Definitely! You can swap mint and basil for herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro, depending on your flavor preference.
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Yes, simply multiply the ingredients for the desired number of servings. Prepare the muddled mixture in a pitcher and pour over ice when serving. Add the sparkling water last to maintain the fizz.
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Chill all the ingredients—lemon, LaCroix, cucumber, etc.—before preparing the drink. You can also freeze cucumber slices or use crushed ice for an extra chilly drink.
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Yes, you can use syrups like elderflower, lavender, or cucumber syrup for a unique twist. Just adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness
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Garnish with a cucumber ribbon, a sprig of mint, or a slice of lemon on the rim. Edible flowers also add a beautiful touch
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Absolutely! It's a great non-alcoholic option for kids, and you can serve it in fun glasses to make it feel extra special.
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Yes! Add a drop or two of non-alcoholic bitters or a splash of Seedlip (a non-alcoholic spirit) for a sophisticated, cocktail-like flavor.
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You can substitute with plain sparkling water, soda water, or any flavored sparkling beverage like Spindrift or San Pellegrino.
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This drink pairs wonderfully with light appetizers such as hummus and veggies, fresh salads, or finger foods like bruschetta and cucumber sandwiches.
I’ve found so much joy in living alcohol-free, and this Herbal Glow Tonic is my go-to non-alcoholic alternative when I want something festive without the booze. Whether you're keeping it mocktail or adding a little alcohol, it’s the perfect alcohol-free alternative to the real thing. A yummy drink that’s zero alcohol but full of flavor—made with natural ingredients—it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy something delicious.
Whether it’s a special day, an early morning pick-me-up, or just a way to celebrate life’s moments, this tonic is a refreshing choice that makes every sip feel vibrant and full of energy. Here's to more vibrant sips and feeling your best, anytime!
Herbal Glow Tonic (Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Drink)
Ingredients
- 6 thin slices of cucumber
- 4 basil leaves
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- z 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger juice
- 2 cups LaCroix or any other sparking drink (Cucumber, Lime or Lemon flavor)
- Ice
- 2 slices of cucumber
- Basil leaves
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, small pitcher or large glass, combine cucumber slices, basil, and mint. Gently muddle to release their flavors.
- Into that same cocktail shaker, add lemon juice, ginger juice, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Add 2 cups of LaCroix into the cocktail shaker, put the top on and very gently mix. Leave it here for a few moments.
- Fill two glasses with ice and divide the mocktail evenly between them.
- To garnish, add a cucumber slice, mint sprig, or basil leaf to each glass.
- Best served immediately while chilled and sparkling!
