Whenever a dinner party invitation pops up on your phone’s screen, your mind wanders in two directions: the food that will be served and the outfit you will put on that evening - sometimes you wonder who will be there but then you remember that where there is food, there is fun!

Most hosts get creative with their three-course meals and neglect the drinks menu, opting for the easy (and dull) option of serving juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee. This is a soirée, Karen, not a kid’s 12th birthday party.

You need to give dinner drinks the credit they deserve. Does a cup of mint tea not perfectly complement a delicious bite of manakish za’tar? Does a sip of cool Pepsi not go perfectly well with a slice of Super Supreme pizza? Just as a selection of colourful, uber-sexy mocktails are what your dinner party needs for an elevated ambience.

After all, a party without mocktails is not really a party.

Get your shakers ready because we’re shaking up your dinner menu with these magnificent mocktails. 

Salted caramel Russian mocktails

You had us at salted caramel! Who would say no to this espresso powder-cocoa-caramel sauce mix? Top it up with a dollop of whipped cream and you’re in heaven.

Hibiscus iced tea

This red-coloured tea is popular in the Levant but is usually consumed with hot water. Make it “cool” with added ice cubes (& these ingredients) to turn a traditional brew into a summer classic. 

Pineapple-orange sherbet punch

Say hello to summer and get the tropical vibes going by treating your guests to this sweet punch. The recipe serves 24 people, which is perfect for parties with big numbers.

Dole whip lemonade

Everyone likes a fresh glass of lemonade but add to it some frozen pineapple chunks and sweet coconut milk and you’ll have yourself a winner.

Summer melon slushies

These fruit slushies will take you back 20 years so that you and your grown-up friends can feel like happy kids all over again. 

Paloma fizz mocktail

If there was a prize for “prettiest mocktail,” this one would take the title. Based on looks alone, we’re happy to down the entire glass in a heartbeat.

Love & peas

We’ve heard of pea soup, but a pea mocktail? The ingredients making up this interesting creation are a vegan’s dream.

Cheers, let’s get this party started!

*Thumbnail image source: www.brigitte.de