(Yes, that’s a mocktail emoji, and yes, I’m that excited about alcohol-free drinks)
My Story (And Why Mocktails Changed Everything)
I’ll never forget that summer evening in 2019 when I was hosting a dinner party here in beautiful Maine. My friend Sarah was pregnant, my brother Jake was the designated driver, and my cousin Emma just wasn’t drinking anymore. I watched them sip sad glasses of water while everyone else enjoyed crafted cocktails, and something just clicked.
That night, after everyone left, I stayed up until 2 AM experimenting in my kitchen. I was determined to create drinks that were just as complex, beautiful, and celebration-worthy as any cocktail – but without the alcohol. My first real success was a rosemary-grapefruit fizz that made my neighbor literally ask for the recipe through our kitchen window the next morning.
That’s how Mocktaila was born – not in some fancy bar, but in my slightly chaotic Maine kitchen, with me covered in muddled herbs and probably talking to my cat about flavor profiles.
What I Actually Do Here (The Daily Reality)
Every single day, I’m in my kitchen testing new combinations, tweaking ratios, and yes – making plenty of mistakes. (The great lavender disaster of 2021 taught me that more is definitely not always better.) I research seasonal ingredients from local Maine farms, study traditional cocktail techniques, and then figure out how to make them sing without alcohol.
But here’s what really drives me: creating drinks that make people feel included, celebrated, and honestly? A little fancy. Because whether you’re pregnant, sober, driving, or just don’t feel like alcohol tonight, you deserve something special in your glass.
My Mocktail Philosophy (What Makes This Different)
Real Ingredients First: If I can’t pronounce it or wouldn’t eat it, it doesn’t go in my drinks. I source herbs from my garden when possible and partner with local Maine suppliers for the good stuff.
Technique Matters: Just because there’s no alcohol doesn’t mean we skip the craft. I muddle, I shake, I double-strain, I build layers. These aren’t just fruit juice with bubbles.
Occasion-Worthy: Every recipe I share has to pass what I call “the dinner party test” – would I proudly serve this to guests and have them ask for seconds? If not, back to the drawing board.
Maine Seasonal: Living here in New England, I’m obsessed with seasonal ingredients. You’ll see a lot of apple-based drinks in fall, cranberry creations in winter, and fresh herb combinations in summer.
Why Trust My Mocktail Obsession?
I’ve been perfecting alcohol-free drinks for over 4 years now, and I’ve tested every single recipe on this site at least 15 times (my friends are very patient guinea pigs). I study traditional mixology techniques, follow cocktail industry trends, and adapt everything for the alcohol-free world.
Plus, I’m part of the growing community of mocktail creators who are proving that “virgin” drinks don’t have to be an afterthought. I collaborate with other alcohol-free beverage experts, attend virtual tastings, and I’m constantly learning from bartenders who are taking mocktails seriously.
The Mocktaila Community (That’s You!)
Honestly, the best part of this whole journey has been connecting with people who get just as excited about a perfectly balanced shrub or a beautiful garnish as I do. You’ve shared photos of your creations, suggested flavor combinations I never would have thought of, and kept me motivated when I was convinced I’d never get that hibiscus-mint balance right.
Your emails, comments, and recipe variations have shaped everything I create. This isn’t just me talking at you – it’s all of us figuring out how to make amazing alcohol-free drinks together.
My Promise to You
Every recipe I share has been tested in my actual kitchen with ingredients I can actually find (yes, even here in Maine where specialty ingredients sometimes require planning). I’ll tell you when something’s tricky, suggest substitutions when I can, and always be honest when a recipe just doesn’t work.
I personally respond to every email sent to contact@mocktaila.com, usually within 24-48 hours, because I genuinely love talking about mocktails and helping troubleshoot your creations.
Let’s Stay Connected!
I love hearing from fellow mocktail enthusiasts! Whether you’ve tried one of my recipes, have a flavor combination idea, or just want to chat about the best garnish for a ginger-based drink, reach out anytime.
Email me directly: contact@mocktaila.com (I personally read and respond to every message)
Recipe questions: I especially love when you share photos of your creations or let me know how you adapted a recipe!
Collaboration inquiries: Always interested in connecting with other creators in the alcohol-free space
Technical support: If you’re having trouble with the website, email the same address – I handle all of that too!
