Muslims all over the world come together during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar for a time of fasting, prayer, introspection, and fellowship known as Ramadan.
During this month, Muslims refrain from consuming any food or drink from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast with a meal called Iftar.
Fasting is one of Islam's Five Pillars and is practised by devout Muslims as a means of inner renewal and self-control.
During Ramadan, as throughout the rest of the year, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages for Muslims.
The principles of the month can be observed and Muslims can rehydrate and refresh themselves with an alcohol-free mocktail, making it an ideal choice for breaking the fast.
Mocktails are also a healthier option for breaking the fast because they are less caloric than other drink options commonly associated with the meal. They allow those breaking their fast to partake in a special and festive beverage, heightening the joyous tone of the Iftar meal.
1) Virgin Mojito
Ingredients:
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Ice cubes
- Soda water
- Grenadine
Instructions:
In a glass, muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar using a muddler or the handle of a spoon.
Make sure to mash the mint leaves well to release their oils and flavor.
Add a handful of ice cubes, fill the glass with soda water, and add a splash of grenadine for color.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint leaves.
2) Peach Bellini
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peach nectar
- 1 ripe peach, peeled and pitted
- Alcohol free sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne
Instructions:
In a blender, puree the peach nectar and the peach until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.
Pour the puree into a glass and top it with alcohol free sparkling wine.
Garnish with a peach slice or a mint leaf, if desired.
3) Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions:
In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
In a pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, sugar, and water.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients and dissolve the sugar.
Taste the lemonade and add more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice and a strawberry, if desired.
4) Blue Hawaiian
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons blue curacao
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, blue curacao, and coconut cream.
Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
5) Virgin Pina Colada
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, coconut milk, and sugar.
Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
6) Shirley Temple
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons grenadine
- Lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a glass, combine the grenadine and lemon-lime soda.
Add a handful of ice cubes and stir well.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
7) Virgin Bloody Mary
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Sriracha)
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a glass, combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add a handful of ice cubes and stir again.
Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon or lime wheel.
Optional: You can also add a pinch of black pepper and a teaspoon of horseradish for extra flavour.
Side note: All ingredients should be adjusted according to taste, so if you prefer your mocktails sweeter or more sour, feel free to add more sugar or lemon juice as needed. And enjoy your mocktails with your Iftar.