Vegans are sometimes seen as serious and concerned. However, this isn’t true, in fact, they like to relax, unwind, and party as much as anyone. One of the ways to do this is with a delicious cocktail, like a Moscow Mule or the ones listed below. But, not every cocktail is vegan friendly, as some contain honey, milk, eggs, or gelatine. Additionally, some sugars are made using bone char making them non-vegan.
Luckily, by paying attention to the ingredients you buy, you can create a multitude of vegan cocktails to share and enjoy. Below are some delicious vegan cocktail options you should try!
This colorful, cranberry mojito is delicious and loaded with vitamin C. The ingredients you need are vegan sugar, mint, cranberries, rum, lime juice, lime slices, cranberry juice, and lime seltzer. First, muddle together the sugar and mint, then add lime slices and cranberries. Pour the lime juice and rum over and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add cranberry juice and lime seltzer. Finally, pour the cranberry mojito punch over crushed ice. For detailed instructions and ingredient qualities, check out the full recipe at Sugar and Soul.
This classy cocktail is simple and delicious and easy to customize with extra flavors or substitutions. To make it you’ll need ice, gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and a vegan simple syrup. To start, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add your shot of gin, a good squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake this mixture vigorously and strain it into your glass. Top with prosecco and garnish with lemon if you wish. For substitutions consider using a sparkling rose or champagne in place of prosecco. You can also add fresh berries for color and flavor.
A classic margarita is one of the best vegan cocktails and is made with lime juice, while delicious, it can be fun to switch it up. By using blood orange juice and ginger beer, you can create an amazing cocktail with a gorgeous appearance. Plus, this cocktail goes great with tacos and Mexican-inspired food. For garnishing tips and the recipe for a large batch, visit Food and Wine.
This traditional cocktail is making a resurgence. To make this summery drink simply fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add 1.5 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of triple sec, 0.75 oz of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup per serving. Shake vigorously, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candied lemon peel for extra flair.
To make this delicious martini, you need to prepare some things in advance. First thinly slice cucumber round and add them to your gin of choice for a few days. This allows the gin to become infused, similar to cucumber water at the spa. Then, using the cucumber-infused gin, strain this into a martini glass and add a splash of dry vermouth.
This is another traditional cocktail that is becoming popular once again. Like the cucumber martini above, mint juleps require some preparation. The key ingredient is a mint simple syrup. To make this combine one cup of vegan sugar, with one cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and add one cup of fresh mint leaves. This mixture should then steep for at least 2 hours. Once steeped, strain the liquid to remove the leaves. When you are ready to make the drinks, mix equal parts mint simple syrup and bourbon and pour over ice. Add a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish.
The recipes above are some of the best vegan cocktails on our list, however, almost any cocktail can be made vegan. Simply replace any sugar or honey with vegan sugar or agave, and dairy ingredients with coconut or nut milk. Be aware some alcohols are not vegan, such as Kahlua, flavored spirits as well as some wines, ciders, and beers. If you are worried, check the brands’ website for more details.
