A cold, refreshing beverage is essential when battling summer temperatures. But in the midst of barbecues, happy hours and outdoor celebrations, the sugary drinks and booze-heavy cocktails add up quickly. 

Enter Mocktail MO, UAMS health care simulation educator by day and content creator by night, who advocates for the alcohol-free movement by sharing her personal story with alcohol intolerance and how to make mindful drinking modifications.

Born Michae Orfanos, she's known publicly as MO. In 2019, MO learned she had developed an alcohol intolerance after waking up in an urgent care clinic. The catalyst? A lone alcoholic drink the night before. This discovery began her search for spirit-free sips at restaurants, bars and events. Eventually, MO detailed her journey and recipes on her blog and social media. One thing was certain: More people, especially women, want the fun of an exotic mixed drink sans alcohol.

MO’s research and dedication to the craft, as well as her determination to destigmatize sustaining from alcohol, has garnered her a loyal following. Since the inception of the blog, MO has made multiple media appearances, collaborated with local businesses to craft exclusive mocktails and hosted tastings to share her experience.

With summer sipping in mind, MO shares her expertise with Soirée in the form of three delicious mocktail recipes that will transport you somewhere sandy, tropical and gorgeous. They range from fancy to everyday options, but all are MO’s go-to drinks she keeps on hand for the season.

French 75

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative (0.0% ABV, alcohol by volume)

  • 1 oz. lemon juice

  • 1/2 oz. Som Cordial Thai Basil
  • Fre Sparkling Brut Alcohol-Removed Wine (0.5% ABV)

Directions:

Add first three ingredients together, shake with ice until chilled, strain into a champagne flute and finish by topping off with the brut.

Ranch Water

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative (0.0% ABV)

  • 1 oz. Mixly Grapefruit Jalapeño Mixer
  • Juice of 1/2 a lime
  • Topo Chico sparkling water (MO recommends grapefruit)

Directions:

Begin by rimming a rocks glass with salt and chile lime spice. Fill with ice and add the tequila alternative, squeezed lime juice and mixer. Top with Topo Chico, then finish with a stir and enjoy.

Michelada

Ingredients:

  • Heineken 0.0

  • Juice of 1/2 a lime
  • Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix

Directions:

Start by rimming a collins glass with salt and spice. Fill 3/4 to top with your favorite 0.0% or 0.5% ABV beer (MO recommends Heineken 0.0), squeeze in half of a lime, finish with the bloody mary mix, stir with ice and serve.

Learn more at mocktailmo.com and follow Mocktail MO on Facebook and Instagram.

PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS

STYLING
JOSIE BURNETT

GLASSWARE, NAPKINS & COASTERS
BOX TURTLE

TILE
THE TILE SHOP