What is the Difference Between Cocktail and Mocktail

The main difference between cocktail and mocktail is that cocktail is an alcoholic drink while mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink.

Cocktails and mocktails are two types of beverages available at many bars and restaurants. There are many variations of cocktails and mocktails. People across the world enjoy them. Since they have a similar appearance, most people confuse mocktails and cocktails.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Cocktail 
     – Definition, Features, Examples
2. What is Mocktail
     – Definition, Features, Examples
3. What is the Difference Between Cocktail and Mocktail
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cocktail, Mocktail

What is a Cocktail

A cocktail is an alcohol-mixed drink. It can be a combination of spirits or one or more spirits combined with other ingredients such as flavoured syrups, fruit juices, or cream. A cocktail basically has two or more ingredients – a spirit base, flavouring agent, colouring agent, or a modifier. There are different types of cocktails, with different ingredients and combinations. In general, cocktails have a bitter or sour taste due to the addition of alcohol or spirits. Long Island Ice Tea, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Pina Colada, Caprioska, Sangria, Margarita and Screwdriver are famous examples of cocktails.

Cocktail making involves a standard procedure, with combining the right proportions of spirits and alcohols with fruit juices and syrup. Therefore, cocktails are usually more expensive than mocktails. They can be served before or after dinner – cocktails like whisky sour and martini are consumed before dinner while cocktails like frappes and alexanders, which have a sweet and creamy taste are consumed after dinner. Since cocktails contain a significant amount of alcohol, they can cause hangovers, headaches, and nausea.

What is a Mocktail

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink with a mixture of fruit juices or other soft drinks. The name mocktail is an abbreviation of ‘mock cocktails’. During the last few years, mocktails have become so popular that you can find them in many cocktail menus in restaurants and bars. Mocktails are a blend of fresh fruit juices, syrups, herbs, spices, and cream. They are specially designed for those who do not drink alcohol or those who need to refrain from alcohol consumption – pregnant women, drivers, etc. More importantly, people of all ages can enjoy mocktails.

Generally, mocktails have a sweet, but some may have a sour or bitter taste if they are fermented. Shirly Temple, Ray Rogers, and lemon-lavender mocktail are some examples of mocktails. Some mocktails originate from existing alcoholic versions. For example, Mango mule is the non-alcoholic version of Moscow mule while Virgin Mary is basically Bloody Mary without the vodka.

Difference Between Cocktail and Mocktail

Definition

A cocktail is an alcoholic drink containing a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice or cream, while a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink with a mixture of fruit juices or other soft drinks.

Alcohol Content

While cocktail is an alcoholic drink, mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink.

Examples

Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Pina Colada, Caprioska, Sangria, and Margarita are examples of cocktails while Shirly Temple, Virgin Mary, Ray Rogers, and Mango Mule are examples of mocktails.

Age Limit

Since cocktails are alcoholic beverages, you have to be over 18, but mocktails can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Price

Generally, cocktails are more expensive than mocktails.

Taste

Cocktails have a bitter or sour taste while most mocktails have a sweet taste.

Preparation

Cocktails are not easy to make, but mocktails are easy to make.

Conclusion

A cocktail is an alcoholic drink containing a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice or cream, while a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink with a mixture of fruit juices or other soft drinks. The main difference between cocktail and mocktail is that cocktail is an alcoholic drink while mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Gin and ginger ale, cocktail, ginger ale, mocktail, sunflowers, lime, cocktails, mocktails, party, ice” (CC0) via Pikist
2. “Colorful drink, drink, cocktail” (CC0) via Pikist