When one orders a Cosmopolitan, it’s hard not to think of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. This fruity-flavored classic is full of flavor and refinement, the kinds of things any big-city resident can appreciate. However, with so much syrup and sugary juice involved, this drink can be a hangover magnet if you’re not careful. 

Fortunately, Ritual Zero Proof has your back. We offer a killer virgin cosmopolitan with all of the flavor and none of the hangover that can be enjoyed with lunch at that new hip spot downtown, or after hours when the city starts to sleep. In this article, we’ll break down how to make a non-alcoholic cosmo, why someone might choose to drink a cosmopolitan mocktail, and some scenarios that yearn for a virgin cosmo! 

How to make a virgin cosmopolitan 

This non-alcoholic take on a classic cosmo incorporates some herbal notes from our Gin Alternative that pair beautifully with the mix of juices. It has all the flavor that Carrie Bradshaw would want, minus the hangovers and regrettable decisions. Grab a bottle of Ritual Gin Alternative and give this virgin cosmopolitan a spin! 

2 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative

½ oz. cranberry juice

½ oz. lime juice (or the juice from half of a lime)

½ oz. orange juice

¼ oz. simple syrup

Lime wheel (for garnish)

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lime wheel. Our alcohol-free cosmopolitan can be enjoyed in a cocktail lounge in NYC, or in your living room; whichever is most convenient. 

Why drink a cosmopolitan without alcohol? 

Whether you live in a big city or in a more rural locale, there are many reasons why someone might want to drink a virgin cosmo. For starters, any mixed drink made with sweeteners or sugars (like those found in fruit juices) will mix with the alcohol and can lead to a seriously potent hangover. Many Ritual Zero Proof customers are more active and dedicate themselves to staying in shape and take great pride in keeping their bodies healthy. It’s hard to find the strength or willpower to get a workout in when your head is pounding and your body is aching from one too many drinks the night before. Plus there are other concerns; alcohol does some serious damage to your body and your organs, especially over time. By mixing in a drink like a non-alcoholic cosmopolitan now and again, you’ll help mitigate some of that damage. 

For those who prioritize their health and wellness, there are other great reasons to choose a cosmopolitan without alcohol; for those following the Noom diet and who want to avoid red mocktails, this drink can be a good option, depending on the ingredients you make your mocktail with. As we know, alcohol is absolutely a central nervous system depressant, and drinking any amount can impair your decision-making process. On the surface, this might mean something as simple or benign as grabbing some late-night drunk snacks (or “drunchies”) on the way home, but people have made significantly worse decisions after choosing to drink. If you’re drinking a cosmopolitan with no alcohol, you’ll never have to worry about a designated driver (as you yourself wouldn’t become intoxicated in the first place by drinking virgin cosmopolitans). 

Of course, there are plenty of moral, ethical, or personal reasons someone might want to drink a virgin cosmo. Those who are religiously devout might not be allowed to consume alcohol, and those with histories of alcoholism in their families might not feel inclined to drink. A cosmopolitan mocktail gives everyone a chance to enjoy a delicious drink without breaking any moral or personal obligations to stay sober. 

Those who choose to drink alcohol can absolutely enjoy the benefits of using Ritual Gin Alternative as well! Ritual Zero Proof makes all of our spirit replacements with specially selected premium botanical ingredients that are designed to be enjoyed the same way as regular spirits, but without any alcohol. By mixing in an ounce of Ritual Gin Alternative with an ounce of traditional gin, you can enjoy a weaker cosmopolitan, as opposed to a cosmopolitan without alcohol. Though you’ll still get a buzz, by consuming weaker drinks you’ll consume less alcohol, which means less damage to your body, your sleep quality, and fewer poor decisions you might regret in the morning. 

Among virgin drinks made with grenadine, the virgin cosmopolitan can be a great way to enjoy your favorite flavors without the consequence! 

Ideal settings for a virgin cosmo

There are plenty of times and places where a cosmopolitan mocktail can be just what the doctor ordered! 

If you’re pregaming for a big night out on the town with your girlfriends, a non-alcoholic cosmopolitan can help you create that mental transition from day to night, and all that comes with it. Throw on your favorite playlist, grab your favorite “going out” outfit, and call your ride; the night awaits! 

Gentlemen, there are plenty of reasons to try some virgin drinks with grenadine. For those who prefer darker spirits like whiskey, rye, and rum, a virgin cosmopolitan can be a great introduction to the wide world of gin-based cocktails, as well as the flavors of our Ritual Gin Alternative. 

For those who enjoy an afternoon reprieve, an alcohol-free cosmopolitan can be something enjoyed over lunch, without worrying about returning to the office with booze on your breath. As we mentioned, for those trying to avoid red mocktails, this can be an option for those trying to mind what they consume. The fruity flavors are a perfect complement to your lunchtime salads, soups, and sandwiches, and can provide a sweet treat to break up the workday monotony. 

Whatever the occasion, a virgin cosmo can add a splash of flavor into your day (or night) without sending you straight to hangover city. Head on over to our website and grab a bottle of Ritual Gin Alternative and get mixing! 

Are you curious about making other drinks like a cosmopolitan without alcohol? Head on over to our website! We have several other spirit replacements, a robust blog, and other great recipes from Ritual Zero Proof designed to help you make the drinks of your dreams without any alcohol. Get ready to reintroduce your tastebuds to the finer drinks in life!