It’s Dry January! But these days, mocktails aren’t really a compromise. Especially since we’re in a bit of a soda rebirth, with tons of brands new and old churning out creative and low-to-no sugar options—making tasty nonalcoholic drinks that much easier. Even if you’re not skipping spirits this month, everyone should have a few great mocktail recipes at the ready. With that in mind, we rounded up a few ideas to pair with pâtés for your next gathering that will garner ooohs and aahhs from everyone on the guest list.
Blood Orange Ginger Margarita & Grand Marnier Pâté
If you’re looking for a mocktail that packs a punch, look no further than this Blood Orange Ginger Margarita. The fresh, zesty blood orange combines with a kick of ginger and a touch of coconut water for a vibrant, slightly spicy drink. To make it, shake up 2 oz of blood orange juice, 1 oz of ginger syrup (or fresh ginger juice, if you’re feeling adventurous!), and 1 oz of coconut water. Strain into a glass, garnish with a slice of blood orange, and voilà!
Bites to pair:
Slice the Grand Marnier Pâté and serve on a platter with crisp crackers or fresh baguette slices. The pâté’s rich, hearty texture and citrus notes balance beautifully with the drink’s tartness, giving you a pairing that’s both substantial and refreshing.
Diet Coke Shirley Temple & Pheasant Rosemary Pâté
The Diet Coke girlies have taken over TikTok, and thank goodness because they’ve perfected many drink recipes, including this Shirley Temple. Fizzy and nostalgic, this drink combines everyone’s favorite soda Diet Coke with grenadine and a maraschino cherry for a sweet, bubbly drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing. To make it, mix 4 oz of Diet Coke with 1 oz of grenadine, stir, and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Simple, sweet, and impossible not to enjoy!
Bites to pair:
Serve Pheasant Rosemary Pâté on crispy pita chips or cool cucumber rounds for a pairing that’s fresh, light, and full of contrast. The pita chips add a satisfying crunch and a subtle saltiness that complements the savory pâté, while the cucumber slices offer a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the mocktail’s sweetness.
Cherry Thyme Ranch Water & Duck Liver and Pork Mousse
A modern take on a classic, this Cherry Thyme Ranch Water combines tart cherry juice, fresh thyme, and a touch of maple syrup, topped off with sparkling Topo Chico for a refreshing, herb-infused mocktail. Think of it as a bubbly, herbaceous spritz with a twist. To make it, mix 2 oz of cherry juice, 1 tsp of maple syrup, and the juice of half a lime. Top with 5 oz of sparkling Topo Chico and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Bites to pair:
Spread Duck Liver and Pork Mousse with cognac on charcoal crackers or black sesame crisps for a savory base. Top with a small spoonful of fig or quince jam for a sweet contrast, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a few shaved truffle slices to bring out the earthy, luxurious flavors.
Dirty Fauxtini & Black Peppercorn Mousse
Savory mocktails can be hard to come by, but this recipe by Chandice, the food and lifestyle blogger behind The Vivacious Life, inspired us to try! She recommended a surprising alcohol swap for vodka as shared by a bartender—potato water. Don’t knock it until you try it! Chandice’s recipe calls for 3 oz of the water leftover from boiling russet potatoes, a la pasta water. Then add 1.5 oz green olive brine, shake, and garnish with 2 or more green olives and your dirty fauxtini is complete!
Bites to pair:
Spread Black Peppercorn Mousse on crisp, buttery toast points or lightly salted rye crackers for a savory bite that complements the briny, earthy flavors of the drink. Top with a small spoonful of pickled shallots or a few thin apple slices to add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.
Dry January made easy—with mocktails that don’t hold back! Pair them with great bites and you’ve got the perfect way to kick off the year. Remember to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for our future blogs and recipe inspirations!
