Sip & Celebrate: Must-Try Mocktail Recipe Books!
Savor the Joy of Mocktails with These Must-Have Books
The sober and mindful drinking movement is thriving, and I love seeing how many people are embracing the joy of delicious, alcohol-free beverages! Two of my favorite mocktail creators—Deb Podlogar (@Mocktail.Mom) and Natalie Battaglia (@themindfulmocktail)—have each launched their own stunning recipe books, bringing even more delicious, alcohol-free inspiration to our community.
Both women have been incredible supporters of my journey, and their passion for uplifting others in the sober space is truly inspiring. Let’s take a look at these exciting new releases and what makes them so special!
“The Happiest Hour” by Deb Podlogar (@Mocktail.Mom)
If you follow me on Instagram or YouTube, you already know how much I adore Deb Podlogar, also known as @Mocktail.Mom.
Deb has been lighting up the sober community with her infectious joy and her passion for creating fun, alcohol-free drinks. Her new book, "The Happiest Hour," is packed with easy, fun, and festive mocktails designed to help you celebrate any occasion—alcohol-free!
I was so touched when Deb mailed me a free copy—she is truly one of the kindest people in the sober space! I’ve shared her book on my social media before, and it’s such a joy to see how much love and excitement she puts into her creations.
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Why You’ll Love It:
🍹 Easy, fun, and festive: perfect for any occasion.
🎉 Designed for celebrations: whether it’s Thanksgiving, New Year's, holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in.
❤️ A true reflection of Deb’s warmth: every recipe feels like a personal invitation to enjoy the moment.
Mocktail Recipes I Love from This Book:
✨ Cinnamon Chai Whiskey: A warming, spiced delight that was the perfect cozy drink for Thanksgiving. I put my own spin on it by using Chai-flavored Armra, All The Bitter, & Wilderton’s Bittersweet Aperitivo—a bottle I picked up at the Sober in the City Seattle event. Absolutely divine!
🎃 Pumpkin Pie Mocktini: Decadent, creamy, and everything I love about the flavors of fall in one delicious sip.
Deb even suggested making cranberry-rosemary ice cubes as a fun garnish, and I LOVED how they turned out! I can’t wait to experiment with other fruit and herb combinations. 🍹🧊
📖 Get Your Copy of The Happiest Hour Here!
Visit the Mocktail Mom Website Here
“The Mindful Mocktail” by Natalie Battaglia (@THEMindfulMocktail)
Natalie Battaglia is an Australian powerhouse in the alcohol-free space! She launched The Mindful Mocktail on Instagram in April 2020, and just a few months later, in August, we connected online. At the time, I was still on my own journey with sobriety—just four months away from making my sober-for-good decision.
When Natalie announced her book, The Mindful Mocktail, I didn’t hesitate to preorder it in September. I was beyond excited to receive it, and when she sent me the sweetest thank-you email, it was clear how much she genuinely cares about her community. 💕
Fast forward to January 2025—Natalie traveled to the United States for the Mindful Drinking Festival in Washington, D.C. After the event, she made her way to New York, and we finally got to meet in person at a pop-up event hosted by Soft Bar Cafe! It was one of those full-circle moments—after years of friendship online, we were now clinking glasses (NA of course!) in real life. 😊🚫🍹
Thinking back to my first year of sobriety in 2021, I have such fond memories of crafting her mocktail recipes and finding so much joy in the process. Her creations became a comforting part of my journey, a reminder that celebrating without alcohol could still be just as special.
Our Instagram friendship began in 2020, and watching Nat’s journey unfold has been incredible. Seeing her growth, her passion, and now, getting to have her sign my copy of The Mindful Mocktail—named after her IG handle—felt like such a full-circle moment. 😍
And perhaps the most surreal part of it all? Sitting together at a bar in Brooklyn, giggling like schoolgirls over alcohol-free drinks. An Aussie and an American, brought together by a shared passion, proving that connections made online can turn into the most meaningful friendships in real life. 🦘🗽👯♀️💫🚫🍷
What makes Natalie’s book, “The Mindful Mocktail,” stand out is her commitment to healthy, nutritionist-approved recipes. She even consulted a nutritionist to make sure her mocktails are as nourishing as they are delicious.
So “The Mindful Mocktail” takes mocktail-making to a whole new level by focusing on health and nutrition.
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Why You’ll Love It:
🥗 Health-Conscious: A focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
🍊 Nutritionist-Approved: Thoughtfully crafted for wellness - drinks that fuel your body and mind.
💡 Inspired by Mindful Drinking: perfect for eliminating alcohol while still enjoying flavorful, refreshing beverages.
Mocktail Recipes I Love from This Book:
🍏 Harvest Spice Delight: The perfect balance of crisp apple and warm autumn spices. So comforting and delicious!
🍋 Cinnamon Chai Whiskey (Yes, another variation!): This recipe highlights how spices and botanicals can create deep, complex flavors without a drop of alcohol.
📖 Grab Your of The Mindful Mocktail here!
Visit The Mindful Mocktail Website Here
The Sober Community - A Beautiful Friendship & a Supportive Community
One of the things I love most about the sober and mindful drinking community is how supportive and collaborative everyone is. Instead of competing, Deb and Natalie have been actively promoting each other’s books—how amazing is that?! 💕
This kind of encouragement and connection is what makes this space so special. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking for delicious alcohol-free alternatives, there is always a place for you here!
Ready to Shake Up Your Mocktail Game?
If you’re looking for inspiration to elevate your alcohol-free lifestyle, both of these books are absolute must-haves. Whether you want to celebrate in style with “The Happiest Hour” or sip on nutrient-rich mocktails from “The Mindful Mocktail”, there’s something for everyone.
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✨ Which book are you most excited to try? ✨
Let me know in the comments! And if you’ve already made a recipe from one of them, I’d love to hear your favorites!
Keep sipping… And remember… 🌅 Sunsets are the new happy hour, ☀️🍹 and I’m rooting for you!
Kristin 🫶
How I Can Help You 🌅
FREE RESOURCES PAGE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER!
In my ongoing commitment to supporting not only those facing substance use challenges, but also the loved ones standing by their side, I’m excited to provide a FREE Resources page on my website.
This page is filled with valuable information, recommended books, and services designed specifically for friends and family of individuals struggling with substance use disorder. My hope is to provide you with the tools, understanding, and support you need during such a challenging time, all in one accessible place.
You are not alone on this journey, and these resources are here to guide you with compassion and care.
VISIT MY FREE RESOURCES PAGE VIA THE BUTTON BELOW. 💜
If you want to explore an alcohol-free life or would like to improve your health, it would be my greatest pleasure to help you on your journey.
I have two different coaching options:
Health Coaching Program
Are you experiencing sickness, fatigue, depression, pain or weight issues?
If so, then your body isn’t working as it should.
There are many reasons for these health issues, and sometimes working with a Health Coach can help.
As your Health Coach, I support you through diet and lifestyle changes to help you feel the best you can and live a brighter, happier life.
Gray Area Drinking (GAD) Program
It’s challenging to change your drinking habits - especially when they’ve crept up and have been happening for a long time.
That’s where I can help you. I work holistically, focusing on your gut health, neurotransmitters, and dysregulated nervous system to calm, soothe, and get everything back in balance. I teach you coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and give you all the tools you need to live an alcohol-free life.
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Remember…
EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE ALCOHOL-FREE, and SUNSETS ARE THE NEW HAPPY HOUR! 🌅
Kristin ❤️ x
