Red White and Blue Non Alcoholic Drink

Looking for an eye catching patriotic non alcoholic drink? Try our stunning and refreshing Red White and Blue Mocktail. This delicious layered, non alcoholic drink recipe uses a combination of cranberry juice cocktail, Powerade white cherry, and Gatorade glacier freeze to create beautiful, delicous layers of vibrant patriotic colors.

Whether you’re hosting a party or want to treat yourself to a special drink, this layered non alcoholic cocktail is sure to be a hit. Follow our simple recipe to enjoy sipping this delightful blend of flavors.

How To Layer A Drink:

Layering both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks is fun once you get the hang of it. Layered drinks are great for special occasions, holidays and just for show. We have several layered cocktails that are truly stunning. But non alcoholic drinks make great layered drinks too.

The various colors and effect layering drinks creates make them much more interesting to make and drink. But if you don’t know the secrets to doing it right, layering can give you disappointing results.

Here are some tips to help you achieve clean and distinct layers:

Density and Sugar Content:

Layering drinks works best when the liquids have different sugar densities. The more sugary or syrupy the liquid, the denser it tends to be. When layering, start with the densest liquid at the bottom and work your way up to the least dense.

Pouring Technique:

To create clean layers, pour each liquid slowly and gently over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass. This helps the liquid flow more smoothly and minimizes disruption to the layers below. Tilt the glass slightly, if needed, to pour the liquid onto the side of the glass instead of directly into the previous layer.

Chill the Ingredients:

Make sure all the ingredients are properly chilled before layering. Cold liquids tend to have a slower rate of mixing, allowing them to settle more easily.

Use the Right Glassware:

Choose a tall and narrow glass to help maintain the layers. A highball or Collins glass works well for layered drinks. The height of the glass gives the liquids more distance to settle into distinct layers.

Patience and Steady Hand:

Layering drinks can require a bit of patience and a steady hand. Take your time and pour slowly to avoid mixing the layers. Pouring too quickly or with excessive force can disturb the layers.

Ice Cubes:

Adding ice cubes between layers can help create separation and prevent the liquids from mixing. Place the ice cubes gently onto the previous layer, making sure not to disrupt the layering.

Optimal Quantity:

Keep in mind the quantity of each liquid you pour. Aim for each layer to be roughly the same thickness to create a balanced and visually appealing drink.

Remember, layering drinks can be a trial-and-error process, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly. With practice and experimentation, you’ll become more adept at creating beautiful layered drinks.

Non Alcoholic Ingredient Substitutions that Make Good Layers:

If you’re looking to substitute the cranberry juice cocktail, Powerade white cherry, or Gatorade glacier freeze and still make good layers, here are some alternative non-alcoholic ingredients you can consider:

Before you substitute: Remember to consider the density and sugar content of the substitute ingredients to ensure they will layer properly. We have listed in our printable recipe card the various sugar content of each ingredient we use. Refer to those if you want to keep the layers in the order you see pictured here.

You can change the color layer stack by using different sugar contents in your ingredients. Be sure to taste and adjust the flavors as you go to achieve a balanced and enjoyable drink.

Red Layer Substitutes:

To create a vibrant red layer in your layered drink and NOT use cranberry juice, try the following juices:

• Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate juice has a deep red color and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It can add a beautiful red hue to your layered drink and provide a refreshing taste.
• Watermelon Juice: Freshly squeezed or commercially available watermelon juice can give you a bright and refreshing red layer. It has a naturally sweet and mild flavor that pairs well with other fruit juices.
• Cherry Juice: Cherry juice, especially sour cherry juice, can add a rich red color and a slightly tart taste to your layered drink. It complements other fruit juices nicely and adds a pleasant depth of flavor.
• Red Grape Juice: Red grape juice has a deep red color and a sweet, fruity flavor. It can create an appealing red layer and blend well with other fruit juices.

And for something WAY out of the norm…Beet Juice. While beet juice may have a more earthy flavor, it offers a vibrant and intense red color. It can be used in moderation to add a unique twist to your layered drink.

Adjust the quantities and experiment with different ratios to achieve the desired flavor and intensity.

White Layer Substitutes:

If you’re looking for alternative ingredients to substitute for Powerade White Cherry, here are some options that can work well for a white or light-colored layer in your layered drink:

1. Coconut Water: Coconut water has a clear appearance and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It can create a refreshing and hydrating layer in your drink.
2. White Grape Juice: White grape juice is a light-colored juice with a sweet and mild taste. It can contribute to a pale layer in your layered drink while adding a fruity note.
3. Lychee Juice: Lychee juice has a delicate, floral flavor and a light, translucent appearance. It can be used to create a unique and refreshing white layer in your drink.
4. White Peach Nectar: White peach nectar is a thick and sweet juice made from white peaches. It has a pale color and can add a distinct flavor to your layered drink.
5. Sparkling White Grape Juice: Sparkling white grape juice is a non-alcoholic alternative to champagne. It has a fizzy texture and a light color, making it suitable for creating a white layer in your drink.
6. Plain Soda Water: If you prefer a colorless layer, you can use plain soda water or club soda to create a clear and effervescent layer. This option allows the other layers to stand out more prominently.

These substitutes can be poured gently over the other layers to create distinct and visually appealing layers in your drink. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the desired intensity of flavor. The white layer sits between the red and blue layer. So keep the sugar content in mind as you create your drink with substitutes.

Blue Layer Substitutes:

When looking for blue layer substitutes, remember this layer floats over the others so you’ll need the lightest sugar content of your three ingredients.

Zero-sugar options to substitute for Gatorade Glacier Freeze:

1. Blueberry Juice: Blueberry juice can provide a natural blue hue and a sweet, fruity flavor. Look for 100% blueberry juice or blends without added sugars.
2. Blue Raspberry Flavored Water: Some brands offer zero-sugar flavored water in blue raspberry flavor. These beverages provide a light, refreshing taste and a vibrant blue color.
3. Blue Spirulina Drink Mix: Blue spirulina is a natural extract derived from algae, known for its bright blue color. You can find blue spirulina drink mixes or powders that can be mixed with water to create a blue layer.
4. Blue Food Coloring: If you can’t find a suitable blue beverage, you can use food-grade blue coloring drops to add a few drops to plain water or soda water to achieve the desired blue layer. Make sure to use food coloring specifically designed for consumption.

Remember to adjust the quantities of the substitute ingredient to achieve the desired color and taste. Layer the blue substitute gently over the other layers to maintain the distinctness of each layer. If you choose an ingredients that is not sweet enough for your palate, add a sugar substitute.

More Substitution ideas:

Flavored Syrups:

Flavored syrups, such as grenadine (pomegranate syrup), blue curaçao syrup, or raspberry syrup, can be used to create colorful and distinct layers. These syrups are often available in specialty stores or online.

Colored Sports Drinks:

Similar to Gatorade, other colored sports drinks can be used to create layers. Look for options like Powerade, Lucozade, or other sports drinks in vibrant colors.

Flavored Sodas:

Various flavored sodas can work well for layering. For example, you can use lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or any other clear or colored soda that complements the overall flavor profile you desire.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations and flavors to create your own unique layered drink using non-alcoholic ingredients that suit your preferences!

Garnishing Ideas:

The best non alcoholic drink will have a wide appeal to both adults and children. Garnishes and the glass you choose will set the tone for this non alcoholic drink. Will it be a mocktail to appeal to an adult looking for an adult beverage? Or do you want to make it fun and appealing for kids? Here are some suggestions for both.

Mocktail Vibe:

For a red, white, and blue mocktail, you can use various garnishes to add visual appeal and enhance the patriotic theme in a way that appeals to adults.

Here are some garnish ideas that correspond to each color:

Red:

1. Strawberry slices or skewered strawberries.
2. Raspberries or a raspberry skewer.
3. Pomegranate seeds.
4. Maraschino cherries.
5. Watermelon balls or wedges.

White:

1. Coconut flakes.
2. Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream.
3. Mint sprigs.
4. Baijiu pearls (clear or white tapioca pearls).
5. A slice of white dragon fruit.

Blue:

1. Blueberries floating on the top
2. Blue rock candy sticks. (we rimmed the glass with pop rocks for our Smirnoff red, white and berry drink)
3. Blue cotton candy.
4. Blue butterfly pea flowers (steeped in water or used as a syrup).
5. A slice of blue curaçao-infused orange or lime.

Get creative with combinations and arrangements to make your red, white, and blue mocktail visually appealing and delicious.Read our Post on Garnishing Cocktails for even more ideas.

Make A Garnish Pick:

Mini marshmallows would make a great white garnish for your red, white, and blue mocktail. Skewering them on a stick with blueberries and a cherry would create a colorful and festive garnish. Here’s how you can assemble it:

1. Take a skewer or toothpick and thread on a mini marshmallow.
2. Follow it with a blueberry.
3. Thread another mini marshmallow onto the skewer.
4. Add another blueberry.
5. Finish off the skewer with a cherry.

You can repeat this process to create multiple garnish skewers. Use whatever you like to represent on or all of the colors. Once ready, place the garnish skewers on the rim of your mocktail glass or float them on top of the drink. It will add a playful touch and complement the red and blue colors of your mocktail.

For Enhanced Kid Appeal:

To make this non alcoholic drink appealing to kids, you can add some fun and playful elements to the presentation. Here are a few ideas:

1. Whipped Cream: Garnish like we did with a spray of whipped cream with a cherry on top. Want to get more over the top? Sprinkle on the red white and blue sprinkles, or place some blueberries on the whipped cream around the cherry.
2. Colorful Paper Straws: Use colorful paper straws instead of regular ones. You can find straws in various patterns and colors that will add a whimsical touch to the drink.
3. Edible Glitter or Sprinkles: Dip the rim of the glass in edible glitter, candy or sprinkles that match the colors of the layers. This adds a touch of sparkle and makes the drink look more enticing to kids.
4. Fancy Umbrella: Place a small, colorful umbrella on top of the garnish skewer. Kids often love these little umbrellas and they add a playful and tropical vibe to the drink.
5. Personalized Drink Stirrers: Create personalized drink stirrers by attaching a small cutout of their favorite character or shape to a toothpick or straw. Kids will enjoy having their own special stirrer to mix the mocktail.
6. Decorative Glassware: Serve the non alcoholic red white and blue in fun and colorful glassware, such as mason jars or any favorite glasses you have that will allow the layers to show their true colors.
7. Creative Naming: Give the mocktail a catchy and kid-friendly name that relates to the red, white, and blue theme, such as “Patriotic Pop,” “Star Spangled Splash,” or “Firework Fizz.” A fun name can make the drink more enticing to children.

More Delicious Layered Drinks:

We love a pretty layered drink. Here are some of our favorite layered cocktails. They are all delicious with fantastic eye appeal.

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