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There is something undeniably joyful about a drink that matches the occasion.
This beautiful, deep purple mocktail—affectionately dubbed the ‘Riff Ram’bler’ in our house—started as an ode to my alma mater, Texas Christian University.
But whether you are tailgating for the Horned Frogs, planning a bridal shower, or looking for a spooky Halloween sip, this Purple Mocktail is the answer.
It is vibrant, refreshing, and intentionally designed to be lower in sugar, making it a treat everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for a show-stopping drink without the alcohol, here is why this is about to become your go-to:
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
We keep things simple but impactful. Here is what you need to build the perfect purple sip.
- Blue Curacao Syrup – Important Note: Make sure you buy the non-alcoholic syrup (like Torani or Monin), not the liqueur! This provides that distinct citrusy-orange flavor and the vibrant blue color base.
- Grape juice – This provides the red tones to create purple. To keep this aligned with our Intentional Wellness philosophy, I opt for a no-added-sugar or 100% juice variety.
- Sparkling Ice – I use “Grape Raspberry” or “Black Cherry” for the fizz. It adds sweetness without the calorie spike of soda.
- Turbinado sugar – For the glass rim. This less-refined sugar adds a beautiful golden crunch and sparkle.
- Garnishes – Fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary or mint add an aromatic, earthy finish that balances the sweetness.
A Note on Color Chemistry: The purple hue comes from mixing the blue syrup with the red/purple juice. It’s a bit of kitchen chemistry! If you change the juice ratios, the color will certainly shift, so follow the recipe closely.
How to Make a Perfect Purple Mocktail
This comes together quickly, but the order of operations matters to keep the bubbles fresh.
Step 1. Rim the Glass.
Use a rimming dish or two small plates. Pour the turbinado sugar on one and a splash of water (or lemon juice) on the other.
Dip the rim of your lowball glass into the liquid, then immediately into the sugar.
Step 2. Shake the Base.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the non-alcoholic Blue Curacao and the grape juice.
Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
Step 3. Pour & Top.
Strain the mixture into your prepared glasses over fresh ice. Top off with the Sparkling Ice. (Do not shake the sparkling water, or it will explode!).
Step 4. Garnish.
Add a skewer of blackberries and a sprig of fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
- Test Your Color. Purple can be tricky! Depending on the brand of grape juice you use, the color can lean too black or too brown. Mix a tiny “test shot” first to get your ratios right.
- Don’t Muddle the Berries. The first time I tested this, I muddled the blackberries. Don’t do that. It turned the drink a murky black color rather than a jewel-toned purple. Keep the berries whole for garnish.
- Make a Pitcher. If you’re serving a crowd, mix the juice and syrup in a pitcher up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled. Add the Sparkling Ice and garnishes just before serving so it stays fizzy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, absolutely, this purple mocktail is for kids as well as adults. It’s non-alcoholic, which makes it a great drink to serve at church small group gatherings, birthday parties, baby showers, game day watch parties, and more.
Turbinado is a partially refined sugar that retains some natural molasses. It has larger, coarser crystals than white sugar, making it perfect for rimming glasses because it doesn’t dissolve instantly.
Yes, use a sugar-free grape juice, sugar-free syrup, and skip the sugar rim.
Nourished for Purpose
At Sweet New Roots, we believe that taking time for celebration is a discipline.
In a busy world, pausing to gather with friends, raise a glass, and laugh together is a way to anchor ourselves in gratitude.
Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” NLT.
Sometimes, the quickest way to a merry heart is a fun purple drink, a few good friends, a lot of love and laughter, and a reminder that you have permission to rest and enjoy the moment.
Whether you’re celebrating a big win or the end of a long week, I hope this drink brings a little spark of joy to your table.
Sparkling Purple Mocktail
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Blue curacao non-alcoholic syrup
- 2 oz Grape juice (no sugar or 100% juice)
- 12 oz Sparkling Ice, Grape Raspberry or Black Cherry flavor
- Turbinado sugar, for glass rim
- Blackberries and rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the Glass. Use two small plates. Pour Turbinado sugar on one and a splash of water (or lemon juice) on the other. Dip the rim of your lowball glass into the liquid, then immediately into the sugar.
- Shake the Base. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the non-alcoholic Blue Curacao and the grape juice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Pour. Strain the mixture into your prepared glasses over fresh ice.
- Top. Top off with the Sparkling Ice. (Do not shake the sparkling water, or it will explode!).
- Garnish. Add a skewer of blackberries and a sprig of fresh herbs, like rosemary. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Test Your Color: Purple can be tricky! Depending on the brand of grape juice you use, the color can lean too black or too brown. Mix a tiny “test shot” first to get your ratios right.
- Don’t Muddle the Berries: The first time I tested this, I muddled the blackberries. Don’t do that. It turned the drink a murky black color rather than a jewel-toned purple. Keep the berries whole for garnish.
- Make it a Pitcher: If you are serving a crowd, mix the juice and syrup in a pitcher up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled. Add the Sparkling Ice and garnishes just before serving so it stays fizzy.
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Three More Gorgeous Mocktails for Your Next Gathering!
See our full collection of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails on the Recipe Hub!
I see a pasta salad recipe, not the recipe for this yummy sounding mock tail, could you update the page?
Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for catching this glitch and calling it to my attention! The issue has been fixed and the mocktail recipe is back. I hope you enjoy it!!
Thank you so much! Can’t wait to enjoy this mocktail during the holidays 🙂
I can’t wait to make this one!
This drink looks good. Is there a version without sparkling water or soda, possibly another juice that would mix well?
Hi Marcia, So glad you’d like to try this recipe! My recommendation is to replace the Sparkling Ice with 4-5 ounces pure pomegranate (such as Pom Wonderful) or cranberry juice and increase the Sugar Free Grape Juice to 2-3 ounces. The grape juice has a very strong taste so if that’s your thing then go for the 3 ounces. Let me know how this works for you! I made this with sugar-free cranberry juice for a pool party and enjoyed it, but I love cranberry!