Vegan Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home

vegan mojito in a highball glass with mint

Mixing creative, delicious vegan cocktails at home is easier than many expect. Most classic cocktails are naturally plant-based, needing just a few thoughtful ingredient swaps or mindful tweaks. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing sipper, a tropical escape, or something with a savory twist, vegan spirits and mixers open a wide, flavorful playground.

Vegan-Friendly Spirits and Essential Mixers

The foundation of an excellent vegan cocktail is choosing alcohols and mixers free from animal-derived products. Most unflavored spirits—vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey—are naturally vegan. Flavored spirits or liqueurs may use honey, dairy, or colorings from animal sources, so check labels when possible.

Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, most brandy, and unflavored whiskey
Vermouth and most bitters (verify brand for vegan certification)
Fresh citrus juices: lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit
Plant-based milks: coconut, almond, oat, cashew
Simple syrup (homemade from sugar and water—seek vegan sugar if strict)
Fresh herbs and fruits for muddling and garnish

Three Easy Vegan Cocktail Recipes

These crowd-pleasing cocktails rely entirely on plant-based ingredients. Each is straightforward yet packs balanced flavor and freshness—ideal for a home bar, even if you're new to cocktail making.

Vegan Mojito

60 ml white rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml simple syrup (vegan sugar)
8–10 fresh mint leaves
60 ml soda water
Lime wheel and fresh mint sprig for garnish

Gently muddle mint with syrup in a highball glass.
Add lime juice and rum with plenty of ice.
Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish.

Coconut Margarita

60 ml blanco tequila
30 ml coconut milk (full fat for creamy texture)
22.5 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml agave syrup
Lime wedge and toasted coconut for garnish

Shake tequila, coconut milk, lime, and agave with ice vigorously.
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and sprinkle of toasted coconut.

Pineapple Basil Smash

60 ml vodka
45 ml fresh pineapple juice
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup
4–6 fresh basil leaves
Pineapple wedge or basil sprig for garnish

Muddle basil and syrup in a shaker.
Add vodka, pineapple, lemon juice, and ice.
Shake well and double strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with pineapple or basil.

Vegan Mixology Tips

Skip honey, cream, and eggs—use agave, plant-based creamers, or aquafaba (chickpea brine) for froth.
Check bitters and liqueurs for carmine (red coloring), honey, or casein.
Make your own syrups and infusions to control ingredients and boost flavor.
Use fresh juices and ripe fruits for the brightest, most aromatic results.

With a well-stocked home bar and these simple techniques, vegan cocktail recipes are limited only by your imagination—deliciously plant-based and perfectly shareable.