Five American-invented mocktails to sip on this Dry January

Long before mocktails became menu staples and zero-proof alcohols had their own bar sections, Americans were sipping booze-free beverages with surprisingly rich histories. From Colonial farmland to Hollywood dining rooms and mid-century soda fountains, these classic drinks were created to make everyday moments feel a little more special — no alcohol needed.

Shirley Temple

Born in 1930s Hollywood, this vivid pink “kiddie cocktail” has a fuzzy origin story, but a very clear mission: to make kids feel fancy and part of the grown-up fun. The drink’s namesake, child star Shirley Temple, later made it clear that she was not a fan, and she spent years protecting her name from commercial use.

Recipe: In a glass filled with ice, stir together 8 ounces of ginger ale and 1/2 ounce of grenadine. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Roy Rogers

A cola-based counterpart to the Shirley Temple, the Roy Rogers became a soda fountain favorite in the 1940s. Named after the iconic cowboy actor, the drink aligned with Rogers’ clean-cut, alcohol-free image, and it quickly became a go-to option at mid-century lunch counters.

Recipe: In a glass of ice, gently stir 1/2 to 1 ounce of grenadine into 6 ounces of cola. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Lime Rickey

Named after Colonel Joe Rickey, the Lime Rickey originated in Washington, D.C., at Shoomaker’s bar, a favorite drinking establishment for politicians in the 1880s. The original version consisted of alcohol, lime juice and soda water. The advent of soda fountains later turned it into a nonalcoholic refreshment by adding a touch of sweetness, helping it gain widespread popularity.

Recipe: Combine 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1 ounce of simple syrup in a glass filled with ice. Top with seltzer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Italian Soda

Despite its name, this drink was actually created in San Francisco. In 1925, Italian immigrants Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre began making flavored syrups, which local cafés mixed with sparkling water to create a sweet, fizzy drink. The concept spread quickly, and Italian soda remains a customizable favorite today.

Recipe: In a glass filled with ice, combine 1 to 2 ounces of flavored syrup with 8 ounces of sparkling water.

Switchel

The switchel was a go-to drink in Colonial America. Sweetened with molasses, honey or sorghum, this beverage was a favorite of harvest crews in the 1700s-1900s. They kept jugs cooling in the shade, ready to deliver a tangy, refreshing boost to hard workers.

Recipe: In a glass of ice, stir together 1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar, 1/2 ounce honey or molasses and fresh ginger (sliced or grated). Top with seltzer and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

These zero-proof, history-packed sips are guaranteed to keep folks refreshed during Dry January — or any month of the year!

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