Why I Include Mocktails in My Rituals: A Sensory Anchor for Presence

When I stopped drinking alcohol, I didn’t miss the buzz. I missed the ritual.

The small, grounding act of preparing a drink. Whether it was to unwind, to connect, or to celebrate, I realized what I craved wasn’t the alcohol itself, but the experience around it.

That’s why I started making mocktails. Not as a replacement, but as a reimagining. A way to satisfy the senses, honor the moment, and still be fully present.

Now, mocktails have become a staple in the rituals I create and share through SALT + SILK. They are sensory tools- cool to the touch, fragrant to the senses, sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet. They’re a way to remind the body that we are here now. That pleasure and presence don’t need to be earned- they can be sipped, slowly and intentionally, any time we choose.

Why Mocktails Work in Ritual:

• They satisfy the senses. Our nervous system responds to touch, taste, scent, and sight. A mocktail checks all those boxes and anchors us in the moment.
• They encourage slowness. Holding a glass, taking small sips, paying attention to flavor- it’s a subtle, beautiful way to pause.
• They replace old habits with new ones. Especially for those of us who have unlearned using alcohol to cope or connect, mocktails offer a grounded, nourishing alternative.
• They invite joy and creativity. Mixing herbs, juices, florals, and mineral-rich salts becomes a kind of kitchen alchemy. Ritual in motion.

They’re inclusive. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply craving presence over performance, mocktails welcome you to the table. 

A Ritual, Not Just a Recipe

Every SALT + SILK ritual that includes a mocktail is designed with intention- from the ingredients to the name. You won’t find sugar-loaded syrups or overly fussy techniques. You’ll find sensory elements that support emotional healing, seasonal alignment, and nervous system regulation.

Think:

• Strawberry + basil for heart-opening sweetness
• Lemon + ginger for cleansing and clarity
• Lavender + honey for softness and sleep

For me, a mocktail isn’t a drink. It’s a signal- to drop in, to soften, to be with myself.

I include them because we deserve beauty. We deserve presence. And sometimes, we need a little help getting there.

If you're interested in experiencing our featured Cherry Mocktail and our Deep Release Ritual under the Scorpio Moon you can access it here.