Zero-proof drinks have a sameness problem: club soda and lime, over and over. Cascara solves that. It's tart, fruity, naturally low in caffeine, and it turns a plain seltzer into something that actually tastes like a drink someone made on purpose.
Here are five cascara mocktail recipes to keep on rotation — all built on The Cascade, a small-batch cascara and lemon syrup made from upcycled coffee fruit in Portland, Oregon.
1. The Classic Cascara Mocktail
The simplest way to drink The Cascade. Takes about 30 seconds.
- 1 oz The Cascade Syrup
- 8 oz sparkling water
- Squeeze of lemon
- Ice
Combine over ice, stir, and serve.
2. Cascara Mule (Zero-Proof)
- 1.5 oz The Cascade Syrup
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 4 oz soda water
- Lime wedge
Pour over ice, top with ginger beer and soda, finish with lime. The cascara's tartness plays nicely against the ginger heat.
3. Cascara Tonic
- 1.5 oz The Cascade Syrup
- 8 oz tonic water
- Ice
- Grapefruit or lime garnish
Tonic's bitterness turns this into the most spritz-like of the bunch — great in a wine glass for anyone who wants a mocktail that feels like an occasion.
4. Cascara Iced Tea Lemonade
- 1.5 oz The Cascade Syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 8 oz still or sparkling water
- Ice
Stir together and serve over ice. Adjust lemon and syrup to taste — this one's closer to a fruit-forward lemonade than a soda.
5. Cascara Focus Mocktail
Swap in The Cascade Boost for any of the recipes above when you want the same tart, sparkling drink with a functional lift for focus — no stimulants, just the cascara base plus CognatiQ.
People Also Ask
What does a cascara mocktail taste like?
Fruity and tart, closer to hibiscus, tart cherry, or rosehip tea than coffee. Carbonated, it reads a bit like a grown-up cola.
Is cascara caffeinated?
Yes, but lightly — about 25–30mg per serving, roughly a third of a cup of coffee. It won't keep most people up at night.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes — pre-batch the syrup and still ingredients (lemon, ginger beer, tonic), then add sparkling water or soda right before serving so the drinks stay fizzy.
Can these become cocktails?
Easily. Add gin, rum, or tequila to any recipe above — cascara's tartness cuts through spirits cleanly without adding sweetness.
