Member Reviews
Firstly, I’d like to thank Rock Point, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
This book was an eye-opening experience for me as someone not particularly well-versed in the world of mocktails. It offers a refreshing and creative look at alcohol-free beverages, beautifully showcasing how exciting and sophisticated they can be.
The editing and layout are stunning, with an aesthetic that makes you want to dive right into the recipes. The variety of mocktail options presented is impressive, and I already have a list of recipes I’m eager to try. From the classic twists to the more innovative concoctions, there's something for everyone in this collection.
This book is not just a recipe collection—it’s an invitation to enjoy the social and sensory experience of drinks without the need for alcohol. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the art of mocktails or simply seeking inspiration for elegant and inclusive entertaining options.
Arguably any cocktail in any book can be made into a mocktail by replacing the alcohol in it with non-alcoholic alternatives, like they have been in this book. However the novel thing in this book is that the alcohol-free version is given as the norm, which highlights that there's actually no need to drink alcohol to enjoy a fancy drink, for whatever reason you're cutting alcohol out of your diet. The drinks are all nicely presented and there are a lot of classics as well as some more original flavour combinations, all of which sound very appealing.
The Happiest Hour is a collection of mocktail recipes based on classic drinks. From non-alcoholic versions of Moscow Mules to Palomas, this has everything covered. It's colorful and has lovely photographs included as well.
For anyone who is not able to drink alcohol, but still wants to look the part with a cocktail (mocktail), this book is definitely for you.
It's very well laid out, and includes a list of tools that are needed and their descriptions, types of glassware, pantry staples, a glossary of garnishes, and a much needed conversion table.
The pictures are very enticing, and there is a wide range of recipes, so there should be something for everyone.
The only downside is, with it being written for the American market, some of the ingredients used are not widely known in England, so a bit of research is needed to find out their English names.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read a copy in return for my honest review
Mocktails and motherhood? Yes, please! The Happiest Hour is like your fun bestie who skips the wine but still knows how to party. Debbie Podlogar, aka Mocktail Mom®, serves up over 50 delicious alcohol-free drinks, proving that you don’t need booze to have a good time. Whether you’re a mom of kids, pets, plants, or just fabulous vibes, this book is your new go-to for sipping without the headache.
The recipes are clever, playful, and seriously tempting—think Mocktail Queen and Don’t Be So Old Fashioned. But it’s not just about the drinks; it’s about making the whole experience feel special. Deb’s tips on garnishes, setting up a home bar, and even ordering mocktails at restaurants make this book super practical and fun.
The best part? It’s all served with a big side of encouragement for moms (and anyone else) looking to skip the alcohol without skipping the fun. Gorgeous photos and a relatable tone make The Happiest Hour a treat to flip through and try out. Whether you’re curious about cutting back or already team sober, this book is the perfect way to raise your glass and say, “Cheers!”—no hangover required. 🥂
The Happiest Hour by Debbie Podlogar is a must have to entertain anytime of the year! Whether your guests enjoy a straight or virgin drink, you’ll be able to impress them!
The book is complete with technical help on all you need to set up a bar at home and look like a pro!
Thank you NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point for this ARC.
I liked this Mocktail book! I also like how the author mentioned which liquors would go well with which mock tails. There was a lot of new recipes in here, and I’ve tried a bunch of them, and they were all very good.
Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
"Motherhood & Mocktails + a new era of fun and fabulous sober drinking"—this opening line from the synopsis had me hooked! I love a fancy drink, but sometimes you want all the flair without the buzz, right?
The Happiest Hour is packed with everything you need to start with mocktails, from where to buy non-alcoholic ingredients to essential tools, plus a collection of helpful tips and tricks.
The book is beautifully presented, with stunning photos accompanying the recipes. The little tips sprinkled throughout are the perfect finishing touch—like the Tajín on the rim of a glass!
I highly recommend this book to anyone considering celebrating this holiday with family and friends. It would also make a fantastic gift for the mixologist in your life, whether they're just starting or an experienced mixer. There's truly something here for everyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point for providing me with such a gorgeous and informative e-book ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4☆ A Fun and Cheeky Mocktails Drinks Book 🍹
This is such a fun book that offers you an alternative to alcoholic cocktails... aka mocktails.
My sister is currently breastfeeding and I'm only able to drink a very small amount of alcohol due to medication, so we was both missing out on a yummy cocktail. Especially with the festive season fast approaching.
This book is the perfect inspiration I needed. The illustrations look delicious and certainly very inviting 🍹
My only concern is I'm in the UK and I'm not entirely sure, what some of the non alcoholic brands are which are listed. So I will definitely have to do my research. As we know any form of alcohol or non alcohol can work out expensive.
All the measurements are in ounces and pretty self explanatory. There is a list at the beginning of equipment you may need to invest in, ie a cocktail shaker, citrus squeezer, blender, an alcohol measurement (jigger) etc..
The methods are simple and very easy to follow.
There is also some lil twists or alternatives added to some of the recipes.
Overall a fun and cheeky mocktail book, with plenty of inspiration and a lil something for everyone's taste!
I'm excited to get stuck in! 🍸 Cheers 🍹
This book is so perfect if you are looking to have a nice, fun, sophisticated drink without the alcohol!
I do love a cocktail (I even married a bartender!) but I lately I have been looking for something to drink that's interesting without the booze. Author Debbie Podlogar, known as the 'Mocktail Mom', details a range of delicious and refreshing mocktails that cater to every taste, from spicy and frozen treats to holiday-themed sips.
I am always happy with a cocktail recipe book when I see recipes for mules, a Dark and Stormy, and a Pina colada and this book has them all. In fact, there are all the classics you expect (margarita, mimosa, etc), and some I have never even heard of - I can't wait to try a Pisco Sour.
The stylish book is laid out in a professional and easy-to-navigate way, with helpful tips on setting up a home bar and garnishing drinks. The 50+ cocktails are beautifully photographed, and have creative but practical recipes.
Whether you're abstaining completely or just cutting back, this book has something for everyone. It's a fabulous resource that will have you shaking, stirring and muddling your way to a gorgeous mocktail in no time.
Thank you to Rock Point and NetGalley for providing a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars!
So many great looking mocktails in The Happiest Hour!
I would have liked to see a few more options that don't use an alcohol substitute (ex: non-alcoholic Tequilla/Whiskey/Gin etc).
The Smoky Mango Mountain I will be making asap. :)
This book will be on my list of gift ideas!
This book is fantastic. As someone who doesn't drink alcohol very often, and prefers non-alcoholic drinks, it's nice to find a recipe book purely for mocktails. I love the range of recipes provided, meaning there is definitely something for everyone.
The book is laid out very professionally and I particularly like the real life stories provided throughout. The shopping and setup sections are very informative and I love that a measurement conversation table is provided towards the back of the book as the book is written using American measurements. There are a few ingredients listed by their American names, but a little bit of searching on the internet allowed me to find the ingredients by the names I know them by.
The recipe instructions are very simple and easy to follow. I can see this book being a great addition to any home.
Book Review: The Happiest Hour by Debbie Podlogar
Rating: 5 Stars
Hey there, fellow moms and mocktail enthusiasts! I just finished flipping through The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms’ Night In by the amazing Debbie Podlogar (a.k.a. Mocktail Mom®), and it's an absolute gem!
Now, if you’re like me and have found yourself on the sober side of life (thanks to medication), this book is a total lifesaver. It's all about embracing motherhood and having a blast without the booze. Seriously, who says you can’t have fun at a party just because you’re not drinking? Debbie's here to prove that with over 50 delightful mocktails that will make your taste buds dance!
The book covers everything from spicy momma drinks to refreshing summer sips, and it’s beautifully laid out with stunning photography that makes you want to grab your shakers and start muddling right away. I mean, how cute is it to have a Mocktail Queen or a Cranberry Dream in hand while hanging out with friends? Plus, Debbie gives you the lowdown on setting up your home bar like a pro, so you’ll always be ready for a fab night in.
What I really loved about this book is how Debbie shares her own journey to alcohol-free living—it feels personal and relatable. She provides clever substitutions for those of us who want something tasty without the hangover regrets. And let's not forget about the presentation tips! With easy-to-reference sections and a fabulous garnish glossary, you’ll be impressing your guests in no time.
If you enjoy entertaining—or even if you just want to treat yourself on a quiet Saturday night—this book is a must-have. I can totally see it being the perfect gift for a friend who loves to host but might be looking for healthier options. Plus, it’s just downright fun to flip through!
So, whether you're a seasoned mocktail maker or completely new to the scene, grab a copy of The Happiest Hour and let’s raise a glass (of something deliciously non-alcoholic) to fabulous nights in! Cheers! 🥂✨
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review. This book has given me so many ideas for mocktails for christmas for the people in my life who prefer not to drink, I will be testing a lot of these out before christmas to make sure they're made right ;).
I will keep going back to this book for future reference for any parties, barbeques or just nights in when I want something to drink but minus the alcohol.
I love this! The author shares why she has personally decided to move to alcohol-free drinking options (without shaming those who do drink) and how to make substitutions that are still tasty and appropriate for your individual needs (for example, pregnancy). With tips on presentation and which essentials you need on hand, along with being beautifully designed and with easy to reference sections, this is sure to be a lovely addition to your kitchen!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here we have a perfect mocktail book for those who cannot drink or do not want to drink alcohol.
A great addition to your library. I already tried two recipes for a party and the drinks were well enjoyed.
This book has some great recipes! I got it for my pregnant friends;) I made some of the recipes with alcohol as well, and they were great too! I will definitely be pulling this recipe book out often! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol this book was absolutely perfect for me. I loved all the different cocktail recipes. These make you feel included even if you aren’t drinking alcohol.
This book had me sat from the cover, but alllll the details are just stunning. While I’m not a mom, I do appreciate that being a cat mom also counts 😉
The typography, photography, colors, styling — everything!
Here are some of the mocktails I cannot wait to try:
🍋🟩 Midwest Fizz: Ranch Water
🍸 Flavor Fiesta: Blackberry Jam Gin
🫐 Berry Basil Bliss: Blueberry Basil (the color on this one!!)
🍎 Arctic Orchard Bliss: Frozen Apple Mocktail
🍷 My Lips Taste like Sangria: Red Wine Sangria
Also everything with NA whiskey - yes!
Highly recommend making space for this book on your shelf and exploring these mocktail creations.
The Happiest Hour provides a good quantity of mocktail recipes with easy to follow recipes and beautiful photographs. With so many types and flavors, there is likely something for everyone in this book. This would be a great gift for a mama-to-be or someone taking a break from alcohol. I imagine it would also be easy to swap these recipes over to alcoholic drink versions.
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.