After a day on the water, there’s nothing quite like tying up, kicking back, and watching the sun slip below the horizon. Sailors have always enjoyed the ritual of a sundowner, but cocktails and sailing don’t mix – and even when safely moored, alcohol can still carry risks. Nobody wants an evening ruined by a slip off the pontoon.
That’s where docktails come in. Docktails capture the fun and flavour of cocktail hour, but with a focus on sociability and safety. Think of them as refreshing, dockside-friendly drinks, often alcohol-free, that let you enjoy the ritual without the risks.
🌊 Calm Seas Cooler (Mocktail)
A tropical refresher that’s light, hydrating, and perfect after a salty day at sea.
Ingredients
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150ml soda water
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100ml pineapple juice
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50ml coconut water
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A squeeze of fresh lime
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Ice & mint sprig
Method
Shake gently and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with mint for a little extra lift.
⚓ Dark ’n’ Docked
A nod to the classic Dark ’n’ Stormy – gingery, zesty, and just as good without the rum.
Ingredients
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150ml ginger beer
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25ml fresh lime juice
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Ice
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(Optional: 25ml dark rum, if you’re safely tied up and not going anywhere)
Method
Stir together in a short glass and enjoy the spicy kick.
🍋 Dockside G&T
The timeless sailor’s sundowner – crisp, refreshing, and now available as a safe, alcohol-free ritual too.
Ingredients
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50ml non-alcoholic gin (or your favourite gin, if you prefer)
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150ml tonic water
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A wedge of lemon or slice of cucumber
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Ice
Method
Build over ice in a tall glass. Sip, relax, repeat.
🍉 Watermelon Wave (Mocktail or Light Docktail)
A juicy, vibrant drink that’s as colourful as a sunset at anchor.
Ingredients
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150g fresh watermelon, cubed and chilled
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100ml soda water (or lemonade for a sweeter option)
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1 tsp lime juice
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Ice
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(Optional: 25ml vodka or white rum for those who want it)
Method
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Blend the watermelon until smooth, then strain if you prefer a clearer drink.
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Pour over ice in a tall glass.
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Top with soda water (or lemonade) and add a squeeze of lime.
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Garnish with a wedge of watermelon or a sprig of mint.
Refreshing, hydrating, and a real show-stopper at the dock — especially if you’re sharing drinks with a crew after a hot day on the water.
Build over ice in a tall glass. Sip, relax, repeat.
🍊 No-groni Docktail (Mocktail Negroni)
The Negroni is a sailor’s classic – bold, bitter, and bright. This dockside version keeps all the flavour, without the alcohol.
Ingredients
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50ml non-alcoholic gin (or a botanical tonic syrup)
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50ml pomegranate juice (for colour and depth)
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25ml non-alcoholic aperitif (or cranberry juice with a dash of orange bitters)
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Ice
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Slice of orange to garnish
Method
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Add all ingredients to a short glass filled with ice.
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Stir gently until chilled.
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Garnish with a thick slice of orange.
Rich, bittersweet, and complex – just like the original, but safer for the dock.
🥜 Easy Dockside Snacks
Docktails deserve a few nibbles alongside them. Keep it simple with:
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A bowl of mixed nuts or salted almonds
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Olives with rosemary
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Pita bread with hummus
These are easy to share, don’t make a mess on deck, and complement the drinks perfectly.
🎶 Set the Scene
Good company and good music are the real ingredients for any docktail hour. I’ve put together a Lovesail Mellow Spotify Playlist to capture that golden-hour feeling.
Final Thought
Docktails aren’t about alcohol, they’re about winding down safely with friends after a day on the water. Whether you’re sipping a mocktail, a non-alcoholic G&T, or a light spritzer, the real spirit of a docktail is in the stories shared and the company kept. Raise a glass – and keep it safe.
🌟 Share the Docktail Spirit
Docktails taste even better with friends. If you’d like to meet like-minded sailors, share stories, and maybe even swap your own favourite recipes, join us on Lovesail.com.
Docktails photo created with AI
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