Looking to party hard without the hard alcohol? Join the sober squad! Whether for health or  personal reasons or simply no reason at all (because you never have to explain choices that affect you and you alone), it’s never a bad idea to have a non-alcoholic beverage in your backpocket.

If you or any naysayers hear mocktails and immediately think buzzkill, this spirit-free NYC Sour is about to switch up your idea of clean-ingredient mocktails. We’re talking vibrant bursts of citrus balanced with just the right amount of sweet to bring you a standout sip that’s certain to be the star of your next happy hour.

So with that we ask, do you know what time it is? It’s 5 o’clock somewhere and no time to waste a mocktail minute. Let’s get shakin’.

What You’ll Need…

• 1oz lemon juice
• 1oz Lemon or Lime Bubbles
• ½ egg white (see tip, below)
• ¾ tbsp sugar syrup, or to taste
• ice cubes

For the infusion

• 1 tsp black tea leaves
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

What You’ll Do…

1. First, make the infusion. Tip the tea leaves into a heatproof teapot or jug and pour over 5oz boiled water from kettle. Immediately strain through a fine mesh sieve into a second heatproof jug, discarding the tea leaves, so the tea doesn’t become too strong. Add the vanilla and leave to cool.
2. Pour 1 1/2oz of the cooled tea infusion into a cocktail shaker, then add the lemon juice, egg white, sugar syrup and a handful of ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
3. Strain the mocktail into an ice-filled tumbler, and then top Lemon or Lime Bubbles. Garnish with a slice of lemon.