Whenever the weather heats up, it’s always nice to have something cold to sip. Cocktails are a popular choice, but for some who can do without the alcohol part, mocktails are the perfect alternative. They’re cocktails but without the liquor, so you don’t have to worry about feeling buzzed, dehydrated, or hungover afterward. Let’s explore some of the best mocktail recipes for summer.
Chill Out This Summer with These Must-Try Mocktail Recipes
Mocktails have officially moved past soda-and-a-splash. Today’s drinks pack real flavor and look pretty in a glass. Whether you’re hosting or just sipping solo, here are five recipes that’ll make your summer feel a little more chill.
Cucumber Lime Cooler
The cucumber lime cooler is a fresh, alcohol-free alternative to a gin and tonic. It tastes light with no sweetness. Serve it cold with ice in a tall glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Ingredients: 4 slices of cucumber, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon honey, club soda, ice
To make: Combine 4 slices of cucumber, juice of 1 lime, and 1 teaspoon honey in a shaker. Muddle the ingredients to release their flavors. Add ice, shake for 10 seconds, and pour into a glass. Top with club soda.
Strawberry Ginger Fizz
The strawberry ginger fizz is a fruit-forward mocktail with a peppery finish. It looks bright pink and comes out fizzy when poured. It’s perfect for summer lunches or as a starter drink at gatherings.
Ingredients: 3 fresh strawberries, juice of half a lime, ginger ale, ice, frozen berries (optional)
To make: Mash 3 fresh strawberries with the juice of half a lime using a muddler or fork. Strain the juice into a glass filled with ice. Top with cold ginger ale and stir gently. Add frozen berries for extra chill, if desired.
Pineapple Mint Spritz
The pineapple mint spritz is a simple stand-in for a tropical cocktail. It’s a yellow drink with a sweet scent coming from the juice. Mint adds a cooling feel which is perfect for hot days.
Ingredients: 4-5 fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, juice of 1/2 lime, sparkling water, ice
To make: Muddle 4-5 mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass to release the oils. Add 1/2 cup pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime. Stir with ice, then top with sparkling water.
Watermelon Basil Smash
The watermelon basil smash is a mellow mocktail with a clean finish. Its pale red color looks great in a short glass with crushed ice. Basil adds a savory note that sets watermelon smash apart from other sweet mocktails.
Ingredients: 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 torn basil leaves, ice
To make: Blend 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks until smooth. Strain the juice into a bowl or pitcher using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Add juice from half a lemon and 2 torn basil leaves. Chill for 30 minutes, then serve over ice.
Virgin Mojito with a Twist
The virgin mojito is a classic non-alcoholic drink that looks clear with mint leaves floating on top. Add mango or berries for a flavor boost.
Ingredients: 6 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon sugar, juice of 1 lime, fresh berries or mango cubes (optional), club soda, ice
To make: Muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 1 teaspoon sugar and lime juice in a glass. Add fresh berries or mango cubes for flavor. Fill with ice, top with club soda, and stir to combine.
Raise Your Glass: Mocktails for the Win
These mocktail recipes give all the fun of a well-mixed drink without the drawbacks. So, what’s your favorite mocktail combination? Try one and let us know what you’re sipping this summer!
10 FAQs: Mocktail Recipes
- What’s the best base for a mocktail?
Fresh fruit juices, soda water, or herbal teas work great as a base for mocktails. - Can mocktails be made in advance?
Yes, many mocktails can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours. - What fruits are best for mocktails?
Berries, citrus fruits, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple are perfect for mocktails. - Are mocktails less sweet than regular cocktails?
Mocktails can be less sweet, but you can always adjust the sweetness with syrups or honey. - Can mocktails be served in cocktail glasses?
Absolutely! Serving mocktails in cocktail glasses adds to the fun and elegance. - How can I make a mocktail more flavorful?
Add herbs like mint or basil, spices like ginger, or a splash of flavored syrups to enhance the taste. - Are mocktails suitable for kids?
Yes, mocktails are alcohol-free and often made with fresh, healthy ingredients, making them great for kids. - Can I use sparkling water in mocktails?
Yes, sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz to mocktails and can replace soda or tonic water. - How do I make a mocktail without soda?
You can use fresh fruit juices, herbs, and sparkling water or lemonade for a soda-free mocktail. - What’s a simple mocktail recipe for summer?
A simple mix of lemon juice, fresh mint, ice, and soda water is a quick and refreshing summer mocktail.
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