Summer just got a whole lot cooler! As the temperatures rise, it’s time to ditch the booze and get creative with refreshing mocktail recipes that are perfect for sipping by the pool or at your next outdoor gathering. From classic twists on timeless faves like mojitos and lemonade, to innovative combinations of flavors and ingredients, we’ve got 20 mouthwatering mocktails that will keep you hydrated and happy all season long.
Whether you’re looking for a fizzy pick-me-up or a fruity refresher, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? They’re all completely booze-free, so everyone can enjoy! So grab your favorite glassware and let’s dive into our top 20 mocktail picks of the summer…
Virgin Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, minus the rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 cups ice-cold soda water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Sparkling water for serving
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavors.
2. Add the lime wedges to the shaker and muddle them slightly as well.
3. Fill the shaker with soda water, lime juice, and sugar (if using). Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Spritzer
Brighten up your summer gatherings with this sweet and tangy drink that combines the freshness of strawberries, basil, and lemonade. Perfect for outdoor parties or relaxing afternoons.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strawberry puree
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cups lemon-lime soda
– 1 cup ice
– Fresh strawberries and basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine strawberry puree and chopped basil.
2. Stir in lemon juice until well combined.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add ice and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh strawberries and basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare the ingredients and let the flavors meld together in the fridge.
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick pick-me-up on a hot day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Sliced fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add chopped fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cooler over the ice.
4. Garnish with sliced fresh pineapple and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Sparkling Cucumber Melon Refresher
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink! This Sparkling Cucumber Melon Refresher is a light and revitalizing beverage perfect for hot days or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup cubed melon (such as cantaloupe or honeydew)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and sliced cucumber. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumber flavor to meld.
2. Just before serving, stir in the cubed melon and fresh lime juice.
3. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes ( infusion time)
Enjoy your Sparkling Cucumber Melon Refresher!
Blueberry Lavender Fizz
Combine the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle charm of lavender to create a refreshing and unique cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz blueberry syrup
– 1 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh blueberries and edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, blueberry syrup, and lavender syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with fresh blueberries and edible flowers, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so no cooking required.
Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink! This Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of cooling mint.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon chunks and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
3. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or sugar if desired.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This agua fresca is ready in under 10 minutes of prep time.
Ginger Peach Iced Tea Mocktail
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy mocktail featuring the warm spices of ginger and the juicy flavor of peaches. Perfect for a summer gathering or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart brewed peach tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (equal parts water and honey, dissolved)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– Ice cubes
– Fresh peaches, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled peach tea, lime juice, and honey syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the mocktail mixture over the ice.
4. Garnish with additional peach slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Pomegranate Rosemary Sparkler
A refreshing twist on the classic spritzer, this Pomegranate Rosemary Sparkler combines the tartness of pomegranate with the earthy flavor of rosemary for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the pomegranate juice and chopped rosemary.
2. Stir well to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
4. Taste and add honey if desired for a touch of sweetness.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Pomegranate Rosemary Sparkler over the ice.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembly only)
Citrus Sunrise with Orange and Grenadine
Start your day with a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of orange with the tartness of grenadine. This Citrus Sunrise is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vodka
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz Grenadine syrup
– Splash of sparkling water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and orange juice.
3. Add the grenadine syrup and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Cherry Vanilla Cream Soda Float
A refreshing twist on the classic float, this Cherry Vanilla Cream Soda Float combines sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup of cherry-flavored soda (such as Cherry Coke or Cherry Dr Pepper)
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
– Fresh cherries for garnish, optional
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with the cherry-flavored soda.
2. Place two scoops of vanilla ice cream into the glass.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the ice cream.
5. Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble the float and serve immediately.
Passionfruit Limeade with Coconut Water
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of passionfruit with the tanginess of lime and the hydration of coconut water. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh passionfruit pulp
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cups coconut water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passionfruit pulp and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add coconut water to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. If desired, add honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Passionfruit Limeade with Coconut Water over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This drink is best served chilled.
Blackberry Sage Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic smash. Blackberries and sage come together to create a sweet and savory flavor combination that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz blackberry puree
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz sage-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Fresh blackberries and sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, blackberry puree, lime juice, simple syrup, and sage-infused simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of sage.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma Mocktail
This revitalizing mocktail combines the tangy sweetness of grapefruit with the earthy aroma of rosemary, perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion. With its refreshing blend of citrus and herbs, this drink is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup rosemary syrup (see note)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup.
4. Top with sparkling water.
5. Squeeze in the lime juice.
6. Stir gently to combine.
Note: To make rosemary syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Apple Cinnamon Sparkler
A refreshing twist on traditional apple cider, this Apple Cinnamon Sparkler combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick (4-6 inches)
– Slices of orange or lemon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the cinnamon stick to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the liquid into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the cinnamon stick.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Garnish with slices of orange or lemon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Mango Tango with Chili Lime Rim
Mango Tango with Chili Lime Rim Recipe
A refreshing twist on traditional margaritas, this recipe combines the sweetness of mango puree with the spicy kick of chili peppers and the brightness of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, pureed
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1-2 teaspoons chili pepper flakes (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, mango puree, and chili pepper flakes. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into prepared glass.
5. Squeeze a sliver of fresh lime juice over the top and drop in a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, perfect for a warm evening or a party.
Raspberry Lemon Elderflower Spritz
Elevate your brunch or afternoon gathering with this refreshing Raspberry Lemon Elderflower Spritz! This fruity and bubbly drink combines the sweetness of raspberries, the tanginess of lemon, and the subtle floral notes of elderflower liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz fresh raspberry puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, raspberry puree, and lemon juice.
2. Stir in the St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
3. Add a splash of soda water to create a gentle fizz.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the spritz over ice in glasses and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill before serving.
Enjoy your Raspberry Lemon Elderflower Spritz!
Cucumber Jalapeño Cooler
Stay refreshed with this refreshing twist on traditional coolers! This Cucumber Jalapeño Cooler is perfect for hot summer days and pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine water, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
2. Add the sliced cucumber and chopped jalapeños to the pitcher. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Just before serving, stir in the chopped mint leaves.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Jalapeño Cooler over the ice.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Kiwi Mint Green Tea Mocktail
A refreshing twist on traditional green tea, this mocktail combines the sweetness of kiwi with the cooling essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup green tea leaves (brewed)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup fresh kiwi puree
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Club soda
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine brewed green tea, lime juice, and honey syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add kiwi puree and stir gently to combine.
3. Muddle the fresh mint leaves in the mixture using a spoon or muddler.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This mocktail is ready to drink immediately.
Honeydew Cucumber Limeade
Revitalize your summer with this refreshing twist on traditional limeade. This sweet and tangy drink combines the sweetness of honeydew melon, the crispness of cucumber, and the zing of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup diced honeydew melon
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine water and lime juice.
2. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
3. Add chopped cucumber and diced honeydew melon to the pitcher.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Spiced Apple Cider Fizz
Warm up with this autumn-inspired drink that combines the flavors of apple cider, spices, and a splash of fizz. Perfect for a cozy evening or a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, simple syrup, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and fragrant.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture into a pitcher or individual glasses. Add sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing mocktail recipes! From classic twists like Virgin Mojito and Strawberry Basil Lemonade Spritzer, to unique flavor combinations like Blueberry Lavender Fizz and Ginger Peach Iced Tea Mocktail. These 20 recipes offer a range of flavors and ingredients to keep you cool and refreshed all season long. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, herbal, or spicy, there’s a mocktail here that’s sure to quench your thirst.
