7 Immune-Boosting Mocktails to Make This Summer

August 2, 2023

Courtesy of Nourished Kitchen

With such blissful summer weather, it’s easy not to have a care in the world — especially when you have a cold drink in hand. Healthy habits can easily be derailed when summer staples are (literally) on the table. We don’t know about you, but we find it nearly impossible to resist a refreshing beverage on a hot day, regardless of its nutritional content. While the occasional sugary drink is fine, they can quickly add up when you consider how many summer BBQs are on the calendar. That’s why we rounded up seven of our favorite immune-boosting mocktails for you to file for your summer entertaining. They’re not only delicious but also hydrating, lower in sugar, and health-supportive. There’s no doubt that you and your guests will appreciate sipping on these better-for-you immune-boosting mocktails all summer long!

1. Pineapple Ginger Kombucha Mocktail

Courtesy of Flavour and Savour

This tropical non-alcoholic mixed drink is the ultimate immune-boosting mocktail. With pineapple juice and ginger kombucha as its base, it’s full of antioxidants and probiotics that boost the immune system. Because kombucha is fermented, it can help promote healthy gut bacteria. For a no-fuss preparation, use store-bought kombucha to throw this recipe together in minutes.

Try the recipe from Flavour and Savour.

2. Sparkling Hibiscus Orange Mocktail

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

Craving a virgin sangria? Let us recommend this sparkling mocktail made with hibiscus tea and orange juice. It is vibrant, fruity, and actually good for you. It’s naturally sweetened with mango and maple syrup and full of vitamin C from the hibiscus and orange. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s a show-stopping red-orange color.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

3. Ginger Mojito Mocktail

Courtesy of Mindful Mocktail

This non-alcoholic mocktail is sure to hit home this summer. It’s full of refreshing ingredients, like cucumber, mint, lime, and sparkling water. Plus, it’s chock-full of health benefits. Ginger is high in gingerol, a naturally occurring compound, which has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties and the addition of lime juice introduces vitamin C. Garnish with extra ginger and mint for an extra oomph!

Try the recipe from Mindful Mocktail.

4. Fruit Kvass

Courtesy of Nourished Kitchen

While not overly common in the States, kvass is a fermented drink that hails from Northeastern Europe. Because it’s naturally fermented, it is rich in beneficial bacteria and probiotics that help support the immune system. While it’s probably harder to find in stores, it’s incredibly simple to make at home. While normally made with rye bread, Nourished Kitchen’s recipe calls for berries, salt, and honey. Just add the ingredients to a jar with water and let sit at room temperature, shaking and burping the concoction daily. Once ready, strain and serve over ice with some additional berries as garnish.

Try the recipe from Nourished Kitchen.

5. Watermelon Margarita

Courtesy of Short Girl, Tall Order

This round-up wouldn’t be complete without a mocktail highlighting our favorite summer fruit: watermelon. This watermelon margarita recipe from Short Girl Tall Order uses just five ingredients, most of which you probably already have on-hand. It’s perfectly refreshing for hot summer days and, despite watermelon being 92% water, it actually has a number of health benefits. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C and incredibly high in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been known to fight diseases, like cancer, heart disease, and some eye disorders.

Try the recipe from Short Girl, Tall Order.

6. Hibiscus Mocktail

Courtesy of Cookie + Kate

With just three ingredients, this colorful drink comes together in a pinch. All you’ll need is hibiscus tea, lime, and sparkling water or club soda. Fill a large glass with ice, add the brewed and cooled hibiscus tea, lime juice, and carbonated water, and enjoy knowing that you’re doing your body a favor with this immune-boosting mocktail. Hibiscus is full of vitamin C and may even have antibacterial properties that can fight off bacteria strains.

Try the recipe from Cookie + Kate.

7. Sparkling Blueberry Ginger Mocktail

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

With blueberries in peak season, this immune-boosting mocktail recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the superfood in a new and unique way. The tiny blue fruit is one of the best sources of antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals. For this recipe, you’ll want to make a quick blueberry syrup and top with sparkling water and ice. With its vibrant blue color, it looks wildly impressive, but it’s actually fairly simple to make!

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.