10 Summer Mocktail Recipes When You Don’t Feel Like Drinking

July 6, 2024

Courtesy of Detoxinista

There are lots of valid reasons to cut back on your alcohol consumption — or give it up altogether — from improving your heart health and reducing your risk of certain cancers to losing weight or enhancing your mood and mental health. In fact, according to recent research, 41% of Americans are trying to cut back on alcohol. And with the sober-curious movement in full swing (and showing no signs of slowing down), it’s a perfect time to experiment with mocktail recipes.

And you won’t miss the booze. Not only are these drinks sophisticated and refreshing, they’re also easy to enjoy because you don’t have to worry about hangovers. Here are some fun alcohol-free beverages to sip solo — or serve to a crowd — this summer.

1. Mimosa Mocktail

Seeking the perfect sipper for laidback weekend brunches? This champagne-free take on the classic mimosa only requires two ingredients — a sparkling grapefruit soda (Fresca will do), and orange juice. You can also try swapping out the grapefruit soda for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Serve it in a flute, of course, and for extra credit, garnish this mocktail with an orange slice and some fresh herbs.

Try the recipe from Nourish Nutrition.

2. Healthy Strawberry Limeade Spritzer

Whether you’re looking for mocktail recipes to serve at your next backyard barbecue, baby shower, or birthday party, this one is an ideal pick because it’s easy to batch-make in a pitcher ahead of time. With juicy strawberries, earthy basil, tart lime juice, a dash of honey, and a splash of sparkling water, it has a well-balanced flavor profile and just the right amount of fizz.

And did we mention that this mocktail is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and contains no refined sugar?

Try the recipe from Haute Healthy Living.

3. Rosemary Pom Spritzer

What makes this stand out among other summer mocktail recipes is the addition of rosemary-infused simple syrup — and while making it may require some additional time, it’s well worth the effort for the complex herbaceous flavor. Meanwhile, pomegranate juice and a squeeze of fresh lime give this drink a zingy twist that’s refreshing any time of year.

Note that you can also substitute the sparkling water with ginger ale, ginger beer, or lemon-lime soda — but any of those swaps will result in a noticeably sweeter bev. As for garnishes, try tossing in a slice of lime, fresh pomegranate arils, or a sprig of rosemary.

Try the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

4. The Consolation Prize

Smitten Kitchen blogger Deb Perelman calls this recipe “a glorious mash-up of a piña colada and a mojito” due to the combination of pineapple, honey, coconut milk, lime, and mint.

Before vigorously shaking the contents, make sure to lightly muddle the mint to release more flavor. Perelman also recommends topping off the drink with a splash of sparkling water to give it a dramatically foamy finish.

Try the recipe from Smitten Kitchen.

5. Sparkling Blueberry Ginger Mocktail

Enjoy this beautiful bubbly bev while relaxing poolside or hosting friends for an al fresco dinner party.

The star of the show here is a naturally sweetened simple syrup, which you make by simmering blueberries with rosemary, fresh ginger, and water. Pro tip: Store any leftover syrup in an ice cube tray to punch up future summer mocktails.

Looking to kick things up a notch? Incorporate an alcohol-free gin, or add a few dashes of orange bitters.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

6. Refreshing Hibiscus Mocktail

This flavorful, hydrating mocktail gets its gorgeous pink hue from hibiscus tea, which you can find at most grocery stores. And you only need a few additional ingredients: honey simple syrup, fresh limes, and Topo Chico (or any other brand of seltzer or club soda).

Consider brewing and chilling the tea and making the honey simple syrup ahead of time so that when you’re ready to enjoy, all you have to do is mix the ingredients and add a generous glug of sparkling water. This recipe can also be vegan-friendly if you swap in traditional simple syrup in place of the honey syrup.

Try the recipe from Cookie and Kate.

7. Easy Mocktail

As far as summer mocktails go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one simpler to make than this one. It only requires three simple ingredients: grapefruit juice, orange juice, and sparkling water. But if you’re looking to add a little complexity, blogger Megan Gilmore suggests adding pineapple juice or fresh mint, or swapping out the sparkling water for tonic or ginger ale.

Because this mocktail recipe calls for a 1:1:1 ratio of juices and sparkling water, it’s super easy to adjust the recipe to make a larger batch for parties. Just add some slices of fresh oranges and grapefruits to give the punch bowl some visual appeal.

Try the recipe from Detoxinista.

8. Strawberry Mojito

Sweltering summer days call for this thirst quencher, which fuses strawberries, lime juice, and coconut water with a pinch of mint leaves and a dash of honey. Trust us: You won’t miss the rum.

Note that you don’t have to stick with strawberries for this recipe — feel free to swap in blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a blend of all types. You can also make this recipe into a booze-free slushy by adding all the ingredients to a blender with ice.

Try the recipe from Maple + Mango.

9. Peach Mocktail

Peaches, basil, and honey go together beautifully, and they make for a special easy mocktail that’s perfect for brunch or dinner. We love the idea of using gut-friendly kombucha in this drink (especially a ginger flavor), but if you don’t care for kombucha or it isn’t readily available, swap in a lemon-flavored seltzer or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Tajin around the rim of the glass for a punch of heat is a great touch.

Try the recipe from Mindful Mocktail.

10. Cucumber Lime Mocktail

Cucumber is so perfect for easy mocktail recipes — it’s super hydrating and refreshing, and the vegetal flavor is a nice break from all the fruit juices. Mixed with lime, fresh mint, a hint of maple syrup, and sparkling water, cucumber is the perfect base (and it’s pretty, too). A salted glass rim works well on this.

Try the recipe from Vibrant Plate.