10 Mocktail Recipes To Try This Summer

Maybe you’re taking a break from drinking, you’re expecting or you’re simply not a drinker. Whatever the reason, we are huge fans of a refreshing mocktail! A drink sans alcohol can be just as good. It’s all about using fresh and delicious ingredients. We’re rounding up some of our favorite summer mocktails that you can enjoy on your patio, at the beach or share with friends at a BBQ or cookout this summer!

Have a favorite mocktail recipe to share? Please let us know in the comments!

10 Mocktail Recipes To Try This Summer

Blood Orange Margarita mocktail

I recently made this for a party we hosted and it was a hit! Actually, I would recommend doubling it if you are having a large gathering because it was gone in less than an hour. Margs are my favorite and blood orange adds such a nice sweet, subtle orange flavor with some hints of grapefruit, cherry and raspberry. Perfect to compliment the sourness of lime in a marg. Tip- if you are a salt fan, add a smokey salt rim for a nice compliment to the sour, sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime (about one lime)
• 2 oz. fresh squeezed blood orange juice (fresh squeezed or Natalie’s is our fav)
• 1 teaspoon sweetener like simple syrup, maple syrup or honey (or more to taste)
• A splash of sparkling or seltzer water (you could use lime or another flavor of your choice)
• Optional: Smokey Salt for the Rim (salt and chili powder)

Instructions:

Squeeze lime around the rim of your glass and press upside down into smokey salt mixture (optional). Add ice to your glass. Pour lime juice, blood orange juice and sweetener into a mixer. Shake and pour into iced glass. Add a splash of seltzer water and lime or blood orange round for garnish.

Strawberry Pink Drink from Half Baked Harvest

Last summer, the Starbuck’s “Pink Drink” broke the internet. This Strawberry Pink Drink from Half Baked Harvest is even better and healthier. This is the perfect sweet treat for a warm summer afternoon without all the sugar, only using fresh strawberries, strawberry açaí tea and sweet coconut milk for some creamy milkshake like texture. YUM! Bonus, it’s naturally vegan.

Grapefruit Kombucha Agua Fresca

Jess and I are big Kombucha fans. We are equally into grapefruit and this mocktail from Will Frolic for Food looks oh so refreshing! Simple, tart and sweet, it’s just what you need to taste and feel good.

Shirley Temple

I grew up on Shirley Temples and was sure to have one in hand every time my family went out to eat. Along with my mashed potatoes and chicken fingers of course. From what I hear the Dirty Shirley is the drink of the summer, but a classic Shirley Temple is really where it’s at. Shirley’s are making a comeback and I totally understand why, the bold red color, cherry on top, and perfect mix of sweetness and bubbles is the best.

Hibiscus Lemonade

We are HUGE fans of Cassie from Deco Tartelette. Everything she creates is absolutely gorgeous AND delicious. If you’re really looking to wow your guests, find inspiration from her incredible recipes on her blog or in her most recent book Floral Libations. The recipes are so creative and beautiful. For summer try this delicious and pretty hibiscus lemonade. Not quite a cocktail, but the Iced Lavender Coffee also looks so delicious.

Easy Iced Tea

Iced tea is my favorite summer drink and it just never gets old. The subtle sweetness in combination with the tangy lemon and bitter tea all just blend so nicely. This iced tea recipe from BBC Good Food has flavors of lemon, mint, honey and orange and looks delish!

Brunch Mimosa

Sometimes starting your day with a little something special can be fun! But drinking in the morning is usually not a great idea. Try this substitute for a mimosa if you are hosting a brunch or have a special occasion to celebrate. Use champagne glasses and garnish with fresh fruit or a sprig of herbs from the garden to make it feel extra special.

Ingredients

• Freshly squeezed orange juice (5-10 oranges depending on number of drinks)
• Dash of sparkling or seltzer water (with or without flavor)
• Fruit for garnish (raspberries or strawberries)

Blackberry Sour

This recipe adapted from Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, VT is usually a bourbon drink but would be lovely as a mocktail as well. The combination of lemon and blackberry is both refreshing and tart.

Salted Watermelon Juice

Nothing says summer more than watermelon. My 1 year old just tried watermelon for the first time and is obsessed. It reinvigorated my appreciation for watermelon and it’s appeal especially during summer. It’s so incredibly juicy, refreshing, light and not too sweet. This Salted Watermelon Juice from Bon Appetite is so simple and perfect for a hot summer day.

The Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees or “the best” is classically a gin cocktail but can easily be adapted for an alcohol free version! This is so incredibly refreshing, sweet and delicious for summertime!

What mocktails are you loving these days? What recipes do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!