By: Mindful Menu
As the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like refreshing, vibrant beverages to cool you down. While cocktails are often the go-to for summer gatherings, mocktails (alcohol-free drinks) are gaining popularity for their refreshing taste and healthy benefits. Keep reading to get some of the best summer mocktail recipes, including kid-friendly and low-sugar options.
You can find all of these recipes below and in the FREE Mindful Menu app for Apple or Android.
Before we jump into the recipes, it’s important to understand the importance of hydration during the hot summer months. Dehydration can lead to various health issues, including heat exhaustion, fatigue, and headaches. Drinking plain water is the easiest way to hydrate but it’s not always the most tasty or appealing. So incorporating these summer mocktails into your routine can be a fun and delicious way to stay hydrated.
When it comes to serving mocktails, presentation is key! Start by choosing the right glassware—consider elegant stemmed glasses for more sophisticated mocktails, or fun mason jars for casual summer gatherings. Ice is crucial; use large, clear ice cubes or crushed ice depending on the drink style. Don’t skimp on garnishes—fresh fruit slices, herb sprigs, edible flowers, or even colorful paper straws can add visual appeal and complementary flavors.
For a festive touch, try rimming glasses with sugar, salt, or crushed herbs. If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a DIY mocktail bar with various bases, mixers, and garnishes to let guests create their own custom drinks. Remember, the goal is to make your summer mocktails look and feel as enticing as any cocktail, ensuring everyone can enjoy a special drink regardless of their alcohol preferences.
Mocktails and virgin drinks are essentially the same thing: non-alcoholic beverages designed to mimic cocktails without the alcohol content. These terms are used interchangeably in most contexts, and both have gained popularity as sophisticated alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
These alcohol-free beverages are meant to mirror the sophistication of traditional cocktails, without the spirits. Typically, mocktails blend fruit juices, sparkling waters, or sodas with flavor enhancers like syrups and fresh herbs. Many recipes incorporate non-alcoholic spirits or bitters for complexity, and finish with attractive garnishes. The result? A refined, alcohol-free option that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy a special drink without the effects of alcohol.
Mocktails are generally healthier than cocktails primarily due to the absence of alcohol, which eliminates associated health risks and reduces calorie content. Additionally, mocktails can contribute positively to hydration and may offer nutritional benefits when made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. That being said, it’s important to be mindful of added sugars in some recipes. Check out the low-sugar mocktail recipes in this blog post for some healthier options.
The “most refreshing” summer mocktail is subjective, as personal tastes vary widely. However, popular choices often include drinks like the Watermelon Basil Cooler, which combines the sweet, juicy flavor of watermelon with the aromatic, slightly peppery notes of fresh basil, or a Cucumber Mint Cooler, which blends cool, subtle flavor of cucumber with the bright, invigorating taste of fresh mint. These summer mocktail recipes typically feature fresh fruits, herbs, and sparkling elements to create cooling, revitalizing drinks perfect for hot summer days.
Mocktails are generally considered suitable for children since they don’t contain alcohol. They offer a creative alternative to regular soft drinks, and can be a fun way for kids to enjoy special drinks at social gatherings. However, some parents may worry about potentially glamorizing drinking culture. Ultimately, the decision to serve mocktails to children depends on family values and preferences, with moderation being key if they are offered.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or lounging by the pool, these summer mocktails are sure to please! We’ve listed all of the mocktails below and then keep scrolling for the recipes!
One of the most popular mocktails is the Classic Virgin Mojito. This drink is a perfect blend of mint, lime, and sweetness, making it incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients:
10 fresh mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup soda water
1/2 cup ginger ale
Instructions:
1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a glass.
2. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
3. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice.
4. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
5. Pour the soda water and ginger ale over the ice.
6. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
7. Garnish with the remaining lime wedges and mint leaves.
Focus on in season produce with this refreshing drink! Watermelon is a summer staple, and this mocktail combines its sweet, juicy flavor with a touch of basil.
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
4 basil leaves, torn
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth.
2. Strain the watermelon juice into a pitcher.
3. Add the lime juice and torn basil leaves.
4. Stir in honey or agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the watermelon mixture over the ice.
6. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a basil leaf.
This cucumber mint cooler is one of the best mocktail recipes for summer, offering a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, thinly sliced (or use mini cucumbers)
10 fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a pitcher.
2. Add lemon juice and honey, stirring well.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.
4. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.
Use up the rest of your ingredients from this recipe by trying these other cucumber-inspired mocktail recipes.
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this pineapple coconut mocktail.
Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon lime juice
Ice cubes
Pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shaker, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime juice.
2. Shake well and pour into glasses filled with ice.
3. Garnish with pineapple slices and mint leaves.
Taste the rainbow with a fun and colorful Fruit Mocktail. Kids will love this colorful and nutritious mocktail and it doubles as a snack! After drinking, kids can eat the fruit with a toothpick, fork or let’s be honest….even their hands. The fruit adds loads of vitamins and antioxidants and is a healthy drink for kids or adults to enjoy all summer.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup each of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue fruit (such as strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and blueberries)
1 cup white grape juice
1 cup sparkling water (I used lime Lacroix)
Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Layer the fruits in a tall glass to create a rainbow effect.
2. Pour white grape juice and sparkling water over the layered fruits. Add ice cubes if desired.
3. Serve immediately for a fun and refreshing drink.
If your kids enjoy this drink and want more, check out these 12 Kids Cocktails That Are Easy To Make at Home.
If you are looking for low-sugar options, consider mocktails that use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup sparingly. The Cucumber Mint Cooler and Watermelon Basil Cooler are a great choice, as they rely on the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than added sugars.
Check out these other amazing low sugar mocktails at Mindful Mocktail.
We hope this post has given you some inspiration for healthy, easy, and delicious summer mocktails. Mocktails are a delightful and creative way to enjoy refreshing summer drinks without the alcohol. You can find all of these recipes and more in the FREE Mindful Menu app for Apple or Android. So grab your ingredients, mix up a drink, and enjoy the cooling and hydrating benefits of these fantastic summer mocktails!
Do you have a delicious mocktail that isn’t on our list? Share your favorite summer mocktail recipe in the comment section below!
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
