Cool down with these seasonal refreshments, sans alcohol.
Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time to spend as much time outdoors as possible. For me, that includes cocktail hour! While you may occasionally gravitate toward a glass of ice-cold rosé during the warmer months (and we can’t blame you!), summer mocktail recipes are a great way to beat the heat without the alcohol.
Whether you’re sipping one poolside or making a batched mocktail for your next family barbecue, you may reap a number of health benefits: fruity mocktails can add nutrients to your diet, while ones that contain coconut water can help you stay hydrated. Plus, hangovers become a thing of the past!
When it’s scorching hot outside, keep your cool with our favorite mocktail recipes below.
Cucumbers help keep you hydrated — they’re 95% water! — so they’re the perfect key ingredient in a refreshing mocktail.
Ingredients:
1 paper-thin, lengthwise slice of European cucumber, for garnish
Ice
¼ tsp. finely chopped dill, plus 1 dill sprig, for garnish
1 tbsp. agave syrup
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
¼ c. fresh cucumber juice
¼ c. chilled club soda
Yields: 1 beverage
Visit foodandwine.com for complete instructions to mix up this cucumber-lemonade mocktail.
Grapefruits are an immune-boosting powerhouse, as they are packed with vitamin C. This mocktail is reminiscent of a moscow mule, and fresh jalapeños give it some extra kick.
Ingredients:
½ c. 100% grapefruit juice
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 sprig fresh mint
1 to 3 slices fresh jalapeño
1 c. ice
½ c. ginger beer
Yields: 1 serving
Head over to gimmesomeoven.com for the full spicy grapefruit ginger fizz mocktail recipe, as well as variations to adjust the recipe to your taste.
Summer is peak season for juicy peaches, so enjoy this warm-weather fruit any way you can — especially in beverage form!
Ingredients:
2 c. blueberries
½ c. fresh mint, plus more for garnish
2 peaches, sliced
3 c. white grape juice
3 c. seltzer water
¼ c. apple cider vinegar
Yields: 8 drinks
Visit emilieeats.com for complete instructions to mix up these peach blueberry sangria mocktails.
Who says slushy drinks are just for the kiddos? This icy mocktail is perfect for when the temperature reaches triple digits. Plus, pineapple can help reduce inflammation in your body.
Ingredients:
4 c. frozen pineapple chunks
2 ½ c. coconut water
One-1 ½ in. piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
½ tsp. kosher salt
¾ tsp. ground turmeric, plus more for serving
Yields: 6 servings
Go to bonappetit.com for complete instructions to make this inflammation-boosting pineapple slushy.
There’s nothing like a margarita on a hot day, and this one packed with watermelon has major health benefits when you hold the tequila. Watermelon is full of lycopene, an antioxidant that can help decrease your risk of cancer and heart disease.
Ingredients:
For the simple syrup:
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
For the mocktails:
8 c. cubed ripe seedless watermelon
½ c. simple syrup
½ c. fresh lime juice
Limes, for garnish
Pink himalayan salt (or kosher or plain sea salt), for rimming glass
Ice, as needed
Yields: 6 mocktails
Check out thepioneerwoman.com to find this watermelon margarita mocktail recipe along with complete prep instructions.
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