While many of us like to enjoy a cocktail every now and then during the summer, sometimes you need something sans alcohol (sadly, we can't live on mojitos). Enter: summer mocktail recipes. You were obsessed with spring mocktails, and it's time to upgrade them for the next hot summer day. Whether you're not a drinker or you just need a break from the booze (or expecting!), these 23 summery mocktail recipes will *not* disappoint. Keep reading to discover your new favorite warm-weather refreshment.
What is a mocktail?
A mocktail is a mixed drink that doesn't have alcohol.
Are mocktails non-alcoholic?
Yes, something is only called a mocktail if it is alcohol-free.
Why are they called mocktails?
The "mock" in "mocktails" indicates the fake nature of the drink — you can have the social benefits of drinking without consuming any of the liquor!
What do you replace alcohol with in mocktails?
Some of the swaps you can make include non-alcoholic liquor, soda water, or juice.
How to make mocktails taste like alcohol?
If you like the dry, stinging flavor of liquor, add some spicy or warming ingredients into your mocktail, like ginger.
Can I get drunk with mocktail?
No, you cannot get drunk from a mocktail unless you add alcohol in it!
What is a good non-alcoholic drink?
Some of the mocktails we love to make are featured in this list including virgin mojitos, agua frescas, and margarita mocktails.
These virgin drinks will make you forget any alcoholic cocktail!
Kin Classic
We've been super curious to try Bella Hadid's new non-alcoholic brand Kin Euphorics, and this light mocktail is the perfect place to start. It features 2oz of the brand's OG-beverage, Kin High Rhode, which is made with key ingredients of Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and GABA to boost your energy, recharge your social battery, and ease stress. To make this beautiful bev, pour Kin High Rhode over ice in a highball glass. Add lime juice and stir for 10 seconds. Add a scoop of fresh ice and top with 1.5oz of tonic water. Serve with a lime wheel and optional edible flower. (via Kin Euphorics)
Sparkling Grapefruit Mocktail
Homemade grenadine is a mixer you should always have on hand for all of your cocktail and mocktail needs. Here, it’s combined with grapefruit juice and a splash of Sprite for a non-alcoholic drink that’s comparable to a mimosa. (via Crumb Kitchen)
Blueberry Ginger Cooler
When the weather is hot, you need something with the word “cooler" in the name. This blueberry-ginger concoction does the job of keeping you chill and hydrated in the heat. To keep it colder longer, freeze blueberries to use as ice that won't dilute your drink. (via Cooking With Manali)
Lt. Dan’s Best Bloody Mary Mix Recipe (Homemade!)
Whip up this batch of Bloody Mary mix up the next time you're craving the savory drink. Just skip the alcohol and you've yourself a delicious virgin Mary drink! (via A Spicy Perspective)
Image via Jill Burrow/Pexels
Simple Shirley Temple Recipe
Your favorite childhood drink is all grown up! Gather up your ingredients: 1oz homemade Grenadine (which requires 2 cups of pomegranate juice, 2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon orange blossom water), 6 oz Original Citrus Fresca and plenty of ice. To make the homemade Grenadine, first combine the ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat until the edges of the liquid begin to bubble and sugar is fully dissolved – stir slowly and occasionally. DO NOT BOIL. Second, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before bottling. Store in the refrigerator. To finish the drink, pour zero calorie Original Citrus Fresca into a tall glass with plenty of ice. Then top with the chilled Grenadine, stir gently and garnish with orange, lemon and/or lime wedges. (via Fresca Sparkling Soda Water)
Raspberry Lemonade Virgin Mojito
Maybe it’s the obligatory mint in a mojito, but those things are so damn invigorating. Since this raspberry lemonade mojito skips the rum, you can serve it to whoever you want. But you just might want to reserve a whole pitcher for yourself. (via SoFab Food)
Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktails
When you’re on a paleo diet, you have to constantly be on the lookout for added sugar in your seemingly healthy drinks. This mocktail is sweetened with only honey and blackberries, so you can be sure it’s as wholesome as possible. (via Bowl of Delicious)
Grapefruit Kombucha Agua Fresca
It’s not every day you find a drink that’s good for you and that you want to drink on the regular. This one has fresh grapefruit juice and kombucha, along with a subtle herbal note thanks to the rosemary. (via Will Frolic for Food)
Hibiscus Iced Tea Sparkler
This fresh and flavorful drink will have you saying sayonara to your usual Starbucks order. Infuse with berries and mint to enhance the flavors even more. (via Diethood)
Image courtesy of Ritual Zero Proof
Non-Alcoholic Rum Punch
To make this delicious taste of summer, round up 3 oz. Ritual Rum Alternative, 1.5 oz. orange juice, 1.5 oz. pineapple juice, 1 oz. lime juice, 1 tbsp grenadine, orange or lemon wheel for garnish, and Maraschino cherries for garnish. Pour Rum Alternative, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice and grenadine into a glass with ice. Stir to combine. Then garnish with citrus wheel and maraschino cherries. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
Mango Meyer Lemon Margarita Mocktails
Who needs tequila anyway? We heard it makes your clothes fall off, and you definitely don’t want that. Play it safe with these virgin mango margs that are more than worthy of your next taco Tuesday. (via An Edible Mosaic)
You really have to try these mocktail drinks.
Kiwi Mojito Mocktail
Quench your thirst the only way you know how… mojitos. Keep it PG by nixing the liquor because this recipe is so tasty, you won't even be able to tell the difference. This kiwi variation is so unique, your palate will thank you for the welcome change. (via Lincy's Cook Art)
Image via Ritual Zero Proof
The Drink Abides, aka S’more martini
Bring the flavors of summer campfires to your home with this easy summer mocktail recipe. Combine 1 1/2 oz Ritual rum alternative, 1/4 oz cold brew concentrate, 3/4 oz chocolate syrup, and 1/2 oz graham cracker-infused heavy cream in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe. Add garnish of roasted marshmallows and voila! A s'more martini is born. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
Strawberry Orange Ginger Fizz
Add some intrigue to your fizzy drinks with a slice or two of fresh ginger. It makes the drink more refreshing and balances out the sweetness ever so slightly. These would be great served at a weekend summer brunch party. (via A Calculated Whisk)
Frozen Peach Bellini Mocktail
Sparkling apple juice replaces the Champagne in this virgin Bellini. It’s blended with ripe peaches and lime juice for a frosty summer treat that everyone will adore. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Refreshing Orange Mint Mocktail
This is no ordinary OJ — oh no. This is a sparkling orange mocktail permeated with hints of mint and lemon. Knowing this is waiting for you in the fridge in the morning is the best alarm clock there is. (via Pepper Delight)
Rhubarb and Citrus Mocktail
Rhubarb is the staple ingredient of summer. Harness its flavor in anything but a pie with this swanky mocktail. Garnish with edible flowers and mint for an elegant touch. (via Craving Amsterdam)
Virgin Piña Colada
Staycation, meet your resident mocktail. With all the coconut and pineapple flavor, you’ll be carefree and relaxed even without booze. (via High Heels and Grills)
Roasted Peach and Strawberry Fizz
Daiquiri lovers will obsess over this fruity pureed drink. Even kids will be begging for a sip, and this time, you can say yes! IF you want to share, that is. (via Use Your Noodle)
Tropical Mocktail
Vacation means indulging in a few fruity drinks, but that doesn’t mean they have to be full of alcohol. Enjoy every second of your trip by making a batch of these tropical mocktails to keep on hand. Drink hack: Freeze fruit in ice trays for a fun garnish. (via Jess Explains It All)
Image viaRitual Zero Proof
PTO
This coconut-y beverage brings the piña colada vibes sans alcohol with ingredients like 1 1⁄2 oz Ritual Gin Alternative, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 1⁄2 oz pineapple juice, 1⁄2 oz lemon juice and fun garnishes like a pineapple wedge and frond. To make it, combine ingredients in a shaker with a little bit of crushed ice and whip-shake until the ice melts. Then pour into a Collins glass and top with ice. Add garnish. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
Very Berry Mocktail
Anything made with pink lemonade concentrate has to be full of flavor. After a full day in the summer sun, you’ll welcome this frigid berrylicious treat with open arms. It's great for parties, cookouts, and your regular Friday night hangout. (via Is This Really My Life)
Pineapple Rum Punch
Why travel to a tropical island when you can bring the vibe to your backyard? This pineapple rum punch will have you feeling like you’re on a beach no matter where you are. To make, combine 2 oz. Ritual Rum Alternative, 2 oz. pineapple juice, 1 oz. orange juice, and 1 oz. coconut water in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour over more ice. Top with sparkling water, club soda, or ginger beer. (via Ritual Rum Alternative)
Kin Cider
While traditionally an autumn beverage, this apple cider mocktail is the perfect transitional drink for the tail-end of summer. Add ice to a shaker and pour 2oz of Kin High Rhode, 2ox of apple cider, 1 barspoon of spicy maple syrup, and 5 dashes of palo santo bitters and shake the ingredients for 30 seconds. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and serve straight up. Garnish with a single chili pepper, woke up by hand to make the most of its heat. (via Kin Euphorics)
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This post has been updated from a previous post.
