As the temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. But sometimes, we want something a little more exciting than just plain old water or soda. That’s where mocktails come in – a delicious and creative way to enjoy a drink without the added calories of booze.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering mocktail recipes that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a baby shower, or just want something new to try on a Tuesday evening, these recipes have got you covered. From fruity and bubbly to tangy and sweet, there’s a mocktail here for everyone.
So grab your favorite glassware, head to the kitchen, and get ready to shake (or stir) things up!
Tropical Sunrise Mocktail
Start your day with a refreshing twist on the classic sunrise drink, minus the booze! This tropical mocktail is perfect for any time of day, and its vibrant colors will brighten up even the gloomiest mornings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional, for color)
– Ice cubes
– Sliced pineapple, orange, and cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut water, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, add ice cubes and stir gently.
4. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a pop of color.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced pineapple, orange, and cherry.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes ( preparation only)
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler! This light and revitalizing drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a relaxing pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 cup water
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves.
2. Add lime juice and stir gently to combine.
3. Add water and stir well to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice cubes, if desired, and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve as soon as it’s chilled.
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler!
Berry Sparkler
A refreshing summer drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the mixed berries with a spoon or a muddler to release their juices.
2. Add the honey syrup and stir until well combined.
3. Pour in the sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cook time: N/A (no cooking required)
– Total time: 10 minutes
Virgin Mojito
Enjoy a fizzy and flavorful drink without the added rum! This classic cocktail is now virgin-friendly, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to skip the booze.
Ingredients:
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 cups club soda
• 1 cup ice
• Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves and lime wedges together to release oils and flavor.
2. Add sugar and shake until well combined.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Pineapple Ginger Fizz
This fizzy drink is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with the warmth of ginger and the tropical flavor of pineapple. It’s a great alternative to soda or juice for a healthy and delicious beverage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice and ginger slices.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water.
4. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Pineapple Ginger Fizz over the ice.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.
Lavender Lemonade Sparkler
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade. This Lavender Lemonade Sparkler combines the sweetness of lavender with the tanginess of citrus for a unique and delightful drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add the water and stir to combine.
3. Place the dried lavender buds in a small muslin bag or a piece of cheesecloth. Add the bag to the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, remove the lavender bag from the pitcher and discard the buds.
5. Stir in the sparkling water and serve chilled over ice.
Cooking Time: None
Blackberry Basil Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Blackberry Basil Smash. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this drink is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz blackberry puree
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 leaves of basil
– Ice
– Club soda
– Blackberries and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup together.
2. Add the gin and basil leaves to the shaker.
3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional blackberries and basil leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Coconut Lime Refresher
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic drink! This Coconut Lime Refresher is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups coconut water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon grated lime zest
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine coconut water, lime juice, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the grated lime zest to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Coconut Lime Refresher over the ice.
5. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is served chilled.
Raspberry Rosemary Spritzer
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic spritzer. This sweet and savory combination of flavors is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of sparkling water
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1/4 cup vodka (optional)
– Sliced lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the raspberries with the sugar until the berries release their juice and the mixture becomes syrupy.
2. Add the chopped rosemary to the pitcher and stir well.
3. If desired, add the vodka and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, pour the sparkling water into the pitcher and stir well.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Raspberry Rosemary Spritzer over the top.
7. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Strawberry Kiwi Splash
A refreshing summer drink that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of kiwi, perfect for hot days or as a revitalizing pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries, kiwi, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the strawberry-kiwi mixture into a large pitcher or jug.
3. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Citrus Mint Spritzer
Beat the heat with this revitalizing Citrus Mint Spritzer! Made with a blend of citrus juices, refreshing mint, and sparkling water, this drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the orange and grapefruit juices.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and muddle (gently press) them with a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
3. Stir well to combine the juices and mint.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
6. Serve the Citrus Mint Spritzer over ice cubes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Mocktail
This sweet and refreshing mocktail is perfect for hot summer days. With the sweetness of watermelon, the tartness of lime, and a hint of mint, this agua fresca is a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– Handful of fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon cubes and lime juice. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None!
Servings: 6-8 servings
Grapefruit Rosemary Cooler
Refresh with this zesty and herbaceous drink, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup rosemary syrup (see below)
– 2 liters sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Rosemary Syrup:
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Add rosemary leaves and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids.
5. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup.
6. Add sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
7. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Grapefruit Rosemary Cooler over the ice.
8. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus steeping time for rosemary syrup)
Blueberry Vanilla Lemonade
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy lemonade infused with the sweetness of blueberries and the warmth of vanilla. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a quick pick-me-up on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add in the water and stir well to combine.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the blueberries until smooth.
4. Add the blueberry puree and vanilla extract to the lemonade mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and chill.
Mango Tango Mocktail
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of mango and tangerine in this refreshing mocktail perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup tangerine juice
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the diced mango and tangerine juice. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the ginger ale and stir gently.
3. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Mango Tango Mocktail over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This mocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Peach & Thyme Iced Tea Mocktail
A refreshing twist on traditional iced tea, this peachy keen mocktail combines the sweetness of peaches with the subtle flavor of thyme. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 4 cups brewed tea (black or green)
– 1 cup ice-cold water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the diced peaches and fresh thyme leaves.
2. Add the brewed tea and stir to combine.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add ice-cold water and stir well.
5. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Cranberry Orange Sparkler
Get ready to toast the season with this delightful Cranberry Orange Sparkler! This fizzy and flavorful drink is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or even a relaxing night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cranberry juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup triple sec (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
– Slices of orange and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry and orange juices.
2. Add the triple sec and stir to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in no time.
Spa Cucumber Melon Delight
Escape to a refreshing oasis with this light and revitalizing treat. Perfect for hot summer days or as a soothing after-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe melons (honeydew or cantaloupe), diced
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced melon and cucumber slices.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the melon-cucumber mixture and gently fold to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare and chill.
Apple Cider Fizz Mocktail
This refreshing mocktail is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a sweet and tangy drink without the booze. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and bubbly beverage that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup mixed berry juice (such as cranberry and pineapple)
– Slices of fresh apple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider, ginger ale, and lemon-lime soda.
3. Add the mixed berry juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Slice an apple into thin wedges and use as garnishes.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Pomegranate Lime Mock Mojito
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of pomegranate, all without the added sugar and calories. Perfect for a light and fruity drink to sip on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh pomegranate juice
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add the pomegranate juice and lime juice. Stir well to combine.
3. Top with club soda and stir again.
4. Drizzle honey syrup around the inside of the glass (optional).
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Summary
Get ready to shake (not stir) things up with these 20 refreshing mocktail recipes! Whether you’re looking for a festive drink for a party or a revitalizing beverage for a hot summer day, this collection has got you covered. From fruity fizzes like Strawberry Kiwi Splash and Mango Tango Mocktail, to herbal delights like Lavender Lemonade Sparkler and Blackberry Basil Smash, there’s something for every taste bud. So go ahead, get creative, and make some unforgettable mocktails!