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What is summer without a cool, refreshing beverage in your hand? While I often enjoy carbonated water infused with some fresh lime juice and a hint of stevia, there are moments when life’s celebrations demand a little more flair. Fortunately, mocktails are currently experiencing a revival, providing a wealth of options for recreating your favorite cocktails without the alcohol. I’m excited to share with you my favorite mocktail recipes and brands that I have personally tested and loved!

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Understanding Mocktails: The Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Revolution

A mocktail is essentially a cocktail that contains no alcohol. However, it’s important to note that they can still be high in sugar! Mocktails offer a delightful way to celebrate without the risk of intoxication or the added calories that come with alcoholic beverages, alleviating any stress on your liver. They make social gatherings enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

While my everyday drink is usually a Zevia or sparkling water, there are occasions where I crave something a bit more extravagant. That’s when mocktails come into play, adding a festive touch to any celebration.

8 Delicious Summer Mocktail Recipes to Try

1. Refreshing Grapefruit Lime Delight

This grapefruit lime refresher was introduced to me by my sister, who enjoyed it after her mother-in-law prepared a sweeter version! Since that day, it has become a beloved staple at our summer get-togethers, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Ingredients

1 Pink grapefruit

1 Lime

Sparkling water

Stevia

Instructions

Start by squeezing the juice from the grapefruit and lime, then pour equal parts over 8oz of sparkling water. To enhance the flavor, add a few drops of stevia to sweeten this tangy mix to your liking.

2. Guilt-Free Coconut Lime Fizz

This coconut lime fizz is virtually guilt-free; it not only lacks alcohol but is also compliant with Paleo, Whole30, and AIP diets. I discovered this delightful recipe on the blog, ThrivingAutoimmune.

Ingredients

1 tbsp lime juice

1/2 cup of canned coconut milk

1/2 cup of sparkling water

Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; taste before adding, as coconut milk is naturally sweet.

Instructions

Combine the ingredients in a glass and serve over ice. Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup if desired.

3. Delightful Virgin Strawberry Mojito

While searching for mocktail ideas for my sister’s bridal shower, I stumbled upon the blog, Mindful Mocktail. Although we opted for mimosas at the shower, I couldn’t forget this gem of a recipe. Summer wouldn’t be complete without strawberries, and this strawberry mojito is a delicious way to usher in the season.

Ingredients

3 strawberries, sliced

10 mint leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener of your choice

1 cup soda water

Extra mint and strawberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle the strawberries and sugar or chosen sweetener in a glass to release the juices. For a smoother mix, ensure the strawberry pieces are small enough to fit through a straw or use a blender.
2. Add the lime juice and stir well to combine.
3. Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aromatic scent.
4. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves and sliced strawberries for an appealing presentation.

Notes: I prefer using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

4. Classic Virgin Piña Colada

The Piña Colada is the quintessential poolside drink, adored for its simplicity and creamy texture. Blending this refreshing drink ensures it’s a delightful experience that you can savor slowly, unlike some other mocktails!

Ingredients

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup canned coconut milk

Instructions

Combine the frozen pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and coconut milk in a blender. Puree until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Notes: For a creamier texture, refrigerate the coconut milk and scoop off the thick cream before blending.

5. Tropical Pineapple Ginger Mocktail

The first time I experienced this mocktail, I knew it was a keeper! Although it requires a few more steps, I save this drink for special occasions as the cinnamon simple syrup adds a delightful twist that elevates the taste. I found this gem on the blog, A Cup of Zest.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

1 cup honey or maple syrup

1 cup water

4 large cinnamon sticks

Ginger Beer Pineapple Mocktail

¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger

¾ ounce lime juice

1 ½ ounces cinnamon simple syrup

3 ounces pineapple juice

5 ounces ginger beer

Instructions

1. Muddle the ginger, mint leaves, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add the pineapple juice and cinnamon simple syrup.
3. Shake with ice until chilled, for about 30 seconds.
4. Double strain by pouring the mocktail through the shaker, then through a fine mesh strainer directly into two glasses filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and gently stir to mix. If desired, add more ice and serve immediately!

Notes: While the original recipe from A Cup of Zest calls for sugar in the cinnamon simple syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. Opt for pineapple juice without added sugar to keep your drink healthy. Good brands include R.W. Knudsen and Lakewood, but they can be pricey, so catch them on sale. Also, be mindful that ginger beer can contain high sugar levels; I recommend Q brand for a lighter option, which uses agave and erythritol for sweetness.

6. Festive Merry Mimosa Mocktail

This delightful mimosa mocktail is a crowd-pleaser! It may require a few extra steps, but it’s perfect for special occasions. This drink combines ginger ale and orange juice for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients

2 ounces or ¼ cup of orange juice

4 ounces or ½ cup of ginger ale (I prefer using Ginger People Organic ginger juice for a robust ginger flavor)

Instructions

Begin by tilting a champagne flute, pouring in the ginger ale, and then topping it with orange juice. Alternatively, prepare the mimosa mixture in a glass carafe for easy serving.

Notes: I recommend using organic orange juice from Costco for a great deal on quality juice! If serving for a smaller gathering, consider Uncle Matt’s organic orange juice as another option. For ginger ale, I used the Q brand.

7. Tropical Virgin Lava Flow

Nothing embodies the spirit of Hawaii quite like a Lava Flow. After creating these for a friend’s wedding reception, I decided they would be my go-to tropical escape! Essentially, a Lava Flow is a Piña Colada with strawberries, allowing you to whip up a couple of exceptional tropical drinks with minimal ingredients. This recipe is inspired by The Delectable Food Life.

Ingredients

1 can of whole fat coconut milk

4 cups of fresh frozen pineapple

6 oz of unsweetened pineapple juice

Fresh strawberries – either fresh or thawed frozen berries

Ice

Instructions

Blend the entire can of full-fat coconut milk, pineapple juice, frozen pineapple, and 1-2 cups of ice until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. If the mixture is too thick, simply add a bit more pineapple juice.

Pour the Piña Colada mixture into a pitcher and rinse out the blender.

In the blender, add 1 cup of fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup of water, blending until smooth. Alternatively, you can use pineapple juice with the strawberries to create a smooth puree.

Pour about 2 inches of the strawberry puree into the bottom of a hurricane glass. Then, gently pour the Piña Colada mixture over it.

Notes: Always opt for unsweetened juice. Brands that typically contain pure juice are R.W. Knudsen and Lakewood.

8. Refreshing Mint Julep Mocktail

How often have you seen a julep cup and wished for an excuse to own one? A stylish stainless-steel julep cup not only looks chic but serves to keep your drink cool. You can’t go wrong with the combination of ginger ale and mint; add some sunshine, and you’re ready for a delightful race day! This is another recipe from The Mindful Mocktail.

Ingredients

Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup water

½ cup sugar or a healthier alternative like maple syrup or honey

1 cup fresh mint leaves

Julep Mocktail

1 cup ginger ale

Crushed ice

Mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. To create the mint syrup, combine your sweetener of choice and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely.
2. Add the mint leaves and increase the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and let it cool, still covered (the longer you let it steep, the more potent the mint flavor will be).
5. Once cooled, strain the syrup.
6. Fill your julep cups with crushed ice. Pour in ½ cup of ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon, then add ¼ cup of mint syrup.
7. Gently stir and garnish with a mint sprig for a touch of elegance.

Top Mocktail Brands with Clean Ingredients

TÖST: The Sparkling Beverage for Every Occasion

Ingredient List

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, White Tea, White Cranberry Concentrate, Elderberry Concentrate, Natural Ginger Extract, Natural Citrus Extract with other Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Quinine

Cost – $27.00 for 3 bottles | $48.00 for 6 bottles | $92.00 for 12 bottles

Review – Although I’m not a wine expert, I could sense the dry finish of this ROSÉ. It sparkles and fizzes with just the right amount of flavor. The notes of white tea, ginger, and elderberry are light and refreshing—an ideal drink for toasting during celebrations. It does contain 11 grams of added sugar, which is moderate, but I recommend saving TÖST ROSÉ for special occasions!

Get It Here!

Curious Elixirs: Unique Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Curious No. 6 | Coconut Pineapple Painkiller

Ingredient List

Filtered water, coconut cream, organic pineapple, orange, lime + ginger juice concentrates, oat milk concentrate, extracts of lemon balm, American oak, chicory + nutmeg, blackstrap molasses essence, lactic acid, spices

Cost – $44.00 for 8 bottles | $98.00 for 24 bottles

Review – This non-alcoholic cocktail is designed to help you unwind. It features a creamy, tropical blend that includes lemon balm and nutmeg for stress relief. The flavors are mild and reminiscent of a piña colada. I appreciate that it contains no refined sugar and is free of artificial ingredients. However, my palate was initially confused by the lack of carbonation; it took a few sips to adjust. This tropical elixir would also make a fun holiday nog!

Curious No. 5 | Non-Alcoholic Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned

Ingredient List

Dark cherry, elderberry, organic orange and organic lemon juice concentrates, cacao extract, ginger extract, chicory extract, American oak extract, gentian extract, unrefined coconut sugar, shatavari root, cayenne, organic smoke flavors, sea salt

Cost – 24 bottles for $115.00 | 8 bottles for $55.00

Review – I anticipated an interesting flavor profile with the smoked chocolate cherry, but it was quite unexpected. While I didn’t love the taste, it’s a clean elixir with organic ingredients, no preservatives, and no refined sugar. This drink includes powerful stress-reducing components such as shatavari—an adaptogen and traditional aphrodisiac that balances hormones—and elderberry for immunity and ginger to aid digestion.

Get It Here!

Hiyo Social Tonic: A Refreshing Alternative

Ingredient List (watermelon lime flavor)

Carbonated filtered water, organic flavors, organic erythritol, organic watermelon juice concentrate, organic cane sugar, organic gum acacia, organic lemon balm extract, organic fruit and vegetable juice (color), organic KSM-66 ashwagandha extract, organic passionflower extract, organic green tea extract (L-theanine), citric acid, organic ginger, organic lime juice concentrate, organic lion’s mane mushroom extract (non-caffeinated)

Cost – $44.99 for 12 bottles | $89.98 for 24 bottles | $179.96 for 48 bottles

Review – I can definitely see Hiyo becoming my go-to drink when I’m looking for something beyond plain carbonated water or Zevia. This drink did not disappoint with its sophisticated flavor and carbonation that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. I appreciate that it uses organic ingredients and contains only 3 grams of added sugar per can. Hiyo’s tagline is “feel the float,” which I experienced; it left me feeling calm yet focused. I’m a fan of adaptogens and loved that they include ingredients like ashwagandha and functional botanicals. I also tried the blackberry lemon and peach mango flavors, all of which were delightful, but I particularly enjoyed the watermelon lime flavor.

Get It Here!

House of Botanique: A Sophisticated Mocktail Experience

Ingredient List

Carbonated water, mango puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, calamansi juice, white tea extract, ashwagandha extract (KSM-66), mango extract, citric acid, green tea extract (L-Theanine), passionflower extract, lemon balm extract, Thai basil extract

Cost – $69.30 for a 12-pack

Review – This was a mocktail experience to remember! I was eager to try this drink, and it exceeded my expectations. Many carbonated mocktails tend to be overly sweet, but this one strikes the perfect balance. It’s refreshing, and the addition of calamansi juice beautifully complements the mango flavor. The packaging is chic, making it an excellent choice for weddings, bridal showers, or any event. I appreciate the use of adaptogens and the low sugar content of just 4 grams. Importantly, it contains no artificial flavors, which is a rarity in carbonated beverages.

Get It Here!

Mockly: A Sweet Sparkling Experience

Ingredient List

Carbonated filtered water, cane sugar, apple juice concentrate, pomegranate juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate, fruit and vegetable juice (color), organic ginger juice, natural flavors, gum acacia, quinine hydrochloride

Cost – $59.99 for a 12-pack

Review – These mocktails were a bit sweeter than I would typically prefer for a carbonated drink. They contain a significant amount of sugar, with 27 grams per can, which I found excessive. Unfortunately, this drink didn’t suit my taste.

Get It Here!

Explore More Refreshing Summer Drinks

While some of these drinks may simply be categorized as mocktails, they are all refreshing summer beverages that the entire family can enjoy!

• Magnesium Drinks – This may sound like a unique choice, but I mix a bit of magnesium powder into my kids’ water, and they love it! I use Dr. Wholeness Mag Complete powder, which has a delicious berry flavor that turns their water a fun pink/purple color, adding to the appeal.
• Nooma Soda Drinks (use code SUZI25 for 25% off your purchase) – These drinks are fantastic, but due to their price, I reserve them for adult enjoyment. I do share occasionally with my children, who beg for a sip because they are just that good! They come in enticing flavors like Cherry Cola, Coconut Lime, and Fruit Punch. They include organic, functional ingredients that enhance muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
• Electrolytes – Keeping my kids hydrated during summer is effortless with tasty electrolytes. We love the Just Ingredients (use code GURLGONEGREEN for 20% off) brand, especially the Strawberry Limeade flavor, which is incredibly refreshing and makes for delicious summer popsicles. The ingredients are clean with no artificial additives, and they have lower sodium than many other brands.
• Homemade Lemonade – I frequently serve homemade lemonade with dinner during the summer months. I use freshly squeezed lemons or lemon juice, filtered water, and a few drops of stevia. My kids often request this treat throughout the year!
• Zevia – Our household wouldn’t be the same without Zevia. It’s the closest thing my kids have experienced to soda pop. I use them as a treat for special occasions or after a long day; they are sweetened with stevia, containing no added sugar or questionable ingredients.

Did I miss your favorite mocktail? Please share below!

If you enjoyed this post, check out these past articles:

• Ninja Creami Recipes (Healthy + Tasty)
• Best Coffee for Cold Brew
• 21 High Protein Breakfast Ideas (30+ grams)

The post 8 Refreshing Summer Mocktail Recipes + Best Mocktail Brands appeared first on Gurl Gone Green.

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