Mocktails are the perfect compromise for a guilt-free summer indulgence. Whether you’re pregnant, don’t drink alcohol, or want a fun drink without the buzz, I’ve got your back.
With three kiddos aged four and under, there are moments during the hot summer days I want a special mommy drink sans booze. Enter, the gloriously delicious mocktail.
So mama’s, find that blender, stick a glass in the freezer, and prepare to sit back and sip on some of the best summer mocktails your mouth will ever taste.
Mocktail Mule
The virgin version of this popular cold yet spicy drink tastes almost exactly like the regular version. You don’t even need a fancy copper mug, you can use a mason jar, wine glass, or any glass you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup club soda
- Mint leaves
- Ginger Beer
- Ice
Directions:
Grab two frosty glasses or copper mugs, squeeze in fresh lime juice. Pick off mint leaves and muddle into juice in each glass or mug. Fill two glasses with lots of ice and then add Ginger Beer. Garnish with lime wedges.
Virgin Sangria
This tops the list as my favorite five summer mocktail in part because it’s such a beautiful drink! But also because the fresh fruit makes it incredibly refreshing on the hottest of days. Bonus points if using a glass pitcher for this eye-pleasing beverage so everyone can see the sliced fruit.
Ingredients:
- Glass pitcher
- Your favorite fresh fruit sliced up (apples, oranges, lemons, and limes are my favorites)
- 3 cups grape juice (you can use white grape juice for white sangria!)
- 3/4 orange juice
- 3/4 cup apple juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups carbonated water
Directions:
Wash and slice your fruits of choice, then add to the glass pitcher. Pour juices into the pitcher and gently stir. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Just before serving, lightly mix the carbonated water into the pitcher. Serve with fruit from the pitcher in each glass.
Mojito Mocktail
This non-alcoholic refresher is perfect on a hot day. Both parents and children alike will enjoy sipping on this cold, minty beverage.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- A handful of mint leaves (about 10-15)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 4 ounces of sparkling water or ginger ale
- Ice
Directions:
In each glass, crush the lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves with the simple syrup. Add the ice and fill the glass with sparkling water or ginger ale. Finish it all off with a lime wedge.
Virgin Frozen Strawberry Bellini
This bubbly frozen delight replaces champagne or Prosecco with sparkling apple juice. The frozen strawberries make this a delicious summer treat even the kiddos will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1 cup sparkling apple juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into two glasses and top each off with a few more splashes of sparkling apple juice.
Alcohol-Free Margarita
Margaritas are hard to beat, thankfully this virgin version is just as good as the tequila filled drink. With a salted rim and lime garnish, you will feel like you’re on a beach in Mexico.
Ingredients:
- Fresh lime juice
- Sea salt
- 1/2 cup frozen limeade
- 1/2 cup tonic water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Ice
Directions:
Pour salt onto a plate or cutting board, run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses. Dip the edge of each glass into the salt, set aside. Combine limeade, tonic water, and orange juice in a shaker or pitcher. Fill glasses about 3/4 with ice, pour mixed juices into the glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
