Recommended for you
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 now 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 are expecting!), these summery mocktail recipes will not disappoint.
Keep reading to discover your new favorite summer mocktails!
Are mocktails non-alcoholic?
Towfiqu Barbhuiya / PEXELS
Yes, mocktails are non-alcoholic. Drinks are only called 'mocktails' if they are alcohol-free.
Why are they called mocktails?
Roberto Júnior / PEXELS
The 'mock' in 'mocktails' indicates the 'fake' nature of the drink—AKA you can have the social benefits of drinking a fun beverage without consuming any of the liquor.
What do you replace alcohol with in mocktails?
Tanishq Patil / PEXELS
Some of the swaps you can make for mocktails include non-alcoholic liquor, soda water, or juice.
How to make mocktails taste like alcohol?
Anthony Dalesandro / PEXELS
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 a mocktail?
Timur Weber / PEXELS
No, you cannot get drunk from a mocktail unless you add alcohol to it.
What is a good non-alcoholic drink?
Tomi Saputra / PEXELS
Some of the mocktails we love to make are featured in this list, including: virgin mojitos, aguas frescas, and margarita mocktails.
Sarah Anderson
Strawberry Ginger Faux-jito
This 'faux-jito' takes after an actual mojito, but instead employs kombucha for the base. You'll get the refreshing feel plus the added gut health benefits with every sip. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)
Mixop
Mangonada
Spicy, tangy, and sweet, this mango-based mocktail looks just as cool as it tastes. It'll hit the spot on a hot summer's day alongside some grilled steak tacos. Yum! (via Mixop)
Crowded Kitchen
Easy Tequila Sunrise Mocktail
With just four easy ingredients, this 5-minute mocktail is way better than the tequila-filled version. No hangovers here, please. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Completely Delicious
Non-Alcoholic Juicy Julep
Juleps are the perfect summer drink, but if you're not looking to go crazy, this non-alcoholic version is just as refreshing. (via Completely Delicious)
Takes Two Eggs
Yuzu Matcha Tonic
Matcha and sparkling tonic water make such a great match. This bev is complex and impressive, too, with the addition of yuzu and honey. Delish. (via Takes Two Eggs)
Culinary Hill
Lemon Spezi
This combo of lemonade, Diet Coke, and fresh lemon is insanely good and also insanely easy to make to go with any summertime feast. (via Culinary Hill)
Kin Euphorics
Kin Classic
This light mocktail is the perfect place to start for the summer. It features Kin High Rhode, which is made to boost your energy, recharge your social battery, and ease stress. To make this beautiful bev, pour 2 ounces Kin High Rhode over ice in a highball glass. Add a squeeze of lime juice and stir. Add a scoop of fresh ice and top with tonic water. (via Kin Euphorics)
Cooking with Manali
Blueberry Ginger Cooler
When the weather's hot, you def 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)
A Spicy Perspective
Lt. Dan’s Best Bloody Mary Mix
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 mocktail. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Bowl of Delicious
Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktails
This mocktail is sweetened with only honey and blackberries, so you can be sure it’s as wholesome as possible. (via Bowl of Delicious)
Will Frolic for Food
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)
Diethood
Hibiscus Iced Tea Sparkler
This fresh and flavorful drink will have you saying 'buh-bye' to your usual Starbucks order. Infuse it with berries and mint to enhance the flavors even more. (via Diethood)
Ritual Zero Proof
Non-Alcoholic Rum Punch
To make this delicious taste of summer, round up 3 ounces of Ritual's rum alternative, 1.5 ounces orange juice, 1.5 ounces pineapple juice, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 tablespoon grenadine, an orange or lemon wheel for garnish, and Maraschino cherries for garnish. Pour everything into a glass with ice and combine. Then, garnish with citrus wheel and maraschino cherries. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
An Edible Mosaic
Mango Meyer Lemon Margarita Mocktails
Who needs tequila anyway? Play it safe with these virgin margs that are more than worthy of your next Taco Tuesday. (via An Edible Mosaic)
Ritual Zero Proof
The Drink Abides (S’mores Mock-tini)
Bring the flavors of summer campfires home with this easy summer mocktail recipe. Combine 1 1/2 ounces Ritual rum alternative, 1/4 ounces cold brew concentrate, 3/4 ounces chocolate syrup, and 1/2 ounces graham cracker-infused heavy cream in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe, then garnish with a roasted marshmallow. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
A Calculated Whisk
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)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
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)
Pepper Delight
Refreshing Orange Mint Mocktail
This is no ordinary OJ. 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)
High Heels and Grills
Virgin Piña Colada
Staycation, meet your resident mocktail. With all the coconut and pineapple flavors, you’ll be carefree and relaxed (even without booze). (via High Heels and Grills)
Use Your Noodles
Roasted Peach and Strawberry Fizz
Daiquiri lovers will obsess over this fruity 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 Noodles)
Jess Explains It All
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. (via Jess Explains It All)
Ritual Zero Proof
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 ounces Ritual Rum Alternative, 2 ounces pineapple juice, 1 ounce orange juice, and 1 ounce coconut water in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour over more ice. Top with sparkling water, club soda, or ginger beer. (via Ritual Zero Proof)
Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious summer mocktail recipes!
This post has been updated.
