Best Cocktails & Mocktails for Summer
Posted by Desiree Ras onAs the weather heats up, nothing is more refreshing than a cold drink. If you're looking for some ideas for cocktails or mocktails to enjoy this summer, look no further! We've gathered some of our favorites that are sure to quench your thirst. Whether you're looking for something fruity and refreshing or something with a bit of a kick, we've got you covered. So, grab a glass, and let's get started!
The refreshing summer drinks we've listed below are both healthy and hydrating because they use sparkling water as the base and are sweetened with fresh fruit.
While all the recipes in this blog are all for mocktails, feel free to live your best life by adding your favorite alcohol of choice – I’ve even included suggested alcohol pairings for each drink!
Honeydew Delight
A mojito with honeydew? Yes, please! Who doesn’t love this deliciously sweet melon? When honeydew is paired with mint and lime, it helps craft a deliciously energizing drink perfect for sipping on in the summer sunshine. Made with sparking water while using the natural sweetness of the honeydew melon, it doesn’t need extra sugars to sweeten it.
What you need:
- 1/2 honeydew - cubed (If you don’t have honeydew or can’t find a juicy ripe one, this works with watermelon too!)
- Four limes (substitute with lemons or any citrus fruit)
- One-bunch mint, about 1 cup (If you’re in a pinch, you can use basil for a similar taste)
- One-liter plain sparkling water or club soda. (You can sub it with regular or flavored sparkling water)
Feel free to pair your new favorite mocktail with some of these alcoholic additions:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Rum
Method
Take 1/2 cup of the honeydew cubes, then add to a shaker along with the juice of 3 limes and 1/2 of the mint. Muddle together, then add a handful of ice. Place the lid on the shaker bottle and shake well to combine.
Slice the remaining lime for garnish. Strain mixture in shaker and divide mixture among four glasses filled with ice, then top with sparkling water. Garnish with remaining mint, sliced up lime, and remaining honeydew cubes. Serve and enjoy!
Watermelon Lemonade
Almost as good that Harry Styles's song, this mocktail is bound to be a hit at any summer gathering. While these two ingredients scream summer when enjoyed on their own, it’s just natural that when combined, they will be the hit at your next BBQ or picnic.
Like with the Honeydew Delight, the watermelon gives this lovely lemonade that natural sweetness we want.
What you need:
- 1/2 mini seedless watermelon
- Three lemons (use fresh lemons to add a beautiful garnish to your drink as well! In a pinch, use bottled lemon juice)
- 1-2 cups water depending on your taste or substitute with filtered water or add a kick to this drink with sparkling water
Feel free to pair your new favorite mocktail with some of these alcoholic additions:
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Whiskey
Method
Take 1/2 of the watermelon needed for the recipe (it will end up being half of the half, or 1/4 of the full watermelon total) and cut it into cubes. Add to a blender, along with the juice of 2 lemons and 1-2 cups of water (to taste, start with 1 cup). Slice up the remaining lemon and remaining watermelon for garnish.
Strain the watermelon mixture through a fine mesh sieve, then divide it among four glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon slices and watermelon slices, then serve and enjoy!
Mango Cooler
Made like an iced tea but as refreshing as a cooler, this drink has the power to make any summer’s day better. Everyone has an iced tea they love, and by using tea as your starting point of deliciousness, you might end up the talk of the town at the next BBQ.
What you need:
- 4 cups green tea, chilled (if you don't want to use green tea, then use black tea or white tea)
- 1 cup mango juice/nectar
- 1/2 mango, for garnish
- Mint, for garnish
Top tip: use fresh lemons to add a beautiful garnish to your drink in a pinch; use bottled lemon juice.
Feel free to pair your new favorite mocktail with some of these alcoholic additions:
- Vodka
- Gin
- White Rum
Method
Add tea bags to 4 cups of room temperature spring water, then let soak and chill for up to 30 minutes. When tea is ready, remove tea bags, then a large pitcher with mango nectar and mix well to combine.
Divide the mixture among four glasses filled with ice, then garnish with mango slices and fresh mint. Serve and enjoy!
Coconutty Cooler
Everyone deserves a little coconut in their lives, and this drink is the reason why. It keeps you fresh and hydrated on beach days. The best part of this fantastic drink is its taste – almost identical to a Pina Colada, just without all the nasties and the headache the day after. Coconutty Cooler uses coconut water as the base, making sure you stay hydrated come what may
What you need:
- 1 litre coconut water (use a no-sugar-added bottle of coconut water for the best results)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (Substitute with passionfruit juice, grapefruit juice, or mango juice for this recipe to keep on the tropical theme)
- 1/4 fresh pineapple for garnish
- Mint, for garnish
Feel free to pair your new favorite mocktail with some of these alcoholic additions:
- Vodka
- Gin
- White Rum
Method
Mix pineapple juice and coconut water in a large pitcher, then divide among four glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple, and enjoy!
So, there you have it - our picks for the best cocktails and mocktails to enjoy this summer. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing and fruity or a drink that will help you cool down on a hot day, we’ve got you covered. What are you waiting for? Get mixing!
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