Seven Fun Mocktails For Hot Summer Days

Written by Lauren Graham

The summer season has finally arrived, and we all know what that means. With the weather getting warmer and the days growing longer, it’s the ideal time of year to soak up the sun whenever you can. Whether playing sports, enjoying picnics, or just relaxing in the shade, summertime is meant to be spent outdoors. However, when the heat becomes intense, nothing beats a nice, refreshing drink to keep you cool. And what better beverages to make than fun, summer-themed mocktails? They have all the fruity fun of a cocktail without alcohol, and they’re the perfect way to get refreshed while having a sweet treat. Ideal for outdoor parties, picnics, or lounging in a hammock, let’s dive right into seven fun mocktails to make on hot summer days. 

1. Cucumber Mint Mojito

You can’t go wrong with a classic Cuban mojito. With bold and revitalizing mint paired with sweet and tart lime juice, a mock mojito will quickly become a summer favorite. This mocktail also includes cucumber for extra hydration and refreshing qualities. The key to extra flavor is to lightly mash the mint leaves and cucumber together at the bottom of the glass to release all of the aromatics.  The ingredients are

• Fresh mint leaves

• Cucumber slices (peeled) 

• Lime juice

• Sparkling water

• Agave syrup 

2. Aperol Spritz 

This drink will no doubt make you feel as if you’re strolling through a bustling piazza in Rome on a hot summer’s day. The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail traditionally made with wine, but this mocktail version serves as a perfect drink for those who crave sweetness with a bit of a punch. With the vibrant citrus flavors from orange and the slight bitterness from the herbs, the Aperol Spritz has the perfect balance of flavors. Ingredients:

• Lyre’s Italian non-alcoholic spritz

• Sparkling water 

• Orange slices 

3. Piña Colada

Do you like piña coladas or getting caught in the rain? Well, if you do, then you need to try a mocktail Piña Colada. Originating from Puerto Rico, this drink features sweet coconut cream paired with delicious and bright pineapple and is usually served frozen and topped with a maraschino cherry. With this drink, the tropical island vibes come to you. Before you know it, this mocktail piña colada will have you feeling the sand beneath your feet and the palm trees swaying in the breeze.  Ingredients:

• Frozen pineapple chunks 

• Coconut cream or milk 

• Pineapple juice 

• Maraschino cherry (and a small umbrella)

  
  

4. Lavender Lemon Drop Spritz 

The Lemon Drop cocktail is a fan favorite for its sweet, lemony taste, with just the perfect amount of sourness to keep you coming back for more. This lemon drop cocktail also features lavender, the beloved spring and early summer flower. With its aromatic and floral flavor, it takes the sweet and tart lemon to the next level.  For this drink, the only ingredients you need are

• Lemon Juice

• Lavender simple syrup 

• Club soda 

• Lemon slice & lavender sprig (for garnish)

5. Grapefruit Paloma 

Grapefruits are a tart, refreshing, and bright citrus that is perfect for combating the heat. Pair them with sparkling soda and a hint of lime juice, and you have a delicious alcohol-free paloma ready to enjoy. Not only does it taste amazing, but the color is pretty too, and it’s a great drink to include in summer parties and picnics alike. Plus, there are only three main ingredients:

• Grapefruit juice 

• Sparkling soda 

• Lime juice and lime wedge (for garnish) 

• Agave syrup 

6. Passion Fruit Margarita 

It’s not summer until there are margaritas! One of the best things about margaritas is their versatility. There’s a host of flavors to choose from, including the classic lime, prickly pear, mango, and much more. Plus, you can have them on the rocks, which means with ice, or have them in frozen slushy form. Either way, margaritas are always a fun and sweet drink to have during the summer, especially when you’re at the beach. For this mocktail, we’re using passion fruit, a tangy, sweet, and sour fruit that packs many surprises. Ingredients:

• Frozen passion fruit juice cubes 

• Ice 

• Lime juice

• Tajín (to coat the rim)

• Agave syrup 

7. Butterfly Pea, Elderflower Spritz

Last but not least is the gorgeous Butterfly Pea and Elderflower spritz mocktail. This drink is straight out of a cottagecore lover’s fantasy with its dreamy blue color and floral taste. Butterfly pea flower is a type of flowering plant that, when used for teas, turns a stunning shade of blue. Paired with elderflower, a common cocktail flavoring that tastes floral and fruity, this drink is not only pretty but simply refreshing. And, if you want to switch it up, add lemon juice to the drink and watch the butterfly pea flower turn a vibrant shade of purple! The ingredients for this drink are

• Butterfly pea flower tea

• Elderflower syrup

• Lemon juice (optional for purple colors)

• Club soda

Thumbnail Credit:

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