Nothing says summer like a refreshing cocktail! But for those of us who no longer drink or try to limit our alcohol intake, mocktails are a great substitution. My husband stopped drinking about two years ago, and I rarely drink. When he stopped drinking, I realized the importance of having non-alcoholic options available at parties. Sure, you can always offer your guests soda or water, but why not serve them a fancy mocktail as well?
Here are three summer mocktail recipes for your next get-together!
Frozen Faux-Rita
Nothing feels quite like summer like a frozen drink. Serve this virgin margarita in a cute glass with a lime wedge, and you’ll feel like you are poolside at a fancy resort, even if it’s just the kiddie pool in your backyard.
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. frozen limeade concentrate
- Juice from two jumbo lemons
- Juice from four medium limes
- 6 lime wedges
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of simple syrup or sweetener (I use this one)
- 2-3 cups of ice
- Salt
Instructions:
- In a blender, add all of the ingredients and blend until all ingredients are combined.
- Prepare your glasses: using a plate, pour the salt in an even layer. Using your lime wedges, rub the limes along the rims of your glasses and then dip the rims in the salt.
- Pour margarita mix into your glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Faux-Jito
I love simple drinks like mojitos because you can easily customize them. Watermelon is such a popular summer fruit and pairs so well with mint. It’s the perfect addition to this summer mocktail recipe.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 limes, plus two lime wedges
- 10 – 15 mint leaves
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 15 oz. club soda
- 1 cup diced watermelon, plus two slices for garnish (remove seeds if you are not using seedless watermelon)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree watermelon and set aside. Straining is optional.
- In a shaker, muddle one lime, mint, and sugar until mint is bruised.
- Add ice and watermelon, puree, and shake well.
- Pour into two glasses and add club soda.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with lime wedge and watermelon slice.
Faux-Moscow Mule
If you need an excuse to buy yourself some cute copper mugs, this drink is it. Mules are refreshing and come together quickly. I promise you will not miss the vodka.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- Juice from two limes, plus two lime wedges
- 12 oz. ginger beer
- 12 oz. lime seltzer (such as La Croix)
- ~ 1 cup of ice
Instructions:
- Fill two mugs with ice.
- In each mug, add the lime juice, ginger beer, and seltzer water.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
I’ve found that the key to mocktails is the ingredients. Could I buy lemon or lime juice? Yes. Will it taste as delicious? No. The freshness of those ingredients is what makes the drink taste great. You may have to dirty a blender to puree some watermelon, but you will end up with a tastier result.
Need a fun summer appetizer? Try serving your mocktail with some chips and this delicious pineapple avocado salsa.
Originally published July 2020.
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