If you’re new here, you need to know how much we LOVE mocktails! I have 25+ recipes for any time of year and release 1 new mocktail a week… we are obsessed.
Typically I create mocktails with non alcoholic spirits and without in the same recipe. This makes the recipes easy and simple for anyone to make no matter how familiar you are with non alcoholic mocktails!
What Are Mocktails?
Mocktail is short for “mock” cocktail. These super delicious and refreshing drinks mimic alcoholic cocktails without the alcohol (and they do a very good job at it too).
Mocktails are a great option for those who cannot drink, expecting mommas, sober curious, those looking to cut calories, or just because you don’t want a hangover tomorrow. Literally anyone can enjoy them!
Do Mocktails Taste Like Cocktails?
This depends! If you use zero proof non alcoholic (NA) spirits, then YES! Some brands of NA spirits are better than others but that is the case with alcoholic spirits too. Most NA spirits are 0.0% ABV (meaning no alcohol content) but always check the bottles before you buy. NA spirit suggestions below!
Don’t fret! You can still make a really yummy mocktail without non alcoholic spirits. To get the similar sensation alcohol gives, I use carbonated beverages like tonic water, club soda, carbonated sodas, or mineral water in it’s place. They definitely give a warm tummy tingling feeling and it they are more readily available.
Let’s not waste any time! Here are the 10 BEST Summer Mocktails…
Aperol Spritz Mocktail
This quick and easy Aperol Spritz is bright, citrusy, crisp, and oh so refreshing. It comes with 2 non alcoholic versions and is a 2023 summer favorite recipe.
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Blue Lagoon Mocktail
This 5 minute Blue Lagoon Mocktail recipe is beautifully blue, citrusy, and so refreshing. Perfect for kids, boy baby showers, or pool side sipping.Ingredients: blue curacao syrup, orange sparkling water, lemonade, optional NA vodka.
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Pina Colada Mocktail
This frozen Pina Colada Mocktail recipe is creamy, tropical, and super easy to make. Ingredients: frozen pineapple, coconut cream, pineapple juice, ice cubes, optional NA white rum.
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Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
This frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail is everything it should be: a perfect slushy consistency, packed with fruity strawberry flavor, and super easy to make. Ingredients: frozen strawberries, granulated sugar, 7 UP, lime juice, ice cubes.
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Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer
This quick and easy Sunrise Mocktail Spritzer is a beautifully layered and perfect for brunch with the girls, pool parties, and summer sipping!Ingredients: orange juice, pineapple soda or juice, grenadine, optional NA tequila.
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Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail
This Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail recipe has the perfect amount of spicy flavor, but not too much! It is bright, fresh, and will surely quench your thirst.Ingredients: lime juice, tonic water, orange juice, jalapeno simple syrup, NA tequila.
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Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
This refreshing, LOW CALORIE, non alcoholic Strawberry Mojito Mocktail has all the flavor and none of the booze. Try this Lemon Mojito Mocktail too.Ingredients: strawberries, mint leaves, sweetener, lime, and sparkling water.
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Watermelon Lime Slush
This refreshing Watermelon Lime Slush blends up in 10 minutes and is the absolute best drink for summer! Ingredients: frozen watermelon, ginger ale, lime juice, cane sugar, water/ice, optional NA white rum.
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Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail
This Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail recipe has epic flavor! It is spicy yet sweet, bubbly, and so refreshing. Easily make this for yourself or stir up a pitcher for barbeques, parties, or girls night.Ingredients: grapefruit juice, ginger beer, tonic water, lime juice, optional NA vodka.
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Gin and Tonic Mocktail
Learn how to make the most perfect alcohol free Gin and Tonic. It is a simple and refreshing mocktail that is full of bold citrus and juniper flavors.Ingredients: NA gin, lime juice, tonic water.
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How To Make A Custom Summer Mocktail
The 3 Essentials for EVERY Mocktail:
- JUICE: 100% juice is best in mocktails because they tend to be star of the show. Feel free to use fruit and vegetable juices.
- BUBBLES: These are essential in mocktails because they amplify flavors and give the bubbly stomach sensation we all love.
- I recommend tonic water but club soda, mineral water, sparkling water, flavored carbonated waters, or Kombucha. Even sodas like lemon lime, ginger ale or ginger beer, and non alcoholic beer can be a great option.
- SWEETENER: I always go for simple syrups because it is a great way to add sweetness and flavor. Other liquid sweeteners like agave, honey, maple syrup are good options too.
- My favorites for summer are this Jalapeno Syrup, Grenadine (Pomegranate Syrup), Strawberry Syrup, Vanilla Syrup and of course the OG Simple Syrup.
Optional Mocktail Add Ins and Garnishes:
- ZERO PROOF NON ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS: You can find everything from alcohol free tequila to beer to champagne and everything in between (browse my favorites here). These will make your mocktails taste even closer to their alcoholic counterpart.
- NA BITTERS: A few dashes of bitters can give a lift to any mocktail. They are made with a combination of herbs or fruit that have so much delicious flavor.
- My favorites for summer are Lavender Bitters, Orange Bitters, and New Orleans Bitters. If you use code ENTIRELY10, you can get 10% off your All The Bitter purchase (not sponsored).
- FRESH HERBS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES: Many summer mocktails have the addition of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. They are typically muddled with simple syrup to make the base.
- Herbs: mint, basil, lavender, lemongrass, and rose.
- Fruits: mango, berries, watermelon, and coconut.
- Vegetables: cucumbers, jalapenos, or olives.
- FUN GARNISHES: There are so many ways to garnish your mocktails and elevate them. I like using rimming sugar and salts for a decorated glass. Adding fresh citrus peel or wedges, a maraschino cherry, and even mint leaves can be a fun addition. I also love the look of fun straws and mini umbrellas in the summer time.
Where Do I Buy Non Alcoholic Spirits?
The world of zero proof spirits is quite amazing and becoming even more popular. I order my NA spirits through Amazon because it is more convenient (and I live in the middle of nowhere). Feel free shop my favorites.
Many of my readers have been able to buy theirs at CVS drug stores, Target, Meijer, Kroger, and other local grocery stores. Some larger cities have bottle shops completely dedicated to NA spirits. You can also buy them from online retailers and brands.
Essential Bar Equipment for Summer Mocktails
- Fun drinkware! This is the best part of stocking a home bar (in my opinion). Lately I have been loving these ribbed glasses. But I also love Mexican blown glass, geometric wine glasses, and hobnail lidded cups.
- Cocktail shaker with long stirrers and jiggers.
- Blender or food processor for frozen slushie type drinks.
- Hand held citrus juicer
- Muddler for smashing together herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
- Cocktail pins for holding garnishes in place.
Looking for more mocktails? I have TONS more here!
BEST Summer Mocktails
Here's a super easy guide to making your own custom summer mocktail!
EQUIPMENT
- glassware
- cocktail shaker - or long spoon for stirring
- muddler
- citrus juicer
- cocktail pins
INGREDIENTS
Custom Summer Mocktail (amount per 8 ounces)
- 4 ounces 100% fruit juice
- 3 ounces carbonated beverage
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Optional Add Ins and Garnishes
- 2 ounces zero proof non alcoholic spirit
- 1 dash non alcoholic bitters
- ½ lemon or lime - juiced and/or garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, fruits, or vegetables - muddled and/or garnish
- 1 tablespoon rimming salts and sugars
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rim glass with salts or sugars by rubbing the rim in lemon juice, lime juice, or simple syrup. Immediately roll the rim into the salts or sugars.
- Over ice (or with chilled ingredients) add ingredients to glass. TIP: herbs, fruits, or vegetables need to be muddled first with a little juice or syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Top mocktail with carbonated beverage and stir well until combined.
- Garnish mocktail as desired (fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, citrus peels, fun straws, mini umbrellas).TIP: Use cocktail pins to keep the garnishes in place.
RECIPE NOTES
Ideas for Custom Summer Mocktails:
- 100% JUICE: Lemon and lime juice are great in addition to orange juice, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, etc. You can even use vegetable juices too.
- BUBBLES: Tonic water, club soda, mineral water, sparkling water, flavored carbonated waters, Kombucha, and sodas like lemon lime, ginger ale or ginger beer, or non alcoholic beers.
- SWEETENER: Jalapeno Syrup, Grenadine (Pomegranate Syrup), Strawberry Syrup, Vanilla Syrup and of course the OG Simple Syrup. Other liquid sweeteners like agave, honey, maple syrup are good options too
- ZERO PROOF NON ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS: Use anything from tequila to beer to champagne (browse options here).
- NA BITTERS: Summer favorites are Lavender Bitters, Orange Bitters, and New Orleans Bitters. If you use code ENTIRELY10, you can get 10% off your All The Bitter purchase.
- FRESH HERBS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES: Herbs like mint, basil, lavender, lemongrass, and rose. Popular summer fruits are mango, berries, watermelon, coconut, etc. Vegetables to try in your mocktails include cucumbers, jalapenos, or olives.
- FUN GARNISHES: Use rimming sugar and salts for a decorated glass. Add fresh citrus peel or wedges, a maraschino cherry, and even mint leaves. You’ll love the look of fun straws and mini umbrellas in the summer time.
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Tried this recipe?Feel free to share a rating and comment below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, or use the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth – I would love to see what you’ve made!
Yes!! All of my favorites and a few more altogether. We are going to have a fun summer.
Thank you!