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10 BEST Summer Mocktails

5 from 1 vote
Time: 5 minutes
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These are my 10 BEST Summer Mocktails of 2023! There is everything from fruity drinks to frozen slushies to spicy concoctions. These recipes are made with and without non alcoholic spirits, making it the only sober summer sipping collection you will ever need!

Looking for mocktails that are not for summer? No worries, I have TONS more here!

The Best Summer Mocktails. Pina Colada, Sunrise Spritzer, Blue Lagoon, Watermelon Lime Slush.

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

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.
Get The Recipe →

How To Make A Custom Summer Mocktail

If you’re wanting to mix up your own mocktail, it is quite simple. A balance of juice, bubbles, sweetener, and optional add ins will make for the perfect concoction!

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.

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.
  • 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

Looking for more mocktails? I have TONS more here!


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Enjoy Entirely, Elizabeth
The Best Summer Mocktails. Pictured: Pina Colada, Sunrise Spritzer, Blue Lagoon, Watermelon Lime Slush.

BEST Summer Mocktails

Elizabeth Swoish
Here's a super easy guide to making your own custom summer mocktail!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Servings 1 mocktail
Calories 100 kcal

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 SyrupGrenadine (Pomegranate Syrup)Strawberry SyrupVanilla 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 BittersOrange 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.

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By Elizabeth Swoish on June 9th, 2023
Elizabeth Swoish holding a camera up to her eye taking a photo.

About Elizabeth Swoish

Elizabeth Swoish is the founder and CEO of Entirely Elizabeth. She is a self-taught foodie and mocktail enthusiast with a business degree in data analysis. Read Elizabeth's food journey or connect on your favorite social media channels.

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