Summer is full of sunshine and fun, just like these summer mocktails! With plenty of flavor, but no alcohol, they’re perfect for any summer get-together, from cookouts to camp outs, parties and sipping in the sun.
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Your ultimate guide to summer mocktails
Summer is a season full of fun. After a long winter spent inside, I’m ready to spend time in my garden, enjoy the sunshine from my deck, host cookouts with friends — you name it!
While spring days call for spring mocktails that are a mix of cozy and bright, warm summer days call for cold drinks — that’s just a given. My favorite recipes are easy to make and refreshing to enjoy. The best part? You don’t have to include booze in your summer sippers to have a delicious, satisfying drink!
When you’re hosting, I’m not under the illusion that you can make everyone happy. However, I am a firm believer in offering options to help your guests enjoy themselves. To me, that means mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) need to be on the menu! It’s a step up from simply serving sparkling water or soda.
Whether your guest list is two or 20, these summer mocktail recipes give you options for every occasion!
Quick tips for hosting
Mocktails make great signature drinks for an event — since they don’t contain alcohol, it means everyone can partake. I like to include a mocktail on the menu every time I host so that anyone who doesn’t want to imbibe has something other than water to enjoy.
Big batches are your best friend when you’ve got a room full of guests. It gets you out from behind the bar and ensures you have plenty of time to mingle. You can pick a pitcher drink or punch, like cucumber water, that’s already big batch or multiply the recipe for your desired drink. (If you do this, skip the ice and garnishes until you’re ready to serve — that way your mocktails don’t get watered down and garnishes look their best.)
Make these mocktails ultra refreshing by adding fresh flavors like fresh fruits, berries, herbs and even veggies. Don’t forget to garnish your mocktails like you would a cocktail — try an elegant garnish made from the ingredients of the drink, like a lemon twist, or a wow factor, like berry ice cubes.
Zero-proof spirits
You might want to stock up on some zero-proof spirits for your summer mocktails. They’re an easy way to turn your favorite cocktail into an alcohol-free treat. You can make your own DIY zero-proof spirits with my recipes, or try one of my favorite brands:
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What to serve with summer mocktails
A crowd-pleasing menu is the perfect compliment to these drinks fit for everyone. For a formal occasion, something like a charcuterie board or bruschetta pinwheels are always a hit. Hosting something more casual? Try Mexican street corn or whipped feta dip.
When it comes to dessert, you can’t go wrong with cookies! Try a classic soft chocolate chip cookie or a decadent double chocolate chip cookie. On an especially hot day, skip the oven and try these easy no-bake s’mores avalanche cookies.
If you know your guests well, you’ll be able to tailor your selections to their dietary needs. For a bigger crowd, or those you aren’t as familiar with, it’s nice to have a few bases covered. Offer a vegetarian dish, and perhaps a gluten-free or dairy-free option as well to accommodate most.
The best summer mocktails
The recipes below are some of the most popular mocktails on my site that are bursting with summer flavor. I love to get ingredients at my local farmer’s market to get the most fresh flavor, and highly recommend a trip if you have one close to you. It’s a great excuse to browse local goodies, too!
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