Sparkling Balsamic Mocktails

Sparkling balsamic mocktails are a flavorful, make-ahead drink for toasting any occasion and making entertaining easy. They’re garnished with festive and fresh berry ice cubes that take the drink to the next level.

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Let’s face it: Bridal and baby showers can be a pain. You want to host a party to honor your friend, but planning a menu is frustrating.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

But let me tell you: It doesn’t have to be hard at all! Let’s start with the drinks. (I always start with the drinks.)

First, figure out if you should serve alcohol at the party. Your honoree may have a preference, and a mocktail-only (AKA alcohol-free) party is totally A-OK.

Regardless, I think it’s always a good idea to have a mocktail on hand at any party.

Some people just won’t drink for a variety of reasons (i.e. pregnancy, designated drivership, religion, personal choice, etc.) so having an option that’s not plain ol’ soda or water is always a nice gesture as a host.

Lately, I’ve been a fan of these sparkling balsamic mocktails. Someone told me a while back to try drinking sparkling water with a splash of balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Adding just a smidgen of tart flavor helps me to drink more water! When I was trying to brainstorm a mocktail for a baby shower recently, I kept coming back to this one.

It’s remarkably simple: ice + sparkling water + balsamic vinegar.

I actually prefer the alcohol-free version, but you can certainly sub in sparkling wine or toss in a shot of vodka if you like!

I decided to dress them up for a baby shower by making berry ice cubes. I pressed blueberries and raspberries into an ice cube tray (I’m in love with this one), filled it with water and froze them for a day.

The fruit looks so cool suspended in the water, dancing around with the bubbles.

Seriously, these sparkling balsamic mocktails and their fruity ice cubes are the cutest pink and blue mocktails!

So much fun if you’re planning a baby shower. If you’re a mocktail fan, check out some of my other favorite mocktail ideas here and here.

Oh, and the rest of the menu? I’ve got you covered.

Today, a few of my blog friends are all posting baby shower menu ideas! We’re doing it in honor of our friend Jenna, the blogger behind A Savory Feast, who recently welcomed a baby boy into her family!

Because we can’t all get together in person, a virtual shower will have to do instead!

We snuck a few of Jenna’s recipes in this list because she is excellent at this sort of stuff. Anyway, congratulations, Jenna! So happy for you! // susannah

Baby shower menu ideas:

Greek Panzanella by Winstead Wandering
Nightshade Free Antipasto Platter by I Say Nomato
Peach Streusel Coffee Cake by A Savory Feast
Cucumber Finger Sandwiches by The Speckled Palate
French Palmiers by Lavender & Macarons
Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Crostinis by A Savory Feast
Mini Summer Layered Trifle by Lauren’s Kitchen the Blog
Honey Sriracha Meatballs by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Panko, Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms by A Savory Feast
Lemon Blueberry Whoopie Pies by Beer Girl Cooks
Honey Sweetened Limeaid with Blueberries by A Savory Feast