8 Refreshing Summer Mocktail Recipes + Best Mocktail Brands

What is sweet summertime without a cold beverage in hand? While I’m usually satisfied with carbonated water, some fresh squeezed lime juice and a little stevia, sometimes life’s celebrations call for a cocktail. Thankfully mocktails are experiencing a bit of a renaissance right now and there are endless options for recreating your favorite cocktail, minus the alcohol. Sharing the best mocktail recipes + brands that I have tested!

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What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a cocktail without the alcohol, but to be clear, it’s not necessarily guilt-free as there can still be a lot of sugar! Mocktails are a fun way to celebrate without getting tipsy or the added calories or stress on your liver. 

My go-to drink is usually a Zevia or a sparkling water, but sometimes life calls for fancy and that’s where mocktails come in…

8 Refreshing Summer Mocktail Recipes

1. Grapefruit Lime Refresher

My sister originally introduced me to the grapefruit lime refresher after her mother-in-law had made it for her (albeit, a much sweeter version)! It’s been a staple at our summer gatherings ever since.

Ingredients

1 Pink grapefruit

1 Lime

Sparkling water

Stevia

Instructions

Squeeze grapefruit and lime and pour equal parts over 8oz of sparkling water. Add a few drops of stevia to sweeten this tart concoction. 

2. Coconut Lime Fizz

This coconut lime fizz is pretty much guilt-free, not only is it free of alcohol, but it’s also Paleo, Whole30 and AIP compliant. I found this gem on the blog, ThrivingAutoimmune.

Ingredients

1 tbsp lime juice

1/2 cup of canned coconut milk

1/2 cup of sparkling water

Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, give it a taste test first as coconut milk is pretty sweet on its own.

Instructions

Mix the ingredients together in a glass and serve over ice. Taste and add sweetener if desired.

3. Virgin Strawberry Mojito

I discovered the blog, Mindful Mocktail when I was looking for mocktail recipes for my sister’s bridal shower. While we ended serving mimosas for my sister’s shower, I didn’t forget about this treasure trove of mocktail recipes. It’s not summer without strawberries and the strawberry mojito is a delicious way to kick off summer.

Ingredients

3 strawberries, sliced

10 mint leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener of choice

1 cup soda water

Extra mint and strawberries to serve

Instructions

1. Muddle strawberries and sugar/sweetener in a glass to release the juices. Try to get the strawberry pieces small enough to fit through a straw. You can use a blender for this step if preferred.
2. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
3. Clap the mint together in your hands to release the scent (you’ll know it’s worked when your hands smell minty!).
4. Fill the glass with ice and add soda water. Stir to combine.
5. Garnish with extra mint and strawberry slices.

Notes: I like to use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

4. Virgin Pina Colada

The Pina Colada is the quintessential poolside umbrella drink. I love its simplicity and because it’s blended, I can’t just slurp it down like other mocktails!

Ingredients

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup canned coconut milk

Instructions

Add the frozen pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and coconut milk to a blender and puree until smooth.

Notes: Refrigerate coconut milk and scoop off the cream. 

5. Pineapple Ginger Mocktail

The first time I tried this mocktail, I filed it away as a keeper. It does require a few more steps so I reserve this mocktail for special occasions not every summer get-together. The cinnamon simple syrup also adds a flavor twist that elevates the drink in the best way. I found the pineapple ginger mocktail on a Cup of Zest.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

1 cup honey or maple syrup

1 cup water

4 large cinnamon sticks

Ginger Beer Pineapple Mocktail

¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger

¾ once lime juice

1 ½ ounce cinnamon simple syrup

3 ounces pineapple juice

5 ounces ginger beer

Instructions

1. Muddle ginger, mint and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add pineapple and cinnamon simple syrup.
3. Shake with ice until cold, about 30 seconds.
4. Double strain, by pouring the mocktail through the shaker and then through a fine mesh strainer directly into two glasses filled with ice. 
5. Top with ginger beer, stir to combine. If needed, top with more ice and serve!

Notes: While the original Cup of Zest recipe calls for sugar in the cinnamon simple syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup. Try to find pineapple  juice without added sugar so you’re not drinking a boatload of liquid calories! A few good brands are R.W. Knudsen and Lakewood,  however, they can be spendy  so stock up when you find them on sale. Ginger beer can have a lot of added sugar in it so read your labels. The Q brand has a light ginger beer which is better, it contains agave and erythritol and has 10 grams of added sugar vs 20 grams!

6. Merry Mimosa Mocktail

The first time I tried this mocktail, I filed it away as a keeper. It does require a few more steps so I reserve this mocktail for special occasions not every summer get-together. The cinnamon simple syrup adds a flavor twist that elevates the drink in the best way. I found the pineapple ginger mocktail on a Cup of Zest.

Ingredients

2 ounces or ¼ cup of Orange juice

4 ounces or ½ cup of Ginger ale (I like using the Ginger People Organic ginger juice for a stronger ginger flavor overall)

Instructions

Tilt a champagne flute and pour in the ginger ale and top with orange juice. You can also just make the  mimosa mixture available in a glass carafe or a glass water dispenser.

Notes: I used the organic orange juice from Costco because it’s a good deal for organic orange juice! If you aren’t making it for a big event, Uncle Matt’s organic orange juice is another option. I used the Q brand of ginger ale.

7. Virgin Lava Flow 

Nothing says Hawaii quite like a Lava Flow. After making Lava Flows for a friend’s wedding reception, I decided to make them whenever I needed a tropical escape! Since the Lava Flow is essentially a PIna Colada with strawberries, you can easily create a couple all-star tropical drinks with just a few ingredients. This recipe is from the blog, The Delectable Food Life.

Ingredients

1 can of Whole Fat Coconut Milk 

4 cups of Fresh Frozen Pineapple

6 oz of Unsweetened Pineapple Juice

Strawberries – fresh or defrosted frozen berries

Ice

Instructions

Blend one whole can of full-fat Coconut Milk, Pineapple Juice, Frozen Pineapple, and 1-2 cups of ice until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a bit more Pineapple Juice.

Pour the Pina Colada pineapple mixture into a pitcher and rinse the Blender.

Place 1 cup of fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup of water in the blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can add pineapple juice to the strawberries. You want a smooth puree.

Pour 2 inches of the Strawberry Puree into the bottom of a hurricane glass. Then, pour in the Pina Colada Mixture.

Notes: Try to use unsweetened juice. Brands that tend to contain just pure juice are  R.W. Knudsen and Lakewood.

8. Mint Julep Mocktail

How many times have you seen a julep cup and just wanted a reason to buy it? A stainless steel julep not only looks chic but it’s functional in that it helps to maintain the temperature of your drink. You can’t go wrong with ginger ale and mint in my books, add in a little sun, maybe some horses and you’re off to the races! This is another recipe from The Mindful Mocktail.

Ingredients

Mint simple syrup

1 cup water

½ cup sugar or I like to use maple syrup or honey

1 cup mint

Julep mocktail

1 cup ginger ale

Crushed ice

Mint sprigs to garnish

Instructions

1. To make the mint syrup, combine sweetener of choice and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sweetener dissolves.
2. Add mint and increase the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low, replace the lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and leave covered until the mixture cools (the longer you leave it, the stronger the mint flavor will be).
5. Leave to cool, then strain.
6. Fill your cups with crushed ice. Add ½ cup of ginger ale or non-alcoholic bourbon to each cup, then ¼ cup of mint syrup. 
7. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

Best Mocktail Brands (With Clean Ingredients!)

TÖST

Ingredient List

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, White Tea, White Cranberry Concentrate, Elderberry Concentrate, Natural Ginger Extract, Natural Citrus Extract with other Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Quinine

Cost – $27.00 for 3 bottles | $48.00 for 6 bottles | $92.00 for 12 bottles 

Review – While I’m no wine connoisseur, I will say that even I detected the dry finish of this ROSÉ. It sparkles and fizzes with just the right amount of flavor. The white tea, ginger, and elderberry flavors are light and refreshing – a perfect celebratory drink. It does have 11 grams of added sugar, which I’ve seen far worse, but limit the TÖST ROSÉ for occasions worth toasting!

Curious Elixirs

Curious No. 6 | Coconut Pineapple Painkiller

Ingredient List

Filtered water, coconut cream, organic pineapple, orange, lime + ginger juice concentrates, oat milk concentrate, extracts of lemon balm, american oak, chicory + nutmeg, blackstrap molasses essence, lactic acid, spices

Cost – $44.00 for 8 bottles | $98.00 for 24 bottles

Review – The intent of this booze-free cocktail is to help you unwind. It’s a creamy, tropical blend that includes lemon balm and nutmeg to reduce stress. The nutmeg and spices are mild, as is the overall taste of the drink which is akin to a pina colada. I like that there is no refined sugar and no weird ingredients. However, when I pop open a canned drink, my taste buds have been trained to expect carbonation, so it took a few sips to get used to this drink. This tropical elixir would also make for a fun holiday nog!

Curious No. 5 | Non Alcoholic Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned

Ingredient List

Dark cherry, Elderberry, Organic orange and organic lemon juice concentrates, Cacao extract, Ginger extract, Chicory extract, American oak extract, Gentian extract, Unrefined coconut sugar, Shatavari root, Cayenne, Organic smoke flavors, Sea salt

Cost – 24 bottles for $115.00 | 8 bottles for $55.00

Review –  I knew the smoked chocolate cherry flavor would be interesting but my taste buds weren’t prepared for what hit them. I didn’t care for the flavor, but it is a clean elixir with organic ingredients, no preservatives, and no refined sugar. This drink contains some powerful stress-reducing ingredients including – Shatavari which is a restorative adaptogen and traditional aphrodisiac that balances hormones, serotonin, and cortisol and elderberry which boosts immunity and reduces stress along with ginger to promote digestion and boost immunity.

Hiyo Social Tonic

Ingredient List (watermelon lime flavor)

carbonated filtered water, organic flavors, organic erythritol, organic watermelon juice concentrate, organic cane sugar, organic gum acacia, organic lemon balm extract, organic fruit and vegetable juice (color), organic ksm-66 ashwagandha extract, organic passion flower extract, organic green tea extract* (l-theanine), citric acid, organic ginger, organic lime juice concentrate, organic lion’s mane mushroom extract *non-caffeinated

Cost –  $44.99 for 12 bottles | $89.98 for 24 bottles | $179.96 for 48 bottles

Review –  I can definitely see Hiyo becoming my go-to drink when I want something outside of carbonated water or a Zevia. I also like my carbonated drinks and this did not disappoint. The flavor and carbonation are sophisticated in that they do not overwhelm the senses. I like that they use organic ingredients and that there is only 3g of added sugar per can. Hiyo’s tagline is “feel the float”, and I put it to the test! In all honesty my brain felt good, calm, but more focused. I’m a fan of adaptogens so I love that they use ingredients like Ashwagandha in their drinks along with natural nootropics like l-theanine and lion’s mane mushroom extract, and functional botanicals. I also tried the blackberry lemon flavor and peach mango flavor. All three flavors were good, but I was partial to the watermelon lime flavor.

House of Botanique

Ingredient List

Carbonated water, mango puree concentrate, pear juice concentrate, calamansi juice, white tea extract, ashwagandha extract(KSM-66), mango extract, citric acid, green tea extract(L-Theanine), passionflower extract, lemon balm extract, thai basil extract

Cost –  $69.30 for 12 pack

Review –  This was a mocktail to remember!  I was so excited to try this mocktail and it did not disappoint.  I think with many carbonated mocktail drinks they’re often too sweet.  This one is perfect!  It’s refreshing and the calamansi juice also adds the perfect flavor component to balance the mango.  It’s a match made!  I love the packaging and the whole aesthetic too.  These would be so easy to offer at a wedding, bridal or baby shower or any gathering.  They look chic and the taste is classic. Plus, I love the added adaptogens and that the total sugar is only 4 grams. They also don’t contain any natural flavors, which is huge!  It’s almost impossible to find carbonated flavored beverages that don’t have these.

Mockly

Ingredient List

Carbonated filtered water, cane sugar, apple juice concentrate, pomegranate juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate, fruit and vegetable juice(color) organic ginger juice, natural flavors, gum acacia, quinine hydrochloride

Cost –  $59.99 for 12 pack

Review –  These were a little sweeter than I prefer for a carbonated mocktail beverage.  They also contained just straight up sugar as the second ingredient which I didn’t love either.  For 1 can it’s 27 grams of sugar which is a lot!  I wasn’t a fan.

More Refreshing Summer Drinks

While some of these might hit ‘mocktail’ status, they are still refreshing summer drinks that the whole family enjoy!

Magnesium Drinks

I know this may seem like a granola mom move, but I will mix a little magnesium powder into my kids’ water and they love it. I use the Dr. Wholeness Mag Complete powder because it has a berry flavor that my kids love and it turns the water a pink/purple color which is obviously a bonus.

Nooma Soda Drinks

(use code SUZI25 to save 25% off your purchase)

These are the bomb.com, but because of their price tag, they are relegated to adults. I will sometimes share my drink with the kids, but they know they are off limits, although they still beg for one because they are that good. They also come in delicious flavors like Cherry Cola, Coconut Lime, and Fruit Punch. They also include organic and functional ingredients that improve muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. 

Electrolytes

Keeping my kids hydrated during the summer is not a problem with great tasting electrolytes. The Just Ingredients (use code GURLGONEGREEN to save 20% off) brand of electrolytes are some of our favorites in the Swope house. We love the Strawberry Limeade flavor – so refreshing and makes for delicious popsicles in the summer. The ingredients are clean and there’s also nothing artificial.  Plus, they have less sodium than other electrolyte brands. The other electrolytes are potassium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and calcium. These are also offered in single serve packets or larger packs. The single serve is so convenient for travel! I also appreciate that they’re third party tested. For more electrolyte options check out post where I tested and reviewed many of the most popular brands.

Homemade Lemonade

In the summer, I frequently serve homemade lemonade with our dinner. I also use fresh squeezed lemons or lemon juice, filtered water and a few drops of stevia. My kids will even request homemade lemonade all throughout the year because they consider it a treat.

Zevia

What would our household do without Zevias? They are the closest drink my kids have had to soda pop. I also use them as a treat for my kids and bring them out for birthdays and special occasions or sometimes I pop open a cold one after a long day. I like that they are sweetened with stevia and there’s also no added sugar and no weird ingredients. 

Did I miss your favorite mocktail? Share below!

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