Mocktail Recipes for Spring and Summer

The spring and summer seasons are all about spending more time in the great outdoors. That means embracing Mother Nature with backyard BBQs, block parties, and holiday cookouts with family, friends, and neighbors. One of the most refreshing ways to enjoy the longer days and warmer nights is by cooling off with a cocktail or mocktail. (Smoothies also make a delicious option too). 

Cocktails and mocktails are the perfect addition to any summertime gathering. Instead of purchasing pre-made mixes laden with an array of artificial ingredients and added sugar, try making your own cocktails and mocktails. If you already have cocktails down, then consider this a great go-to guide for a few spring and summer mocktails.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is an Italian wine-based cocktail and is commonly served as an apéritif across Italy. Traditional Aperol spritz is made with digestive bitters, prosecco, and soda water, but if you want to turn this beverage into a mocktail try this recipe from Entirely Elizabeth. Photo credit oqba.

With Non-Alcoholic Spirits

• 3 ounces non-alcoholic Aperol
• 3 ounces of non-alcoholic champagne 
• 1 dash of non-alcoholic bitters
• 1 ounce mineral water

Without Non-Alcoholic Spirits

• 3 ounces orange juice; - without pulp
• 2 ounces grapefruit juice; - 100% juice
• 1 ounce cherry juice; - 100% juice
• 2 ounces mineral water - tonic water or club soda can be used too

Garnish

• 1 slices orange
• 1 sprigs thyme

If you want to use non-alcoholic spirits, opt for a non-alcoholic Italian spritz, a non-alcoholic brut champagne, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. Then, top it off with a splash of mineral water and garnish with an orange slice and sprig of thyme. If you are looking for a straight fruit juice version, pour together cherry juice, grapefruit juice, and orange juice. Then, repeat with a splash of mineral water, garnish with an orange slice and sprig of thyme. Enjoy!

Margarita

Whether it is taco Tuesday or you are whipping up a batch of homemade burrito bowls, margaritas are a summertime staple for BBQS, cookouts, and fiestas alike. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic version, try this recipe from the Food Network. Photo credit: bhofack2.

• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice 
• 1/3 cup light agave syrup 
• Kosher salt 
• 1 cup ice cubes 
• 1 cup chilled lime seltzer 

Combine agave, lime juice, and orange juice into a measuring cup. Pour into a 12-compartment ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Combine the frozen juice cubes, ice cubes, and seltzer in a blender and blend on high until smooth and pourable. Pour into prepared margarita glasses with salted rims and serve immediately. Chips and salsa anyone?

Mojito

• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 2 cups mint leaves, chopped
• 2 cups lime sherbet, softened
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1 cup water
• 8 cups club soda
• Lime slices for garnish

Mojitos are another refreshing mocktail option for spring and summer. Especially if you are growing springtime herbs and have fresh mint leaves on hand. If you are looking for a refreshing alcohol-free version, check out this rendition from All Recipes. 

Simply combine two cups of water with 1 ½ cups of white sugar. Microwave mixture in a microwave-safe bowl on high for five minutes. Stir two mint leaves, chopped, into the water and let stand for five minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves from the syrup; set aside.

Next, stir two cups of lime sherbert, soften one cup of lime juice, and one cup of water together in a large pitcher until well combined. Next, pour the mint-infused syrup into the mixture. Add a club soda and stir. Serve over ice and garnish with lime slices for a final touch. Viola! Photo credit: Bogdanhoda.

Moscow Mule

Another refreshing classic is the Moscow Mule. Serve it up alcohol-free and guests will be asking for seconds. Need some recipe inspiration? Check out this ditty from Like Mother Like Daughter.

• 1 lime (1-2 tablespoons juice, fresh is best)
• 1 TBS simple syrup
• 1/4 cup club soda
• 3-4 mint leaves (torn, optional)
• 3/4 cup Ginger Beer (make sure it’s non-alcoholic)
• Crushed ice

In the bottom of the cup, pour in the club soda, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add mint leaves if desired. Next, fill the cup about halfway with ice. Then, pour about 3/4 a cup of ginger beer over the ice. Finally, garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge if desired, and serve. Photo credit: UliU.

Sangria

Another summertime staple is a big batch of homemade sangria. Whether you enjoy it white or red, there is a non-alcoholic version for that. Check out this mocktail version from The Spruce Eats.

• 1 orange, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 lemon, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 lime, sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
• 3 cups red grape juice
• 1 cup white grape juice
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 (25 7/16-ounce) bottle of sparkling apple cider, or plain seltzer

After you have gathered all of your ingredients, layer half of the chopped apples, lemon slices, lime, and oranges in the bottom of a 4-quart glass pitcher. Repeat with the remaining fruit to create a luscious second layer. Next, pour in the grape, lemon, lime and juices. Use a long spoon or sturdy skewer to gently stir until well-mixed. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Channel those springtime and summertime vibes by getting your mocktails on this season. Cheers!

- Stay Healthy and Happy

Need some more recipe ideas? Check out @Mbveganvegetarianshare or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.