Whether you’re hosting a lively cookout, or hosting guests for an at-home celebration, stocking your summer bar with some booze-free beverages and craft mocktail recipes is always a good idea. They deliver the same ice-cold relief on sweltering summer days (without the hangover), and come in complex, refreshing flavors that rival your go-to cocktails.
Most people assume that mocktails are watered-down juice, however skipping out on the alcohol does not mean you have to compromise on taste. In fact, there are endless options that will appeal to a sophisticated palette. From refreshing concoctions filled with fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and juices to bubbly canned drinks loaded with ingredients like prebiotics, vinegar, antioxidants, and caffeine.
Also, providing options for non-drinkers is considerate and will make your life easier as a host. Simply, mix up a large batch of booze-free drinks and fill up a few pitchers, so guests can opt to drink as is or spike their own cup with an adult beverage. Either way, everyone’s drinks will look similar enough, will be appreciated by any guests practicing a sober lifestyle, those who are expecting or looking to cut back discreetly.
Keep reading for 6 easy-to-make (and delicious) craft mocktail recipes and canned alcohol-free drinks that your guests will absolutely love.
Havana Nights
With the added benefits of prebiotics and antioxidants, these better-for-you canned drinks are perfect for people who want a healthier lifestyle, but still want the kick. The Black-owned brand is committed to creating boldly flavored non-alcoholic beverages infused with unexpected global spices including cardamom, chili peppers, and lemongrass, so sober drinkers will never feel like they are missing out.
- 4 oz. Havana Twist
- 1 tablespoon of Juniper Berries
- 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1 Cucumber slice
- Crush Juniper Berries with a little sugar and add to strainer.
- Strain Havana Twist over them and into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber.
Grapefruit Thyme Fizz
This premium sparkling soda is a delicious blend of fresh fruits, herbs, juices, and spices and free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Available in a trio of refreshing flavors, including Meyer lemon, fresh ginger, and ripe grapefruit, the award-winning beverage is delicious straight out of the can or used as a mixer.
Grapefruit Thyme Fizz
- 1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit
- Meyer Lemon Juice
- Thyme
- Bring it all together in a lowball glass over ice.
- Stir gently and garnish with thyme
Twist and Sparkle
On sweltering summer days, a sip of this sparkling mineral water, rooted in authentic Mexican culture and tradition, will instantly cool you down. Made with a simple mix of sodium bicarbonate, salt, and potassium chloride, Mineragua provides a hydrating boost when sipped alone or mixed and mocktails alike.
Twist and Sparkle
- Mineragua
- Mandarin
- Mint
- Lime
- Cubed Ice
- Sparkling Grape Juice
- In a small glass, add a few slices of mandarin and fresh lime juice.
- Muddle the ingredients for a few seconds.
- Add cubed ice, pour Mineragua and top with sparkling grape juice.
- Garnish with an orange twist and mint. Enjoy!
Blueberry Lime Spritzer
Bursting with real-fruit flavor, no artificial sweeteners, only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories, this drink allows you to indulge in a sweet, summer drink, without the guilt. Thanks to the antioxidants and caffeine (the same amount as a cup of green tea), you’ll feel extra hydrated and energetic.
Blueberry Lime Spritzer
- 2 oz Bai Brasilia Blueberry
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- Club Soda
- Fresh Blueberries
- Lime Slices
- Muddle blueberries and lime juice in a glass.
- Add tequila and Brasilia Blueberry. Mix.
- Add ice and top with club soda.
- Garnish with blueberries and a slice of lime.
Jukes 1 Apertif
Created to support a thoughtful lifestyle, your healthier guests will love this alcohol-free beverage that is concocted with powerhouse ingredients including organic apple cider vinegar, and several dozen vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and flowers. As a bonus, it is also low-calorie, low-sugar, and vegan.
Jukes 1 Apertif
- Tonic Water (Light)
- Jukes 1
- Ice
- Garnish – optional
- Lime or Lemon
- Cucumber
- Pour ¾ of a glass with tonic water over ice.
- Pour in half a bottle of Jukes. Stir and add your garnish. Adjust to taste.
ROAR Strawberry Watermelon Mojito
Your guests will be grateful for this ultra-hydrating, organic drink when temperatures are at an all-time high. Each bottle is filled with a variety of fresh fruit flavors and electrolyte-rich coconut water, vitamin C, B5, B6, and B12, to keep you replenished.
ROAR Flavor: Strawberry Watermelon Mojito
- 1 oz Clean G (Gin Alternative — Available at Boisson)
- .5 oz fresh lime juice
- .25 oz simple syrup
- 2.5 oz Strawberry Lemonade
- 1 pinch salt
- Muddled cucumber and mint
- Add 4-5 mint leaves to a tin, add other ingredients and ice.
- Batch all ingredients together.
- Pour 4 oz of batch into a collins with ice in it, top with 2 oz club soda, garnish with a strawberry, cucumber, and a mint sprig.
Products featured on EBONY are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. However, when you buy something through our retail links, EBONY may earn an affiliate commission.
The post 6 Craft Mocktail Recipes Your Summer Party Guests Will Love appeared first on Ebony.