When hosting a party or event, it’s both wise and considerate to have some non-alcoholic alternatives on hand.
Planning a get-together? Keep in mind—many adults don’t imbibe. If there’s nothing available for them to drink, it’s easy for those guests to feel unwelcomed or left out.
Summertime is full of life. The weather is improving by the day, and there’s an excuse to celebrate around every turn. A mindful host will accommodate kids, non-drinkers and designated drivers alike by providing alcohol-free options.
We suggest offering a few seasonal mocktails to include everyone in the fun. No matter who’s on the guest list, it doesn’t hurt to have some tasty virgin sips available.
Plus, if you ever feel like lounging with a mixed drink, but you’re not in the mood to consume alcohol, these refreshing mocktails really hit the spot.
Top 3 Summertime Mocktails
Simple Sangria – Everything you love about Spain’s traditional party punch without the wine. Grab a pitcher, and get the party started!
Ingredients:
-
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 3 cups white grape juice
- 1 ½ cans Canada Dry Club Soda
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ½ Granny Smith apple
- ½ Honeycrisp apple
- ½ lemon
- ½ orange
- ½ cup strawberries
Directions:
Cut up the fruit and add it to a pitcher. Pour in the juice and Canada Dry Sparkling Seltzer Water. Pour into the cocktail glass and garnish with a peep. Serve chilled or over ice.
Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Pineapple Peach Shandy – This tropical take on a classic cocktail is made for Summertime sippin’. Feel free to adjust the proportions to taste.
Ingredients:
-
- ½ peach (sliced)
- 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 4 oz ginger beer (or ginger ale)
- Ice (to serve)
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, add the pineapple and lemon juice. Muddle the peach using the end of a wooden spoon. Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Close shaker and shake vigorously to combine.
To a Collins glass filled with ice, strain and pour over the cocktail. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve with a straw.
Mocktail Shots – Savor the thrill of a shot without the wry face. These delicious shooters are perfect for block parties, family functions and other all-ages occasions.
Kamikaze Cleanse
Ingredients:
-
- 1 part lime juice
- 1 part orange extract
- 1 part Bawls Cherry Guarana
Directions:
Combine lime juice, orange extract and Guarana in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until shaker turns cold.
Strain cocktail through a slotted spoon or strainer, and pour into a 2-oz shot glass.
Blonde Redhead
Ingredients:
-
- 2 parts cranberry juice
- 1 part peach puree
- 2 drops of anise extract
Directions:
Carefully pour the peach puree into the bottom of a 2-oz shot glass. Add cranberry juice, filling to the top of the shot glass for a layered effect.
Finish with a few drops of anise flavoring.
Put your own twist on classic cocktail recipes by swapping out the booze:
Alcohol Alternatives
Vodka → Tonic Water – Add a splash of effervescence and depth to your mocktail with some soda water.
Rum → Vanilla Extract – Mixing 1 part vanilla extract with 2 parts water can simulate the flavors of rum.
Whiskey → Juice – For fruit-based recipes, use 4 parts juice and 1 part vanilla extract. Or try 3 parts peach nectar and 1 part apple cider vinegar.
Gin → Juniper Syrup – Combine lemon, juniper berries, black tea, sugar & water into a botanical syrup.
Tequila → Rose Essence – Enjoy the floral taste of tequila without all the bite, adding a dash of honey and cinnamon for an extra kick.
