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No beverage menu is complete without a good selection of mocktails. In recent years, a lot of young people started caring more about their health and fitness and have begun avoiding alcohol (although we have a list of the healthiest alcohol you can refer to). This new wellness wave changed the food and beverage industry and will probably continue to shape it.
Lots of bars and restaurants now offer gluten-free beverages, keto beer, low-calorie wine, and healthy mocktails. If you are already offering these types of drinks, you are one step ahead. But when it comes to drinks and curating a beverage menu, seasonality is important, too. Now that the warmer months are here, it’s crucial to have different refreshing drinks available.
We already have talked at length about summer cocktails and now it’s time to dive deeper into the topic of summer mocktails. If you are looking for inspiration on what kind of non-alcoholic drinks to serve at your bar or restaurant this summer, just keep reading!
Top 10 Summer Mocktails to Make This Year
To keep your customers cool and also interested in your offers, you should try the recipes we are about to share with you. Most of these summer mocktails are made with ingredients you probably already have in your beverage inventory. The ones you don’t currently have are easy to find, but you can also experiment with different alternatives.
Key Takeaway: Summer mocktails are a must for every beverage menu! They are refreshing and delicious drinks that will be enjoyed by a larger crowd because of the lack of alcohol in them. They are perfect for anyone avoiding alcoholic drinks or simply being the designated driver for the evening.
1. Cucumber Mint Cooler
This refreshing mocktail combines the coolness of cucumber with the brightness of mint and lime. It’s a perfect drink for hot summer days and for people who would like to avoid alcohol. The drink is easy to make and all you need is:
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Soda water
- Agave syrup
You can garnish the drink with cucumber or make unique ice to add to the appeal.
2. Tropical Pineapple Punch
This punch is a tropical delight that brings together the sweetness of pineapple with the refreshing taste of coconut water. It’s a drink that just screams summer and is perfect for everyone who wants a sweeter drink to enjoy on a hot day! To make this punch, you need:
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut water
- Fresh lime juice
- A splash of grenadine
The colors of the ingredients blend beautifully and create a really appealing summer drink. However, to make your summer mocktails even prettier, choose beautiful glassware and garnish. For this particular mocktail, you can use a wedge of pineapple.
3. Berry Lemonade Fizz
A fizzy and fruity mocktail is always a great idea! This drink combines the tartness of lemonade with the sweetness of mixed berries. It offers refreshment on a hot summer day or night and will surely be one of your best sellers! To make this lemonade fizz, you should get:
- Fresh mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Lemonade
- Sparkling water
Garnish this delicious summer mocktail with a few berries. This is one of the drinks that can easily make it to your 4th of July menu because of the colors.
4. Watermelon Basil Refresher
This drink can be described as a unique and invigorating blend of sweet watermelon and aromatic basil with a citrusy kick. It’s a beverage that must be a part of your summer mocktails lists, as watermelon is in high demand in this season. To make this delicious drink, you need:
- Fresh watermelon juice
- Basil leaves
- Lime juice
- A splash of soda water
Garnish this mocktail with a wedge of watermelon or some basil leaves.
5. Ginger Peach Tea
This mocktail marries the warmth of ginger with the sweetness of peach and the depth of black tea. It’s unique and it’s something that will set you apart from the competition. Try to recreate this mocktail and you will love it. All you need is:
- Brewed black tea
- Peach nectar
- Fresh ginger slices
- A touch of honey
You can use peach slices to garnish the drink or add a touch of color with fresh mint leaves.
6. Mango Mojito Mocktail
This Mojito is a tropical twist on the classic cocktail, featuring juicy mango and refreshing mint. If you want to add this drink to your summer mocktails, you should get:
- Fresh mango puree
- Mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Soda water
- A hint of honey or agave syrup
Garnish this cocktail as you would a classic Mojito.
7. Citrus Spritz
Zesty and aromatic, this drink combines the flavors of various citrus fruits with the earthiness of rosemary. It’s a great one to have on your beverage menu. If you want to make it, you are going to need:
- Fresh orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Lemon juice
- Sparkling water
- A sprig of rosemary
The spring of rosemary will make for a perfect garnish to this delicious but also pretty mocktail.
8. Lavender Lemonade
A calming and fragrant lemonade with the subtle floral notes of lavender would be a great addition to any beverage menu during the summer. If you want to make the best lavender lemonade in the whole local area, you should get:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lavender syrup - made from dried lavender and simple syrup
- Water
The pretty color of this drink is enough to catch the eye of any customer. However, if you want to garnish it, try experimenting with fruit you have on hand or edible flowers.
9. Blueberry Basil Smash
This is a visually appealing mocktail that combines the flavors of blueberries and basil with a hint of lime. Your summer mocktails will be a game changer with such great offers within them. To make this delicious drink, you should get:
- Fresh blueberries
- Basil leaves
- Lime juice
- Soda water
- A touch of simple syrup
Basil leaves are the best way to garnish this mocktail. If you are feeling fancy you can always experiment with something more unique.
10. Coconut Lime Cooler
This creamy and refreshing drink blends the tropical taste of coconut with the tartness of lime. Coconut and lime in general are some of the best ingredients you can have in a summer drink. But to make this drink you are going to need more than that. You need:
- Coconut milk
- Lime juice
- Soda water
- A drizzle of honey
Garnish the mocktail with a slice of lime. Using a pretty straw is another great way to beautify it, especially if you want to make this drink for the 4th of July.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Mocktails
If you have more questions regarding summer mocktails you can add to your restaurant beverage menu, we are here to help. We have answered some of the most common questions on this topic below!
Why Should I Include Mocktails on My Summer Menu?
Including mocktails on your summer menu caters to a wider range of customers, including those who do not drink alcohol or are seeking healthier options. Mocktails can also appeal to designated drivers, pregnant guests, and health-conscious individuals, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a refreshing beverage at your bar or restaurant.
What Are Some Popular Ingredients in Summer Mocktails?
Popular ingredients in summer mocktails include fresh fruits (such as berries, citrus, watermelon, and mango), herbs (like mint, basil, and rosemary), juices, soda water, coconut water, and flavored syrups. These ingredients provide vibrant flavors and can be combined in numerous ways to create unique and refreshing drinks.
How Can I Make My Mocktails Healthier?
To make your mocktails healthier, use fresh, natural ingredients and avoid adding too much sugar. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup in moderation, and use soda water or coconut water instead of sugary sodas. Incorporating fresh fruits and herbs not only adds flavor but also provides vitamins and antioxidants.