Summer Mocktails

Build Your Own Summer Mocktails

Check out our full blog post with Blueberry Lime Mint Fizz and Strawberry Basil Fizz  recipes from Always Delicious (page 308) – recipe is also copied below! These are the perfect way to satisfy any soda cravings, especially for any kids in your life. We’ve also included our favorite Bloody Mary recipe below. Ultimately, the best part of Summer Mocktails is that they are entirely customizable! Feel free to mix and match match any fruit and herb you’d like with ice and seltzer water.

All Summer Mocktails will have three basic components:

(1) fruit

(2) herbs

(3) a base liquid like water or sparkling water

Then, muddle with a wooden spoon or pestle, or give a little whirl with your immersion blender.

Try a Spicy Peach mocktail by adding fresh peach slices, a dash of cardamom, and a few slices of fresh ginger to sparkling water. Or, for a bolder taste, try a Jalapeño Lime Fizz with a few slices of cucumber, a bit of jalapeño pepper, 2 to 3 teaspoons of lime juice, and a few cilantro leaves in sparkling water.  Add a dash of smoked paprika to create a smoky flavor profile to your mocktails. Remember, mocktails don’t always have to be sweet. Let us know your favorite combinations in the comments!

Choose some fruit

Try any type of berry (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, cucumbers, or melon. You might want to add a slice of fresh ginger or a few teaspoons of citrus juice as well, depending on the flavor profile you’re looking for. Try a squeeze of lemon or lime. You can even add a  drop or two of food-grade essential oils to your mixture. My favorite essential oils for the kitchen include lemongrass, ginger, lemon, lime, grapefruit, wild orange, and tangerine.

Choose some herbs or spices

This is what really elevates a drink to the level of refreshing summer mocktail. Herbs and spices can add complex flavor without overpowering the delicate fruit juices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with more intense combinations. Warm sweet spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg will always work well, but you might also try adding turmeric, mint, lemon balm, basil, cilantro, smoked paprika, or freshly brewed tea.

Choose to either muddle or blend

Muddling will work well with fruits that have thin skins, such as berries. These types of ingredients can simply be mashed with a wooden spoon at the bottom of your glass. Your mocktail will have a few more whole pieces in it, but it will not be difficult to sip. Other ingredients, such as jalapeño peppers or fresh ginger will need to be smoothly blended with an immersion blender. This will create a thicker texture with no whole pieces remaining.

How Do You Like to Serve Your Summer Mocktails?

Comment your recipe ideas below or share a photo on our Facebook Group – we always love to see what you’ve been making!