We are in the middle of summer, and the temperature is constantly rising. In this season, we often crave some light, cool, and refreshing drinks that can soothe and protect us from the unbearable heat. It is important to keep ourselves hydrated during the summer, as we lose a lot of water and energy due to sweating. Aam panna, sattu sharbat, fruit juices, and coconut water are some of the popular drinks of this season.
Mocktails are another well-known beverage for the summer. They are basically non-alcoholic drinks that offer a refreshing and flavourful alternative to traditional cocktails. Bursting with creativity, these drinks combine a variety of fruit juices, syrups, herbs, and sparkling water to create some exciting concoctions. It is also an ideal party drink if you don’t want to get boozy.
So, here are five refreshing mocktails you can enjoy this summer:
Cucumber Margarita Mocktail
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings-1
Ingredients
- 1 pinch of Kosher salt
- 2 lime wedges for the rim and garnish
- ¾ cup limeade
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 2 slices of cucumber, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoons of agave nectar
- Ice
Method
- Spread salt on a small plate. Rub 1 lime wedge on a cocktail glass rim; dip the rim in the salt.
- Combine limeade, lime juice, cucumber slices, and agave in a cocktail shaker. Break up the cucumbers with a muddler or spoon.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously. Fill the prepared glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and additional cucumber slices.
Lemon Spritzer Mocktail
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings-1
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounces of vanilla syrup
- Ice
- Berry club soda to top off
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, lemon juice, and vanilla syrup.
- Shake to chill. Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with berry club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Pineapple Paradise
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Servings-4
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of pineapple juice
- 1-litre seltzer
- Ice
- 4 pineapple chunks
Method
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, 1/2 cup water, and ginger slices.
- Bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a large pitcher, stir together the ginger simple syrup, pineapple juice, and seltzer. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish each with a pineapple chunk.
Watermelon Lime Slush
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings-2
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon, cubed
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups of ice
Method
- Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass. Garnish with a slice of lime. Enjoy!
Minty Mojito Mocktail
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings-1
Ingredients
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 cup of soda water
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprigs (for garnish)
Method
- In a glass, add the mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the ingredients to release the flavours and juices.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour the soda water over the ice and stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve immediately.