The summer season is a time when we all love to get out of the house and socialise, whether that be heading to a pub beer garden, or inviting everyone round for a barbecue or garden party.
Often these can be alcohol fuelled, which isn’t exactly for everyone. Many of us these days have chosen to go sober, whether that be due to cutting back, embracing a sober lifestyle or having been through one of the many centres offering alcohol rehab in Surrey, so having the right alternatives can be really important, not just for enjoyment but for mental health too.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options these days, and the mocktail certainly stands out as the summer drink of choice to liven up any party or barbecue. So, if you’re planning something special with friends over the coming months, here are five great mocktails to have a brilliant time, without compromising your wellbeing…
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Light, hydrating, and incredibly refreshing, this mocktail is perfect for a hot summer’s day. Cucumber is naturally calming and hydrating, while mint adds a crisp kick that leaves you feeling fresh, not foggy.
Ingredients:
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sparkling water
- Ice
Method:
Muddle the cucumber and mint together in a glass or shaker. Add lime juice and pour over ice. Top with sparkling water, stir gently, and garnish with a mint sprig or cucumber ribbon.
Why it helps:
Cucumber and mint support hydration and digestion, great for calming the body and mind, especially if you’re navigating early sobriety.
Tropical Sunrise
This alcohol-free twist on a tequila sunrise is a visually stunning and sweet option for garden parties or barbecues. It’s made with fruit juices that give you a natural lift without the crash that follows alcoholic drinks.
Ingredients:
- 100ml orange juice
- 50ml pineapple juice
- 20ml grenadine
- Ice
- Orange slice or cherry, to garnish
Method:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in orange and pineapple juice, then slowly drizzle grenadine down the inside of the glass so it settles at the bottom. Garnish and serve without stirring for that classic layered look.
Why it helps:
This fruity drink can satisfy your sweet tooth and offer a festive feeling, helping you feel included at social gatherings without resorting to alcohol.
Berry Basil Smash
Packed with antioxidants and vibrant in both flavour and colour, the berry basil smash is perfect for those who want something a little more grown-up in taste.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries
- A few basil leaves
- Juice of half a lemon
- Soda water or sugar-free tonic
- Ice
Method:
Muddle the berries and basil in a shaker. Add lemon juice and ice, then shake well. Strain into a glass and top with soda or tonic. Garnish with a basil leaf or extra berries.
Why it helps:
Basil can have a grounding, calming effect, and the berries are a natural source of mood-boosting nutrients, supportive in times of emotional recovery.
Citrus and Rosemary Spritz
This one’s for fans of gin and tonics – herbal, tangy and full of depth. It has the grown-up complexity of an alcoholic cocktail without the downsides.
Ingredients:
- Juice of ½ grapefruit
- Juice of 1 orange
- Dash of lemon juice
- Sprig of rosemary
- Soda water
- Ice
Method:
Combine all juices in a shaker with ice. Pour into a glass and top with soda water. Lightly bruise the rosemary sprig to release its oils, then add as garnish.
Why it helps:
The herbal note of rosemary mimics the sophistication of botanical spirits, while citrus offers a refreshing zing that stimulates the senses.
Virgin Mojito
A classic and much-loved mocktail, the virgin mojito is a crowd-pleaser and a brilliant alcohol-free alternative that still feels celebratory.
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1 lime
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar or sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Crushed ice
Method:
Muddle mint, lime juice, and sugar in a glass. Fill with crushed ice and top with soda water. Stir and garnish with more mint and a lime wedge.
Why it helps:
Mint and lime are naturally uplifting, and the drink’s zesty freshness keeps your taste buds happy without triggering alcohol cravings.
