Non-Alcoholic Summer Drinks

Set Sail for a Hot Hot Hot Summer!

A good host makes sure everyone at the party has everything they need for a good day/night out, from; beer, wine, vodka, gin, rum, juice, and most importantly – ice! However, a great host caters to all, including the non-alcoholic drinkers. Nothing wrong about having a mocktail, in fact since the 1980’s they have become very popular over the years, the main concept is to remain sociable without the need of consuming alcohol. As we’re about to discover, there may be thousands of cocktails across the globe, but there are many mocktails for everyone to enjoy! And it’s summer after all, might as well have something refreshing, tasty and chilled!

Twist on Classics!

Mojito

A true classic unlike others, you may find Julep’s and Frisky Bison’s out there, although you will not find a better infusion of rum, mint and sugar. A true definition of refreshing, a Mojito is a great way to enjoy a night out, as well as something to sip on, not to gulp. For the non-alcoholic versions, there are many ingredients one can use to replace the rum. For example; in my bar we use apple juice, but keep everything else. Easy to remember, easy to drink, and is quite popular. In addition, there are so many variations of a mojito that the power is in your hand. Let’s try this summer creation:

Strawberry Mojo Less

A nice strawberry version of a mojito, however we will replace the rum with lemonade and strawberry syrup. Sweet, smooth and summery!

  • 15 Mint – Slap them!
  • 2 Strawberries – Muddled
  • 2 oz Lime Juice
  • 1bsp Sugar – Your choice, experiment!
  • Top with Lemonade
  • Crushed Ice
  • Garnish with half a strawberry and a mint sprig

Margarita/Frozen Margarita

A margarita is all alcohol and lime juice. That’s it! Hence the popularity, and the salt on the rim actually enhances the sour element of the drink. Neat right! But how do we make a mocktail of it? You’ll find many people have their variations of this classic Mexican cocktail, and since the American boom of cocktails, there are many frozen versions. But the base of any would include; lime juice and orange juice (to balance out the Cointreau/Triple Sec). Now for a summer twist:

Virgin Passionfruit Margarita

Passionfruit is a unique element, it is sour but delicious. As a syrup it is also sweet. Best of both worlds, and it’s fruity. With the combination of lime and orange juice, why not give it a try!

  • Whole Passionfruit – Squeezed in
  • 2 oz Lime Juice
  • 2bsp Passionfruit Syrup
  • 4 oz Orange Juice
  • 4 oz Sparkling Water
  • Cubed Ice
  • Blend it all together!
  • Salt rim – Rub lime over the edge of your glass and dip into salt to create your rim
  • Garnish with half a passionfruit and enjoy!

Bellini

A party favourite for those enjoy champagne with a twist. Fruity, bubbly and a charming drink for late night evenings, especially at formal occasions. Best way to replace something bubbly is with another bubbly. Who knew! Now, if you were to visit multiple websites online, they mostly suggest using sparkling juices, sparkling water, just something sparkly. However, the main ingredient of a Bellini is always its fruit. Most use fruit purees that are supplied to bars, however we all do not have the time and funds to collect purees. What I do suggest is something on the line of a Buck’s Fizz or a Mismo/Mimosa. They use fresh orange juice as well as champagne, therefore we can start to be creative with our non-alcoholic cocktails.

Frozen Pear Virgin Bellini

Something different and eye-catching, why pear? Juicy, sweet and unique, not many cocktails or mocktails use pear as an ingredient which is a shame. Mixed in with something bubbly like lemonade will really bring out the sweetness. Also, this is frozen so we must use a blender, place in all the ingredients minus the sparkling element.

  • 2 oz Fresh Pear Juice
  • 1 oz Fresh Apple Juice
  • Cubed Ice – To Blend
  • Top with Lemonade
  • Garnish with a Lemon Wheel

Pina Colada

What a treat! Pina Colada’s are, if not, the most popular cocktail in the world. I have made too many in my lifetime, and drank enough to know whether it is a true Pina Colada. This three ingredient drink just as easy to make as it is to drink. You cannot go to a cocktail bar, and not expect someone to start singing its name. A Virgin Pina Colada is just as simple and delicious to make, removing the white rum, you still have a delicious drink. Pineapple and coconut just go hand in hand. Also, you can even make a frozen version, but let’s enjoy the classic shall we!

Virgin Pina Colada

Let’s get straight to it!

  • 4 oz Pineapple Juice
  • 1 ½ oz Coconut Cream
  • Cubed Ice
  • Garnish with a Pineapple Leaf

Cuba Libre

A drink straight from the 1900’s, made in Havana by Captain Russell of the United States Army Signal Corps, this cocktail brings history with it. Otherwise known as, Rum and Coke. Traditionally made with Bacardi, Limes and Cocoa-Cola. It literally means, Freed Cuba. The Cuba Libre is Cuba’s heart in a glass. However, how can a non-alcoholic enthusiast enjoy this drink, minus the rum? There is a syrup that can be easily bought called Rum Syrup. It is made of brown sugar, butter and depending on the maker, can be cinnamon, cream, etc. In a Virgin Cuba Libre, this is the perfect way to enjoy this mocktail. The finished product is sweet, refreshing and just delicious. Just make sure to muddle your limes first, then add in the ice and all the ingredients.

Virgin Cuba Libre

Make sure to have a muddler, tall glass, and a jigger.

  • 6 Lime Wedges – Balances out all the sweetness
  • Cubed Ice
  • 1 oz Rum Syrup
  • Top with Coca-Cola
  • Garnish with a Lime Wheel