When the sun is high and the days are long, there’s nothing better than sipping a cool drink in good company. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a brunch in the garden, or just craving something refreshing and flavorful, these mocktail recipes are your ultimate summer companions. Packed with seasonal fruits, zesty citrus, and aromatic herbs, each recipe brings a touch of sunshine—without the alcohol. That way, you keep your glass full and your summer cool.
Virgin Piña Colada
Ingredients:
- 120 ml (4 oz) pineapple juice
- 40 ml (1⅓ oz) coconut milk
- ½ lime
- ½ teaspoon vanilla sugar
Preparation:
Put a handful of ice cubes along with all the ingredients in a blender.
Blend for a few seconds (or use a shaker if you don’t have a blender).
Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass. If you have it, you can garnish it with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Serve it well chilled and enjoy!
Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso (about 30 ml or 1 oz)
- Ice cubes – to taste
- Non-alcoholic spirit (gin or vodka) – 60 ml
- Simple syrup – 15 ml (½ oz)
- Coffee beans (optional) – to taste
Preparation:
Pour the espresso into a cup or small bowl.
Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add the espresso, the non-alcoholic beverage, and the simple syrup.
Close the shaker and shake vigorously for a few seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Strain the cocktail through a small strainer directly into a martini glass.
Garnish with coffee beans if desired and serve.
For the simple syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 250 ml (1 cup) of sugar with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and remove it from the heat as soon as it starts to boil.
Let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container.
The simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Apple-Ginger Mocktail
Ingredients (for 1 mocktail):
- 180 ml (¾ cup) ice cubes
- 125 ml (4 oz) old-fashioned/artisanal apple juice (not from concentrate)
- 15 ml (½ oz) lemon juice
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) maple syrup
- 1 ml (¼ teaspoon) finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 ml (¼ teaspoon) cocktail foam or ½ fresh egg white
- 125 ml (4 oz) cold ginger ale
- 1 thin slice of red apple (optional)
Preparation:
In a shaker, vigorously shake the ice cubes, apple juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, and cocktail foam or egg white for 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a white wine glass.
Top with ginger ale.
Garnish, if desired, with a thin slice of red apple on a cocktail stick.
Grapefruit Virgin Mojito
Ingredients (for 6 servings):
- 3 pink grapefruits
- 90 g brown cane sugar (e.g., La Perruche)
- 900 ml sparkling water (large bubbles)
- 360 ml pink grapefruit juice
- ½ bunch fresh mint
- 0.5 L crushed ice
Preparation:
Wash the mint leaves and remove them from the stems.
Peel the grapefruits and remove the segments.
Place some mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar at the bottom of each glass.
Use a muddler to gently crush the mint without breaking it down too much.
Add the grapefruit juice and segments. Fill the glasses with crushed ice and top with sparkling water.
Stir gently before serving.
Chef’s tip: For a bit of extra tartness, you can also add a lime wedge.
