When the sun is high and the days stretch long, there’s nothing better than sipping a cool drink in good company. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a garden brunch, or simply craving something fresh and flavorful, these mocktail recipes are your ultimate summer companions. Bursting with seasonal fruit, zesty citrus, and aromatic herbs, each recipe brings a splash of sunshine—minus the alcohol. Here’s how to keep your glass full and your summer chill.
Virgin Piña Colada
Ingredients:
- 120 ml (4 oz) pineapple juice
- 40 ml (1⅓ oz) coconut milk
- ½ lime
- ½ teaspoon vanilla sugar
Instructions:
In a blender, place a handful of ice cubes along with all the ingredients.
Blend everything 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 some, you can decorate it with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Serve very cold and enjoy!
Alcohol-Free Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso (about 30 ml or 1 oz)
- Ice cubes – to taste
- Non-alcoholic spirit (gin or vodka type) – 60 ml (2 oz)
- Simple syrup – 15 ml (½ oz)
- Coffee beans (optional) – to taste
Instructions:
Brew the espresso into a cup or small bowl.
Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add the espresso, non-alcoholic spirit, and simple syrup.
Close the shaker and shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail using a small sieve directly into a martini glass.
Garnish with coffee beans if desired and serve.
For the simple syrup:
In a small saucepan, mix 250 ml (1 cup) of sugar with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat as soon as it starts to boil.
Let it cool and transfer to an airtight container.
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 tsp) maple syrup
- 1 ml (¼ tsp) finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 ml (¼ tsp) cocktail foamer or ½ very fresh egg white
- 125 ml (4 oz) cold ginger ale
- 1 thin wedge of red apple (optional)
Instructions:
In a shaker, vigorously mix the ice cubes, apple juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger, and cocktail foamer or egg white for 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture through a small sieve into a white wine glass.
Top with ginger ale.
Garnish with a thin wedge of red apple on a cocktail pick, if desired.
Grapefruit Virgin Mojito
Ingredients (for 6 servings):
- 3 pink grapefruits
- 90 g brown cane sugar (such as La Perruche)
- 900 ml (about 30 oz) sparkling water (large bubbles)
- 360 ml (12 oz) pink grapefruit juice
- ½ bunch fresh mint
- 0.5 L crushed ice
Instructions:
Wash and remove the mint leaves from the stems.
Peel the grapefruits and separate the segments.
In the bottom of each glass, place mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
Using a muddler, gently crush the mint without over-mashing.
Add the grapefruit juice and segments. Fill the glasses with crushed ice and top with sparkling water.
Stir gently before serving.
Chef’s tip: To add more acidity, you can also add a wedge of lime.