Cocktails without the alcohol, also known as mocktails, are a healthier alternative to their alcoholic counterparts. While alcohol may provide a temporary high, the consequences of overconsumption can be severe. By contrast, alcohol-free drinks offer numerous benefits, making them an optimal choice for those who are want to cut back on alcohol or quit drinking altogether.
Aside from helping you avoid the hangover, alcohol-free drinks are often lower in calories. Alcohol is full of empty calories, and most mocktails can be made with nutritious ingredients, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy body. Non-alcoholic drinks are also better for staying hydrated when you’re out and about in the hot summer months. Alcohol quickly dehydrates the body – you’ve likely experienced that post-drinking headache at least once. Mocktails not only taste good, but they also allow you to skip the icky pitfalls that come after having one too many drink. What’s not to like?
This summer, skip the hangover and avoid dehydration with these delicious mocktails.
Watermelon Lemonade
Two summer staples, watermelon and ice-cold lemonade, combined. A delicious blend of watermelon, lemon juice, and water. Sweeten it with sugar or honey and garnish with a mint leaf for optimal presentation.
If you prefer fresh juice in your drink you can easily make your own. Take one small watermelon, scoop out the fruit and blend in a blender with a few drops of lemon juice. Watermelon is great for your skin and muscles, and it helps you to stay hydrated.
Pineapple Coconut Cooler
A tropical delight made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and sparkling water. For piña colada fans, this is bound to be your go-to summer mocktail. If you’re trying to cut calories, swap the cream for coconut milk or coconut water.
This is a classic, healthy summer mocktail. Coconut is essential for healthy bones and is proven to speed up your metabolism.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This simple three-ingredient drink is the epitome of summer in a glass. It’s another lemonade with a twist, but this time with fresh strawberries. The strawberry lemonade is a summer classic that has stood the test of time, and adding basil gives it an extra zing.
Keep these three ingredients in your home all summer for an easy-to-make drink for whenever you need a little pick-me-up. As for your long-term health, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and strokes.
Sparkling Cucumber Limeade
This mocktail is a fresh blend of cucumber, lime juice, and sparkling water. Adding cucumber to water not only enhances the taste, but provides the body with many essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, cucumber can aid in weight loss and keep you hydrated all summer long. If you aren’t a fan of lime, simply adding cucumber to sparkling water is also a refreshing alternative.
If you’re feeling lazy, there are several easily accessible brands that sell cucumber-lime drinks.
Blueberry Mojito
If you’re a fan of the mojito, this twist on the classic drink should be your new favorite. Make your mocktail with fresh blueberries and mint leaves and, of course, a splash of seltzer water. Choose this mocktail instead of a classic mojito for the amazing health benefits of blueberries, which can help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
An easy tip is to seek out fresh mint. Look around your neighborhood or your local farmer’s market – wild mint is very plentiful and can boost the flavors in your drinks.
Peach Iced Tea
A classic iced tea with a peachy twist. If your favorite restaurant has peach iced tea, have them add fresh peaches and honey for a fun addition to your midday drink. If you are a peach lover, you may know that summer is the season of the peach. Take advantage of the time of year and enjoy this sweet treat.
If you’re hoping for smoother skin and a healthy immune system, peaches should be a constant in your diet this summer.
Grapefruit Spritzer
Lovers of summer will enjoy a refreshing blend of grapefruit juice and sparkling water. Grapefruit is a popular addition in most cocktails, making it an easy ingredient when ordering mocktails at any restaurant. Grapefruit can be a tart fruit, so you might need to add a touch of honey to sweeten it up.
Much like strawberries, grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C, great for your immune system, and can help fight illnesses.
Arnold Palmer
A classic mocktail that combines iced tea and lemonade for a flavorful drink. If you aren’t a big fan of traditional mocktails, this may be the perfect alternative for you. If you’re a fan of this drink, many beverage companies sell Arnold Palmers in stores, making it easily accessible to you.
The tea found in Arnold Palmers is an excellent source of antioxidants and can ward off cavities and gum disease. However, beware of sweetened iced tea if you’re trying to cut calories.
Blackberry Basil Smash
This mocktail is celebrated as a fruity and herbal mix of blackberries, basil, and lemon juice. While there aren’t a lot of drinks made with blackberries because they can be fairly tart, the addition of the lemon juice makes this mocktail a stand-out hit. Perfect on a sunny day in summer or at a pool party, this drink will keep you hydrated and happy.
Blackberries are proven to help reduce inflammation and are good sources of both vitamin C and vitamin K.
Mango Lassi
A classic Indian drink made with fresh mango, yogurt, and honey. This mocktail is a popular pick at many Indian restaurants, and it could easily be your new favorite drink. Mangos are high in fiber, making them effective in the prevention of colon cancer, heart disease, and encouraging weight loss.