7 Summer Mocktails and Pairings

Summer is the perfect time to sip on refreshing drinks and enjoy delicious food. If you're looking for some new and exciting mocktail recipes to try this season, look no further! Here are 7 summer mocktail recipes along with the perfect food pairings to make your summer gatherings even more memorable.

1. Watermelon Mint Cooler

This vibrant and refreshing mocktail is the perfect drink to cool off on a hot summer day. Pair it with a light and fresh salad, like a watermelon and feta salad with mint and lime dressing, for a delicious and balanced meal.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups diced watermelon

- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

- 1/4 cup lime juice

- 2 tbsp honey

- 2 cups cold water

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the diced watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, honey, and cold water. Blend until smooth.

2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.

3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon mixture over the ice.

4. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of watermelon, if desired.

5. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Mint Cooler!

2. Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea

This tropical mocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with the zing of fresh ginger for a flavorful and thirst-quenching drink. Pair it with spicy grilled shrimp skewers for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups water

- 2 black tea bags

- 1 cup pineapple juice

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

- Ice cubes

- Pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.

2. Remove the tea bags and stir in the pineapple juice and honey until well combined.

3. Add the sliced ginger to the mixture and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.

4. Once cooled, strain the mixture to remove the ginger slices.

5. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the pineapple ginger tea over the ice.

6. Garnish with pineapple slices and mint leaves.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea!

3. Raspberry Lemonade Spritzer

This bubbly and citrusy mocktail is a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering. Pair it with a tangy and creamy lemon tart for a sweet and sour treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fresh raspberries

- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

- 2 cups sparkling water

- 1/4 cup honey

- Ice cubes

- Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the raspberries until smooth.

2. Strain the raspberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, pressing down with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.

3. In a pitcher, combine the raspberry puree, lemon juice, sparkling water, and honey. Stir well to combine and taste, adjusting sweetness as needed.

4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the raspberry lemonade spritzer over the top.

5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a few fresh raspberries.

6. Serve and enjoy!

4. Cucumber Mint Mojito Mocktail

This mocktail puts a refreshing twist on the classic mojito with the addition of cool cucumber and fragrant mint. Pair it with a light and crispy cucumber and avocado sushi roll for a satisfying and refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves

- 1/4 cup of cucumber slices

- 1 tablespoon of sugar

- 1/2 lime, juiced

- 1/2 cup of sparkling water

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves, cucumber slices, and sugar together until the mint leaves are bruised and the cucumber releases its juices.

2. Squeeze in the lime juice.

3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

4. Pour in the sparkling water and stir well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Garnish with a few mint leaves and cucumber slices on top.

6. Serve and enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Mint Mojito Mocktail!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness and acidity levels by adding more or less sugar and lime juice according to your preference. Feel free to add a splash of rum for an alcoholic version of this mocktail.

5. Blueberry Basil Lemonade

This vibrant and antioxidant-rich mocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on a lazy summer afternoon. Pair it with a savory and herbaceous grilled chicken and vegetable skewer for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup fresh blueberries

- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 4 cups water

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the blueberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.

2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.

3. In a pitcher, combine the blueberry basil mixture with water and stir well.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.

5. Serve the blueberry basil lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with fresh basil leaves or blueberries, if desired.

6. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful blueberry basil lemonade!

6. Mango Passionfruit Mocktail

This tropical mocktail is bursting with the flavors of ripe mango and tangy passionfruit for a sweet and exotic taste. Pair it with a spicy mango and black bean salsa for a delicious and summery appetizer that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Ingredients:

- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

- 1/2 cup passionfruit pulp

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup water

- Juice of 1 lime

- 2 cups sparkling water

- Ice cubes

- Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved to make a simple syrup. Set aside to cool.

2. In a blender, blend together the diced mango, passionfruit pulp, lime juice, and simple syrup until smooth.

3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the mango passionfruit mixture over the ice.

4. Top off each glass with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.

5. Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

6. Enjoy your refreshing Mango Passionfruit Mocktail!

7. Peach Bellini Mocktail

This sparkling and fruity mocktail brings the flavors of ripe peaches and bubbly Prosecco to life without the alcohol. Pair it with a creamy and decadent peach and mascarpone tart for a luxurious and indulgent dessert that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup peach puree

- 1 cup sparkling water

- 1/2 cup white grape juice

- 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional)

- Ice cubes

- Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the peach puree, sparkling water, white grape juice, and simple syrup. Blend until smooth.

2. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

3. Pour the peach mixture over the ice cubes.

4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

5. Stir well before serving.

6. Enjoy your refreshing Peach Bellini Mocktail!

These 7 summer mocktail recipes are sure to elevate your summer gatherings with their refreshing flavors and tasty food pairings. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or lounging by the pool, these mocktails will be the star of the show. Cheers to a delicious and memorable summer season!