Summer Cocktail (and Mocktail) Recipes

Summer is upon us, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing cocktail or mocktail? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or simply want to enjoy a cool beverage on a hot day, a perfectly crafted drink can add a bit of summer fun to any occasion. From classic lemonade to a fun mojito, there are countless cocktail recipes to choose from. For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, there are plenty of mocktail options that are just as delicious and refreshing. Check out three of our favorites below!

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed, and halved
  1 tsp lemon zest
• 3/4 cup lemon juice (approximately 3-4 lemons, juiced, seeds removed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ oz of your favorite tequila (skip for mocktail version)
• 4 cups cold water
• 2 cups ice

Directions

1. Finely grate 1 tsp of lemon rind. Then juice the lemons, discarding any seeds. You will need 3/4 cup of juice.
2. Wash and trim 8 oz of strawberries and cut them in half.
3. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water to a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
4. Place a sieve over the mouth of the pitcher or a large bowl. Pour the strawberry mixture into the sieve, using a spoon help press the juice through the sieve into the pitcher or bowl. Discard the strawberry pulp.
5. Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water, tequila, and 2 cups of ice to the pitcher and mix well.
6. Serve immediately over ice or let rest in the fridge to enjoy later in the day.

Ingredients

• 3 English cucumbers, washed and sliced
• 30 mint leaves, washed
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1.5 cup club soda
• 5 oz white rum (skip for mocktail version)
• 6 cups crushed ice

Directions

1. Place 1 cup of crushed ice in a blender along with the sliced cucumber, mint, lime juice, rum and soda.
2. Blend on high.
3. Pour evenly between two tall glasses and serve with a sprig of mint or a wheel of fresh lime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced peaches
• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ tbsp freshly chopped ginger
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 4 oz of vodka (1 shot per glass)
• 1 liter sparkling water
• ice

Directions

1. Divide the peach slices, fresh ginger, fresh basil, and the blueberries into four glasses.
2. Muddle the peaches, ginger, basil, and blueberries together in each glass until some of the juice comes out.
3. Fill each glass with ice.
4. Pour a shot of vodka into each glass and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
5. Slowly pour sparkling water into each glass.
6. Add more fresh blueberries and garnish with a slice of lime, peach, and more fresh basil leaves.