Nonalcoholic Summer Cocktails for Poolside Sipping

As the sun beats down and the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like lounging by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand. While classic cocktails often take center stage, we’re here to show you that you can enjoy a summer beverage – sans alcohol! Welcome the ultimate poolside experience with our handpicked mocktails.

Cucumber Lime Spritzer

(image courtesy jar of lemons)

Quench your thirst with this crisp and invigorating cucumber lime spritzer from Jar of Lemons. This mocktail is a hydration hero and a flavor-packed companion for lazy summer afternoons by the pool. The combination of cucumber and lime creates a refreshing blend that will leave you feeling cool and revitalized.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 medium cucumber slices
• ¾ oz lime juice
• 4-6 medium mint leaves
• Ginger beer, soda, or sparkling water to taste
• Extra cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lime wedge or twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle cucumber slices, lime juice, and mint leaves in a sturdy glass.
2. Fill a drinking glass with ice and strain liquid into glass.
3. Pour ginger beer, sparkling water, or soda into glass.
4. Garnish with extra cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lime wedge or twist.

Raspberry Mango Margarita Slushies

(image courtesy delish/emily hlavac green)

Get ready for a burst of fruity goodness with this raspberry mango margarita recipe from Delish. This frozen, nonalcoholic delight is a delicious and refreshing blend of summer flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen mangoes
• 2 cups frozen raspberries
• 2 tsp honey
• ¾ cup coconut water
• ¼ cup lime juice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine ingredients. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour slushy mixture into glasses and serve immediately.

Pineapple & Lime Mocktail

(image via bbc good food)

This pineapple and lime mocktail captures the essence of summer with a hint of citrus. This vibrant and visually stunning drink from BBC Good Food is perfect for those lazy afternoons by the pool.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp clear honey
• Edible gold glitter
• Small bunch coriander leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 750 ml pineapple juice
• Ice
• 400 ml tonic water

Instructions:

1. Dip a pastry brush in honey and paint a line down side of 4 tumblers. Sprinkle edible glitter over the honey, dust off any excess, then put glasses in fridge.
2. Chop coriander leaves and place in cocktail shaker with lime juice, 100 ml pineapple juice, and ice. Shake until outside of shaker feels cold. Strain into glasses.
3. Add extra ice cubes and divide remaining pineapple juice and tonic water between glasses.

Strawberry Hibiscus Limeade

(image via new york times/david malosh)

Indulge in this vibrant and antioxidant-rich strawberry hibiscus limeade mocktail, courtesy of New York Times Cooking. It is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of summer’s bounty, providing a burst of fruity goodness that will keep you cool and refreshed.

Ingredients:

• Pineapple juice
• 2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves picked and stems discarded
• 2 hibiscus tea bags or ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ½ pound fresh strawberries, hulled
• ½ cup hibiscus syrup
• Fresh strawberries, lime slices, and fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour pineapple juice into an ice cube tray; allow to freeze overnight.
2. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add mint leaves to a pitcher and muddle. Add tea bags, boiling water, and lime juice. Stir to combine, then steep for 15 minutes.
4. While tea steeps, purée strawberries in blender.
5. Add strawberry purée and hibiscus syrup to pitcher; stir and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Add pineapple ice cubes to each glass; pour limeade over. Serve garnished with fresh strawberries, lime slices, and mint.

Watermelon Frescas

(image via woman’s day)

Say hello to this watermelon fresca, a delightful, nonalcoholic recipe from Woman’s Day that captures the essence of summer in every sip. The fusion of juicy watermelon, refreshing mint, and a hint of lime creates a blissful experience for lounging poolside.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups watermelon
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup agave nectar
• Splash of seltzer
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Purée watermelon in a food processor or blender. Add to a pitcher with lime juice and agave nectar, stirring to blend; cover and refrigerate until very cold. (Can be done up to 8 hours ahead.)
2. Serve in glasses filled with ice, topped with a splash of seltzer and a lime wedge.