Sipping a festive, icy beverage is one of the joys of summer. In the past, mixed drinks without alcohol were aimed mostly at kids — but nowadays, as more adults are cutting back on alcohol, there is greater demand for mocktails that appeal to grownups.
Though “Dry January” has been popular for a few years now, in 2023, 34% of adults planned to drink less booze beyond that, according to a survey by NC Solutions. Add that to the roughly 24 percent of U.S. adults who already don’t drink at all, and it’s no wonder that when you search #mocktails on Instagram, more than 1.5 million posts pop up.
Making your own mocktail can be as simple as buying a nonalcoholic spirit and mixing your favorite co*cktail in mocktail form (such as tonic with nonalcoholic gin), or you can get adventurous in the kitchen with new combinations.
Why summer is the perfect time to try a mocktail
Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol in general or are just sober curious, summer is the perfect time to swap some (or all) of your co*cktails for zero-proof alternatives.
“It's a smart idea to choose a mocktail over alcohol when it's hot outside,” says registered dietitian Katie Hoffman. “High temperatures are a risk factor for dehydration because we tend to lose electrolytes, specifically sodium and magnesium, at a more rapid rate. When you combine hot weather and alcohol, the risk of dehydration is increased further because alcohol is a diuretic. This basically means that we lose fluid quicker than normal when we consume alcoholic drinks. So, opting for a mocktail with fresh ingredients such as mineral water and hydrating fruit is a terrific idea when the weather is hot.”
There are other advantages for health that come with cutting back on alcohol, including better mood and energy levels, boosted immunity and memory, and improved sleep quality. When it comes to mocktails, though, Hoffman warns that alcohol isn’t the only thing to watch out for. “Take caution with mocktails that use added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup or simple syrup,” she says. “Too much sugar can have its own health ramifications as well.”
If you’re worried that non-alcoholic drinks won’t be as celebratory, good news: It’s likely not the booze alone that’s fueling your fun.
“The positive emotions that we associate with alcohol very often are not just from alcohol,” notes wellness coach Derek Brown, founder of Positive Damage and author of "Mindful Mixology." “They're from being out, from socializing, from connecting with people, from having adult sophisticated drinks that are complex and interesting. You can get that without alcohol. Actually, we ascribe a lot of the heavy lifting to alcohol that’s really just coming from the experience itself.”
With so much focus on mocktails, there are more choices when you’re out — and you can have fun experimenting at home, too. Brown notes that co*cktails, whether they contain alcohol or not, should have intensive flavor, piquancy or bite, and an interesting texture. And, of course, they should look attractive. “When we’re creating [mocktails], we should realize we drink first with our eyes and that the way they look will affect the way that they taste to us,” he says. So be sure to consider the glassware you’re using, as well as the garnish.
Our favorite summer mocktail recipes
Looking to try some out? We created five fun beverages that are low in sugar, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to lift your (alcohol-free) spirits.
Frozen Watermelon-Mint Cooler
Looking for something frosty to cool off with during a hot summer day? This mocktail will keep you hydrated during those grueling 100-degree hot spells.
[Get the Frozen Watermelon-Mint Cooler recipe]
Berry-Pomegranate “Sangria”
Who doesn't love a summer sangria? This mocktail take on the fruit-soaked wine punch keeps all the flavors of traditional sangria, while leaving the hangover at home. This summer favorite is perfect for entertaining poolside or by the barbecue.
[Get the Berry-Pomegranate “Sangria” recipe]
Basil-Peach Smash
If you're looking for something that utilizes your garden bounty, this is the mocktail for you. The basil-peach smash is the perfect go-to when looking for something that's simple, fresh, and fragrant.
[Get the Basil-Peach Smash recipe]
Frozen Mango Colada
Break out your blender and try out this summer mocktail that's even zippier and more tropical than the real thing. Kick back and imagine you're on a beach vacation while sipping on this mango-infused drink.
[Get the Frozen Mango Colada recipe]
Palomita
Refreshing and easy to make, the paloma is a classic go-to summer co*cktail for a reason! This zero-proof twist, the palomita, is so flavorful, you won't even notice the absence of alcohol. This recipe is beginner-friendly and can be made from ingredients you may already have in your fridge.
[Get the Palomita recipe]
Beth Lipton is a Brooklyn-based food and wellness writer as well as a recipe developer. Her latest cookbook, Carnivore-ish, is on sale now. Beth's writing and recipes have appeared in Clean Eating, Well+Good, Health, Paleo magazine, FoodNetwork.com, Epicurious, Travel + Leisure, and others. She has also developed recipes for brands including Primal Kitchen, ButcherBox, and YouTheory. Follow her on Instagram for recipes, product reviews, and more.
