Delicious Summer Mocktails

Now that summer is approaching, there are so many fun options for entertaining. These mocktails are versatile enough to be used at brunch, book club or a baby shower. In addition to being delicious, most contain less sugar than a typical serving of soda or glass of juice. They offer an alternative to the classic standbys such as Coke, iced tea and coffee. Most of these would also be suitable to serve to children.

Speaking of sweeteners, some of these recipes recommend agave nectar, which has a lower glycemic index than honey. It is also more concentrated than honey, so you will probably need less of it. If you prefer a sugar-free sweetener, you can always substitute your favorite instead.

To make your time go easier in the kitchen, you might want to invest in a few fun items. A muddler is used for pressing the juice out of fruit, or releasing the aromatic oils from herbs such as a mint leaf. After you have muddled, you leave the fruit or herbs in the glass and pour the liquid over it. Most muddlers have one end that is flat, yet dappled, in order to create different points of contact against the item at the bottom of the glass.

Another readily available item is a juicer, which is great for fruits such as citrus. Start by cutting your fruit in half. Some juicers contain the top, which presses the juice out, and a bottom, which collects the juice and may strain any pits. If your juicer only has a top, you might want to work over a bowl or large mug to catch the juice. Place the half on top of the juicer and twist the fruit, while gently adding more pressure.

 

Cranberry Spritzer

• 1 part cranberry juice
• 2 parts seltzer
• 1 lime cut into one half and two quarters

Add quartered limes to the bottom of the glass. Muddle the limes to release the juice.   Pour the cranberry juice over the limes. Add ice, and pour in seltzer to top off the glass. Add a slice of lime, or if you have fresh cranberries handy you can add a few for garnish.

 

Peach Mockini

• 2 parts peach nectar
• 1 part Pellegrino Orange Soda
• Orange slice

Add the peach nectar to the glass. Add the orange soda. Garnish with the orange slice. Serve this in a Champagne flute. Optional: You can substitute seltzer for the soda.

 

Minty Mockito

• 3 parts seltzer
• 1 lime
• Agave nectar or honey
• Mint sprigs

Add some mint leaves and muddle in the bottom of the glass. Juice half the lime, add it to the glass. Add agave nectar to taste. Use a few slices from the remaining half of lime for garnish. Add ice. Fill the glass with seltzer.

 

Lavender Lemon

• 1 part lemon juice
• 2 parts seltzer
• 1-1/2 lemons
• Lavender sprigs
• Agave nectar or honey

Juice one lemon, and add the juice to the glass. Muddle one half of the second lemon in the glass. Add lavender sprigs. Pour seltzer to fill the glass. Add agave nectar to taste.

 

Pina Creamlata

• 1 part coconut cream
• 1 part pineapple juice
• Maraschino cherries

Mix the coconut cream and pineapple juice. Add ice and use a blender if you’d like it to be slushy. Garnish with some maraschino cherries or a pineapple slice.