20 Refreshing Mocktails That Taste Just Like Summer
These thirst-quenching beverages don't need booze to taste great.
Sparkling Ginger Lemonade
“Chill out with this delightful cooler, perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It’s a quick fix you’ll stir up time after time.” —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah
Get the recipe for Sparkling Ginger Lemonade.
Watermelon Spritzer
It couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Get the recipe for Watermelon Spritzer.
Blueberry Iced Tea
“I enjoy coming up with new ways to use my slow cooker in the kitchen. Serve this blueberry iced tea over ice and garnish with extra blueberries or, for fun, freeze blueberries in your ice cubes!” —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Get the recipe for Blueberry Iced Tea.
Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush
“This chilly slush with peaches, lemon juice and garden-fresh basil is hands-down the best lemonade ever. It tastes just like summer.” —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Get the recipe for Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush.
Blackberry Shrub
“Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labour Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at the award-winning SHED in Healdsburg, California. They are as colourful and refreshing as summer drinks should be.” —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Get the recipe for Blackberry Shrub.
Hibiscus Iced Tea
“This calorie and caffeine-free tea has a delightful rosy colour.”—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Get the recipe for Hibiscus Iced Tea.
Creamy Watermelon Smoothie
“I love this refreshing watermelon smoothie recipe and the bright, summery flavour. The key is to freeze the watermelon cubes just a little. Otherwise it’ll be too difficult to blend.” —Sarah Dennis-Scott, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Get the recipe for Creamy Watermelon Smoothie.
Coconut Cold-Brew Latte
“Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they’re so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it’s vegan!” —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Get the recipe for Coconut Cold-Brew Latte.
Tropical Cooler
“With only four simple ingredients, this refreshing punch is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a party for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavour.” —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Get the recipe for Tropical Cooler.
Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water
A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water.
Strawberry Melon Fizz
“Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. That’s how I came up with this recipe—I adapted it from recipes I got from friends for a melon ball basket and for a sparkling beverage.” —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama
Get the recipe for Strawberry Melon Fizz.
Sunshine Lime Rickey
“This is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favourite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters.” —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Get the recipe for Sunshine Lime Rickey.
Cherry Limeade
“My guests enjoy this refreshing cherry-topped drink. It’s just right on a hot southern summer evening. And it’s pretty, too.” —Awynne Thurstenson, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Get the recipe for Cherry Limeade.
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
“I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favourite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale.” —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Get the recipe for Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea.
Mango Orange Quencher
“Serve this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Mango Orange Quencher.
Raspberry Fizz
As a festive, non-alcoholic beverage for adults, our Test Kitchen staff came up with this pretty pink drink. It has a mild raspberry flavour and isn’t overly sweet.
Get the recipe for Raspberry Fizz.
Sparkling Coconut Grape Juice
“This sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. Add a splash of gin if you’re feeling bold.” —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Get the recipe for Sparkling Coconut Grape Juice.
Sweet Raspberry Tea
“You only need a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant colour and smile-fetching flavour will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get the recipe for Sweet Raspberry Tea.
Honey-Citrus Iced Tea
“A frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch.” —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Get the recipe for Honey-Citrus Iced Tea.
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
“The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavour.” —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Get the recipe for Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade.
Orange Juice Spritzer
“Here’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree.” —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Get the recipe for Orange Juice Spritzer.
Blueberry Lime Slush
“My husband’s family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season.” —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Get the recipe for Blueberry Lime Slush.
Next, check out 50 easy summer dessert recipes you’ll love.
