Summer and a fun drink go hand in hand—but these days, alcohol isn’t always on the menu. Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break from drinking, or just craving a tasty drink on a Tuesday afternoon, mocktails have become a go-to for just about every occasion. And summer is honestly the best time to experiment with mocktails. From all the hosting moments that happen in summer to the hot temperatures that require upping your hydration game, there are plenty of good excuses to shake up something sweet and refreshing. A good mocktail also relies heavily on fresh produce, which summer has plenty of. From watermelon and berries to coconut, the flavors of summer naturally make for a great mocktail.
To help you stay cool and hydrated (without the buzz), we’ve rounded up some of the best summer mocktails to sip on this season. From N/A riffs on classics like margaritas to new favorites (I’ve got my eye on the sparkling strawberry lemon mocktail below), these summer mocktail recipes are the perfect excuse to mix up a fun bev just because.
1. Shirley Temple Mocktail
This classic mocktail gets to be at the top of this list, well, for being a classic. It’s an OG mocktail that just never seems to get old. Ginger ale, pomegranate grenadine, a spritz of lime juice, and a cherry on top make this fruity drink a match made in heaven for any hot day this summer.
2. Jalapeño Blood Orange Spritzer
Looking for an N/A alternative to a classic Aperol spritz? This jalapeño blood orange spritzer tastes just as refreshing and summery—with a little extra kick of spice. It’s as easy as mixing up blood orange juice, lime juice, and jalapeño slices together, then topping it all off with lime seltzer and a lime wedge garnish.
3. Margarita Mocktail
Ever wish that pitcher of margaritas came without the side effects of alcohol? Well, your wishes have just come true. Suited with a salt (or Tajin if you’re feeling spicy) rim, this classic margarita mocktail is the perfect thing to sip on by the pool, or anytime you want a refreshing drink on a hot day.
4. Sparkling Strawberry Lemon Mocktail
Have plans to go to the farmers market? Go ahead and pick up an extra pint of strawberries for this sparkling strawberry lemon mocktail. It’s super easy to make and offers all the sweet-tart flavors of strawberry lemonade, plus some bubbles to make it extra fun. Simply muddle some strawberries with lemon juice, add a dash of simple syrup for sweetness, and top it off with sparkling lemon soda for a drink that looks just as pretty as it tastes.
5. Rainbow Coconut Water Spritzers
This coconut water spritzer is the hydrating mocktail you’ll crave all summer. Each glass is loaded with a rainbow of fresh fruit for an impressive presentation that will make your friends think you had a former life as a bartender. And thanks to the coconut water, it naturally contains electrolytes to give you a hydration boost on hot summer days.
6. Frozen Cherry Lime Lemonade
One sip of this frozen cherry limeade will transport you straight back to childhood. But unlike the stuff you used to drink as a kid, it isn’t loaded with sugar: just frozen cherries, lemon and lime juice, ice, and seltzer water for sparkle. Top with more fruit for garnish, or dunk a popsicle straight into the glass for the ultimate frozen summer treat.
7. Mojito Mocktail
Kick back and enjoy a lazy summer day with this refreshing mojito mocktail. Made with lime juice, muddled mint, sugar, and fizzy club soda, this drink will quickly become a regular in your summer drink rotation.
8. Zero-Proof Jalapeño Paloma
If the hot temps have you craving something spicy, this jalapeño paloma mocktail will do just the trick! Start by muddling fresh jalapeño with some agave syrup, then add grapefruit and lime juices for a citrusy kick. It’s the perfect mocktail to match those scorching summer days.
9. Virgin Piña Colada
In less than two minutes, you can be sipping on this smooth and sweet virgin piña colada. Just throw all the ingredients (there are only three, btw) in a blender, and you’re set. The key to getting that perfectly smooth texture is using frozen pineapple instead of ice, which also makes it even easier to make. No resort is needed to enjoy this poolside staple.
10. Refreshing Blackberry Lime Mocktail
Take advantage of blackberry season with this summer mocktail recipe! You’ll just need four ingredients to get the job done: blackberries (obvs), agave syrup, lime juice, and some water—plus maybe a sprig of rosemary for garnish. Next step? Take it outside and sip on it under the sun.
11. Strawberry Mojito Kombucha Cocktail
This strawberry mojito-inspired mocktail uses a combination of fresh strawberries, lime juice, mint, and kombucha to create a truly dreamy drink that your digestive system will love you for, thanks to probiotic-rich kombucha. The recipe includes instructions for an alcoholic version, but honestly, this summery drink tastes just as good booze-free.
12. Tequila Sunrise Orange Mocktail
This tequila sunrise mocktail is worthy of planning a whole event around. It tastes like something you’d order at a bougie brunch spot, minus the hard-to-snag reservation. An orange slice on the rim and a maraschino cherry garnish take this from glorified orange juice to something a lot more Instagrammable.
13. Refreshing Hibiscus Mocktail
For this tropical-tasting mocktail, fill a glass halfway with freshly brewed hibiscus tea, stir in some lime juice and honey syrup, and finish with sparkling water. To make a pitcher’s worth for a bigger crowd, simply double the recipe. It’s pretty, pink, and definitely worth a drink!
14. Sparkling Raspberry Mint Lemonade
If you love lemonade, you’re going to adore this sparkling twist! First, you’ll need to make the raspberry-infused simple syrup and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours (though the longer, the better to really bring out the flavor!). Then, in a pitcher, you’ll muddle together raspberries and mint leaves before adding in the syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling lemonade. Garnish each drink with a few raspberries, mint leaves, and lemon slices, and you’ve got yourself a refreshing drink you’ll be wanting to sip on all summer.
15. Sangria Mocktail
The only thing that can make an afternoon on the porch with friends better might just be a pitcher of sangria. This version is alcohol-free, but just as good (if not better!). Pro tip? Let it sit in the fridge overnight before drinking to really bring all the flavors together.
16. Watermelon Slushies
There’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly ripe, juicy slice of watermelon during the summertime—except maybe enjoying summer’s best fruit in slushie form. The next time you’re in the mood for something frozen, treat yourself to this fruity bev. While a normal glass works just fine, a hollowed-out half of a mini watermelon makes sipping this summer mocktail even more fun.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
