18 Best Mocktails for Sober Summer Sipping

By Vanessa Greaves

This summer, the best booze-free beverages are more than just ice tea or lemonade — they're non-alcohol mocktails with all the flavor and flare of cocktails but with none of the liquor to slow you down. Best of all, they're fun and festive. You know who else will love a mocktail option? Designated drivers who don't want to be stuck with the same old cans of soda while everyone else is enjoying ice-cold cocktails. Here are 10 summer mocktails that offer tip-top refreshment without top-shelf spirits.

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Tiki Cooler

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"Dreaming of coladas or mojitos?" asks receipe creator Matt Wencl. "Celebrating classic tiki flavors, this mocktail is bright with citrus, low on sweetness. From the first sip, imagining a beautiful beach is altogether easy." A perfect non-alcohol refresher for your tiki party. Garnish with slices of pineapple and cocktail umbrellas.

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Virgin Cucumber Mojito

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"Very refreshing," says reviewer Kimber Wilson. "Not sweet but tart, but much less than lemonade. I also love the smell of the cucumber before taking a sip." France C adds, "This is THE PERFECT summer drink. Very refreshing, very easy, what more could you want on a hot day?"

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Mexican Strawberry Water (Agua de Fresa)

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So flavorful and extremely refreshing, especially when fresh strawberries are in season. "Fresh fruit waters, or Aguas de Frutas, made with crushed or blended fruit are a common and popular drink all over Mexico," says Olivia.

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Margarita Punch

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"This has become my go-to punch for large groups of people," says brnntwn. "I first tried it for a friends baby shower." To give your margarita mocktails that cocktail vibe, you can moisten the rims of the glasses, dip them in margarita salt, and garnish with slices of lime.

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Tart Apple-Ginger Shrub

Allrecipes

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"This syrupy, apple-infused drinking vinegar is an old-fashioned recipe that's used as a unique flavor enhancer for cocktails or sodas," says recipe creator themoodyfoodie. "Store in the refrigerator." Anna adds, "the tartness was perfect for hot days. Good mixed with sparkling water!"

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Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca

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"A very refreshing drink. You may also use cantaloupe or honeydew melon," says CYNDY. "These taste like the juices served in authentic Mexican restaurants. Serve in tall glasses over ice."

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Freddie Bartholomew

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Turn ordinary ginger ale into a quick and easy mocktail by adding a dash of sweetened lime juice (such as Rose's) and a twist of lime.

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Spicy Lemon Ginger Switchel

Allrecipes

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"This haymaker's punch is an old-timey favorite that's basically just a refreshing, palate-cleansing, vinegary, and thirst-quenching sipping drink. Pour over ice and enjoy!" — themoodyfoodie

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Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

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"A nice fruity drink served over ice for a delicious cool-down on a nice day," says lkeene. "You can use any fruit, but melons are the best."

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Grilled Lemon Limeade

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"Once you see all the lemons and limes cooked and fragrant on the grill, you'll believe the extra steps to this limeade are worth the wait," says recipe creator Matt Wencl. "The grilling jumpstarts the flavor out of the citrus, so that every sip is bracing, refreshing, and uniquely delicious."

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Monica's Baptist Sangria

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Here's a sangria that won't leave you regretting your choices the next day. "It was a huge hit at a family party!" says Annette Frank. "I added strawberries & frozen green grapes and I cut the citrus in wedges. They were so good to eat."

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Alcohol-Free Mint Julep

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"I brought these to a luncheon for my pregnant sister," says Burgundy. "They looked incredibly elegant, and tasted really refreshing. She and all the other guests loved them! Never missed the alcohol!"

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Virgin Sunset

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"This is my interpretation of a virgin sunset," says Kristy Self Kapp. "I also refer to this as a pineapple, orange, cherry cocktail. The grenadine will sink to bottom causing layering of orange and red, hence, 'sunset.'" Paula adds, "This makes a really pretty and delicious mocktail."

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Agua Fresca de Pepino (Cucumber Limeade)

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Blend up cucumbers, lime juice, sweetener, and water until smooth. "This is another common agua fresca from Mexico," says Yoly. "Refreshing, healthy, and delicious! Serve over ice."

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Raspberry Citrus Mocktail

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"Fresh raspberries, calamansi limes, honey, and grapefruit seltzer combine to create a refreshing summertime drink," says Slerps and Ada.

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Blueberry-Ginger Fizz

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"This blueberry ginger fizz mocktail is perfect for non-drinkers and those watching their waistlines," says Kim's Cooking Now. "It's light and refreshing."

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Sparkling Hibiscus Cooler

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"This hibiscus cooler is a super refreshing drink on a hot summer day," says CJ. Recipe reviewer Buckwheat Queen described it as tasting "like spiced mulled wine. It was a lovely change as an aperitivo today."

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Tahini-Pina Colada Shake

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This blended shake of shredded coconut, fresh pineapple, coconut milk, and a little tahini "will make your taste buds think you are sitting on a Caribbean beach sipping the day away," says Yoly.

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