4 Refreshing Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes

With the weather heating up, it’s time to start busting out some refreshing Cocktails and Mocktails. And, let’s be honest, after the last few months with stay-at-home orders and a “new normal”, a nice refreshing cocktail (or mocktail!) is just what we need. These four recipes are easy-to-make and have minimal ingredients so you can whip one up in a matter of minutes.

Check out the recipes below and enjoy!

1) Raspberry Herb Smash Cocktail

This delicious raspberry herb cocktail recipe comes from Sweet Peas and Saffron. Not only is it as tasty as it looks, it’s a very simple recipe that can be made in under 5 minutes. It’s also easily customizable to your specific taste preferences. For example, if you like mint you can use that as the main herb or if you like sage, use that. Either way you’ll have a refreshing cocktail or mocktail drink.Check out the details below.

Ingredients (makes 1 serving)

• 6 raspberries
• 3-4 leaves of favorite fresh herb
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ lime juice
• ½ cup soda water
• 1 shot vodka (remove for a mocktail version)
• ½ cup ice

Instructions
Combine raspberries, herbs, and sugar in a bowl. Muddle together ensuring raspberry and whichever herb you use are completely crushed and mixed thoroughly with the sugar. Be careful not to over muddle delicate herbs like mint and basil; doing so can release a bitter flavor. For heartier herbs like rosemary and lime, use a heavier hand when muddling. Once completely muddled add vodka and mix. Combine mixture with lime juice, ice, soda water. Stir and enjoy!

2) Mint + Lime Mojito

The Mint and Lime Mojito is a classic summer drink. It’s refreshing and subtle; the mint and lime give it just the right amount of flavor without being too overbearing. It’s the perfect drink for a warm evening outside on the patio. This recipe comes from AllRecipes. Check out the ingredients and instructions below. For full directions and reviews, be sure to check out the full post on AllRecipes.

Ingredients (makes 1 serving)

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• ¼ cup white rum (remove for a mocktail version)
• ½ cup club soda

Instructions
Muddle mint leaves and 1 lime wedge in a glass. Remember lime wedges need to be muddled firmly to release the lime juice. Mint leaves can be pressed more lightly to release the mint oils. Combine muddled mixture with two additional lime wedges and sugar. Muddle again. Do not strain the mixture. Separately, fill a glass with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, then add club soda. Stir in muddled mixture last. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and left over mint leaves.

3) Strawberry Tequila Sunrise

Want to try a new cocktail for brunch? Move over Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, there is a new brunch cocktail in town: the Strawberry Tequila Sunrise. Try this delicious recipe from Real Housemoms. It’s a light and refreshing cocktail that makes the perfect weekend brunch drink. The subtle strawberry taste mixes perfectly with brunch. It’s light so you won’t feel too full and will still have room for a hearty breakfast. Delicious!

Ingredients (makes 1 serving)

• ⅔ cup of orange juice (recommend served very cold)
• 1 shot tequila
• ½ ounce grenadine
• 2 large strawberries
• 2 Orange slices

Instructions
Muddle the 2 large strawberries until you have a liquid juice mixture. In a large champagne glass, combine the orange juice and tequila. Combine the grenadine and muddled strawberries then pour into the champagne glass. Mix, stir and enjoy!

4) Spiked Ginger Iced Tea

Looking to try a new cocktail? This Spiked Ginger Iced Tea recipe from Home to Heather is the cocktail to try. With the tea flavor, subtle hint of ginger, and splash of vodka, this is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer night. This one is great tasting as a mocktail as well if you’d prefer to forgo the alcohol. The below recipe serves 6-8 so grab some friends and give this delicious new cocktail recipe a go!

Ingredients (makes 6-8 servings)

• 3 Orange Pekoe tea bags or English Breakfast tea bags
• 3 cups boiling water
• 2 cups ice
• 2 lemons (juiced) and a few leftover for garnishing
• 4 cups ginger ale
• 1 cup vodka
• Honey (to taste)

Instructions
Bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, steep tea bags for 3 min. Take off heat and set to the side. Add 2 cups of ice to the tea to cool it down. In serving glasses, add ice, ginger ale, lemon juice, and vodka. Stir thoroughly. Add tea to each glass. Garnish with leftover lemons. Add honey to taste.

Ready for more lifestyle articles, product features and healthy living tips? Check out the other articles in our HAPARI blog. We include special product spotlights, healthy eating and fitness advice, and exclusive insider deals on our swimwear. See you there!