Summer mocktails to sip with intention and style

With long days, golden evenings, and alfresco dining in full swing, it’s easy to lose track of how often you reach for a crisp G&T, a glass of rosé, or some bubbles. Whether you’re soaking up the festival season, firing up the BBQ, or simply celebrating a moment in life, these vibrant mocktails offer something just as uplifting, minus the alcohol, inviting you to sip with intention and style.

Each drink is inspired by the season: think fresh herbs, British berries, cooling cucumber, and the gentle heat of ginger. They’re hydrating, supportive of digestion, and designed to complement summer dishes – whether you’re grazing in the garden or celebrating a moment that matters.

1. British summer ginger spritz 

This is a vibrant, botanical alternative to a G&T. I use punchy ginger and whatever British garden herbs I’ve got to hand – thyme and mint work beautifully. It pairs well with soft cheeses, crudités or herby flatbreads, and gives that lovely dry, grown-up finish without the alcohol.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 200ml chilled thyme and mint infusion (steep fresh sprigs in hot water, then cool)
• Dash of apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
• Sparkling water or tonic water to top
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist, thyme sprigs, and frozen red/blackcurrants (for garnish)

Method:

Steep fresh thyme and mint in hot water for five minutes, then strain and cool. Stir grated ginger, lemon juice, and honey together in a jug or cocktail shaker. Add the chilled herbal infusion and apple cider vinegar (if using), mix well. Serve over ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with lemon, thyme, and frozen berries.

2. Lavender lemon fizz

This elegant mocktail brings together the calming floral notes of lavender with the crisp zing of fresh lemon. It’s the perfect refreshment for summer brunches, garden parties, or any moment that calls for something a little more special, without the alcohol.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender (or 1 lavender teabag)
• 150ml hot water
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional – adjust to taste)
• 50ml fresh lemon juice
• 200ml sparkling water or kombucha (choose plain or lemon)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and edible flowers or lavender sprigs, for garnish

Method:

Steep lavender in hot water for 5–7 minutes, then strain and cool. Stir in honey or maple syrup and lemon juice. Serve over ice, top with sparkling water or kombucha, and garnish with lemon slices, edible flowers or lavender sprigs.

3. Virgin Pimm’s punch

This sunshine-ready mocktail captures the essence of a traditional Pimm’s without the alcohol or added sugar. Muddled cucumber and mint give it that classic garden-fresh flavour; perfect for long lunches or barbecues.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4-5 slices fresh cucumber
• A small handful of fresh mint leaves
• 50ml fresh orange juice
• 25ml fresh lemon juice
• 100ml sparkling lemonade (low-sugar)
• Extra cucumber ribbons, mint sprigs, orange/lemon wedges, and sliced strawberries (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Method:

Gently muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves to release flavour. Stir in the orange and lemon juice. Serve over ice, top with sparkling lemonade, and garnish with cucumber ribbons, mint sprigs, orange/lemon wedges, and strawberries.

The Healthy Bit

All three mocktails feature fresh lemon juice – a rich source of vitamin C that supports immune function and may ease hay fever symptoms thanks to its natural antihistamine properties. They’re naturally sweetened with raw honey or maple syrup, providing a gentler alternative to refined sugar. Sparkling water or light kombucha adds refreshing fizz without extra calories, with kombucha also supplying beneficial probiotics for gut health.

The British summer ginger spritz includes fresh ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe digestion. Garden herbs thyme and mint bring antimicrobial and calming effects, with mint also easing digestion. An optional dash of apple cider vinegar can further aid digestion and balance blood sugar.

The lavender lemon fizz features lavender, known for its calming, stress-relieving qualities and potential to improve sleep quality – ideal for relaxation and unwinding.

The virgin Pimm’s punch contains hydrating cucumber, high in antioxidants and supportive of skin health. It also has fresh orange juice, boosting vitamin C and natural sweetness, while fresh fruit garnishes provide extra antioxidants and fibre.

This article was published in Happiful Magazine (Issue 100). You can order print copies online, or read the e-magazine for free on the Happiful app. 

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our Recipe hub.