Summer is a great time to get outside, tan in the sun, enjoy the pool, and for some, have a few drinks. With that said, there are many people who are either living sober lives or are sober-curious who still want to enjoy the summer parties. For those who are trying to live substance-free lives, there are ways in which you can still socialize and enjoy a party setting while also avoiding alcohol.
One way you can do this is with mocktails. As the name implies, mocktails are fake cocktails that are non-alcoholic beverages. It allows those in recovery or those taking a break from alcohol to participate in social drinking atmosphere without having to drink any alcohol. Also, having a drink in your hand can also help you prevent partygoers from asking why you aren’t drinking, helping you avoid any possible awkward social interactions.
Making some of your favorite cocktails like a mojito, sangria, or a daiquiri without alcohol can be a fun and easy way to enjoy the summer season and spend time with friends and family in a safe and healthy manner.
Raspberry Mojito
Mojitos are the quintessential summertime drink. They are refreshing and are great for a day at the pool, a backyard BBQ, or a lazy Sunday afternoon. However, you choose to enjoy them, mojitos are a staple of the summer. While some sober living people may not think that they’re able to still enjoy a mojito by the pool, there are always alcohol-free options.
To make a great mojito, grab these ingredients and follow these simple steps:
- 4 Raspberries
- 6 Mint leaves
- Simple syrup
- Raspberry juice
- Fresh lime juice
- Club soda or sparkling mineral water
In a tall glass, gather the raspberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup. Use the back of a wooden spoon to squish the ingredients together until they are well-combined and mixed together. Fill the glass with ice and add one part raspberry juice, two parts club soda, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Mix slightly and garnish with a lime wedge or more raspberries.
If raspberries aren’t your fruit of choice, you can use other fruit to make your desired drink.
Alcohol-Free Sangria
Sangria is a great fresh and fruity summertime drink. While it may seem like it’s impossible to make a good sangria without the primary ingredient, there are simple ways to work around it and make a delicious drink.
One of the best things about sangria is it is completely customizable based on what fruit you enjoy and want in your drink. You can try combining all types of fruit you like including apples, lemons, limes, mangoes, raspberries, blueberries, oranges, and more.
Whatever combination of fruit you choose, here is how to make a great sangria to have poolside for the summer:
Gather and cut up whatever fruit you choose. Layer the fruit in a glass pitcher. Next, add three cups of grape juice, 3/4 cups of orange juice, 3/4 cups of apple juice, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix the concoction together and refrigerate for at least four hours. Before serving, add 2-3 cups of sparkling carbonated mineral water and mix together.
Orange Pineapple Sherbet Punch
If you are hosting a party and want to provide a non-alcoholic option for whoever may need it, this recipe for an orange-pineapple sherbet punch
Here’s the ingredients and instructions for making this fun tropical drink for your next get together:
- 1 Liter of chilled ginger ale
- 7 Cups of chilled Hawaiian Punch
- 48 ounces (one carton) of softened orange sherbet
- 46 ounces (one can) of chilled pineapple juice
Combine softened orange sherbet and chilled pineapple juice. Continue stirring until well mixed. Finish with chilled Hawaiian punch and chilled ginger ale. Stir the mixture around until well mixed and serve immediately.
Spritzy Limeade
Limeade and lemonade are common drinks of the summer. While it is common for social drinkers to make lemonade- or limeade-based alcoholic drinks, it can leave sober people out to dry. If you are sober or are taking some time away from drinking, there are still ways that you can have great and tasty citrus drinks for the summer.
To make a great spritzy limeade, you can get these ingredients and follow these simple steps:
- 4 Cups of chilled ginger ale or chilled lemon-lime soda
- 3/4 Cup of thawed lime concentrate
- A cup of blackberries, blueberries or raspberries
- A cup of cut pineapple
- A cup of cut mango
- A cup of diced strawberries
- A cup of peeled and diced kiwi
Take all the freshly diced fruit and place it into a large pitcher. Pour in the chilled concentrate (it may need to be stirred around if it is not 100% thawed). Finish with either chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Take a large spoon and mix the beverage. The drink can serve as many as eight people. Serve immediately.
There are tons of other mocktail recipes out there you can find online. If you are interested in finding a fun, non-alcoholic drink for the summer, all it takes is a little searching.
About the Author
Matthew Boyle is the Chief Operating Officer of Landmark Recovery, an Indiana treatment center. He has been working in the healthcare space for 7 years with a new emphasis on recovery. Before his ventures into healthcare, Matthew graduated from Duke University in 2011 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After Duke Matthew went on to work for the Boston Consulting Group before he realized his true passion lies within Recovery. His vision is to save a million lives in 100 years with a unique approach to recovery that creates a supportive environment through trust, treatment, and intervention.