It’s summer—time for outdoor entertaining and enjoying great drinks under the sun or stars. Here we share 10 deliciously refreshing mocktails that are a snap to turn into cocktails just for the grown-ups. Either way, these drinks will definitely get the party started!
The mojito is summer in a glass. Fresh mint and lime are what make this drink so iconic, and to get the most from these ingredients, you’ll need a muddler for crushing the mint leaves and sugar (though the handle of a wooden spoon works in a pinch). A mojito is best served in a tall glass with small ice cubes. Garnish with a pretty sprig of fresh mint and, if you can, try a wedge of smaller, sweeter key lime instead of standard lime for the rim.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) white rum.
What would summer be without blender drinks in fun colours? This one is creamy and tangy with a touch of sweetness, and we think it’s a brilliant blend of tropical and Canadian flavours. Serve in a tall, clear glass so the colour shines through. Garnish classic-style with a maraschino cherry and wedge of pineapple, or try floating a few fresh blueberries on top.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) amber rum when blending.
Relax or entertain under the sun with this classic drink that’s simple, refreshing and not too sweet. For a crowd, juice the lemons and combine with the sugar until fully dissolved up to an hour ahead (shaking them in a jar works well). When it’s time to serve, measure out 1 1/2 tbsp (20 mL) sweetened juice into each glass before adding the ice and soda water. For a sweeter drink, substitute lemon-lime soda for the soda water.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) of your favourite gin.
This drink has kick: Refreshing bubbles of tangy lemon Italian soda pair up with spicy fresh ginger and sweet, tropical pineapple juice. For a gorgeous garnish, thread blackberries, raspberries and blueberries onto cocktail picks and plunge into each glass. No cocktail picks? No problem! Just drop the berries into the glasses last. To whip up this drink en masse, add everything but the ice to a large jug, and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve —just add ice to the glasses before pouring.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) gin or vodka to each glass.
Grapefruit-Raspberry Mimosa Mocktail
The perfect combo of tart and sweet, this play on the traditional orange mimosa makes a sophisticated sip for an elegant brunch. If you’ve got ’em, break out the champagne flutes; if not, long-stemmed wineglasses will do just fine. Chill them well—there's no ice added to this drink, so glasses and all ingredients should be cold.
Just for grown-ups: Substitute sparkling wine for the sparkling water.
Pomegranate Kir Royale Mocktail
Have a reason to celebrate? Try a bubbly kir royale! This elegant drink draws on the juicy sweetness of macerated strawberriescombined with ever-so-slightly-tart pomegranate juice, all topped with sparkling water. For a thematic and functional garnish, add pomegranate seeds to an ice cube tray (preferably one that makes small cubes), fill with sparkling water or pomegranate juice and freeze the day before;add one cube to each glass.
Just for grown-ups: Substitute sparkling wine for the sparkling water.
Grapefruit & Watermelon Mocktail Cooler
This pretty-in-pink blender drink is the perfect accompaniment to your next Tex-Mex meal or platter of guacamole and corn chips. Fresh lime juice and mint add ultra-cooling power to puréed watermelon and grapefruit Italian soda. Garnish with watermelon wedges and whole sprigs of fresh mint.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) of silver or gold tequila to each glass.
Earl Grey Iced Tea Lemonade Mocktail
Earl Grey tea has lovely hints of bergamot, which pair beautifully with other citrus, while the tea’s tannins make it naturally not too sweet. Use regular lemonade or, for added refreshment, try a sparkling variety. For the coldest drink possible, brew the tea up to four hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) Cointreau.
Whip up a batch of this pretty drink, named for the flaming colours of a Prairie sky as the sun goes down. The pinks, reds and oranges come courtesy of clementine and red grapefruit juices, orange slices and grenadine. Allow the sweet syrup to settle to the bottom of the glass to create a lovely layered look. Garnish with a whole fresh strawberry, a slice of peach or both, and then serve with a soda spoon or straw so guests can stir—after admiring the drink’s beauty!
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) of another Prairie classic, Canadian rye, to each glass.
Lemon, Horseradish & Basil Caesar
Did you know that the caesar—invented in Calgary in 1968—was inspired by the traditional Italian dish of pasta with tomato sauce and clams? We’ve taken this classic Canadian tomato cocktail and given it a little twist, with the heat of horseradish and the zesty freshness of lemon and basil. Its hearty, savoury flavour is excellent at breakfast or brunch. Garnish with whole sprigs of fragrant fresh basil and, if desired, an extra grind of black pepper and a lemon wedge. For those who like it hot, add a dash of hot sauce or extra-hot prepared horseradish.
Just for grown-ups: Add 1 oz (2 tbsp/30 mL) vodka.
Next-Level Serving Ideas
- Serve drinks in acrylic glasses in bright colours and patterns.
- Paper straws—for sipping or stirring—come in sunny designs too, like zigzags, dots and florals.
- For conversation-starting ice, think beyond the H2O: add berries or herbs to ice cubes, or freeze flavourful ingredients like juice so cubes don't dilute drinks as they melt.
