Mindful Drinking: Alcohol-Free Mocktail Recipes for Summer

Whether you're soaking up the sun at a BBQ, hosting friends on the patio, or just want something fun to sip on during a movie night, mocktails are the ultimate summer vibe. They’re refreshing, inclusive, and let you enjoy the social scene without the buzz or brain fog.

As someone who loves a good drink in hand—but doesn’t always want the after-effects—mocktails have become my go-to. They’re tasty, easy to make, and give you all the fun summery feels without compromising your energy, health, or next day plans.

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Why Mindful Drinking? Mindful drinking means being intentional about when, why, and how you drink. It doesn’t mean cutting alcohol out entirely (unless you want to!). It just means tuning into how your choices align with how you want to feel.

It’s especially helpful in summer, when social drinking can sneak up on you fast. With a tasty mocktail in hand, you can stay in the moment without missing out on any fun!

3 Easy Mocktail Recipes for Your Next Summer Hangout

Strawberry Basil Spritz

• 3-4 fresh strawberries, muddled

• 3 basil leaves

• ½ tbsp honey or simple syrup

• Sparkling water or soda

• Ice

Instructions: Muddle berries and basil with honey in the bottom of a glass or mason jar. Fill with ice, top with sparkling water, and give it a stir. Garnish with a berry, basil leaf or a slice of lime!

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Coconut Pineapple Cooler

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup coconut water

• Squeeze of lime

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig (optional)

Instructions: Combine everything in a shaker or jar, shake well, and pour over ice. Add a cute straw and pretend you’re beachside.

Watermelon Mint Refresher

• 1 cup cubed watermelon

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 4 mint leaves

• Sparkling water

Instructions: Blend watermelon and strain (or keep pulpy if you like texture). Add mint and lime to a glass, pour in watermelon juice, then top with sparkling water and lots of ice. So good.

Looking for More Summer Wellness Tips?

• Join our weekly Food & Community events for easy, refreshing summer recipes—homemade especially for you, no effort or registration required!

• Book a Peer Wellness Coaching session to chat about mindful drinking, healthy habits, or anything else you’re working on this summer season.

• Find tips on harm reduction and social wellness through our PHE substance use team at the beginning of the fall term (coming soon!) -- and in the meantime, get connected to additional resources right here on the blog!

Mindful drinking isn’t about missing out. It’s about showing up feeling good and in control. With these mocktails on hand, you’ll have the best of both worlds: great taste, great vibes, and zero regrets!