summer mocktails worth sipping

Pool parties, beaches, boat days and barbeques all call for fun and delicious drinks. The good news is that not all summer drinks need to include alcohol in order to be enjoyed. So whether you’re trying to keep your health and nutrition in check, your energy levels up, you're a busy parent trying to manage the kids at the pool or you simply don’t prefer alcoholic beverages, then these mocktails (mock cocktails) are for you. 

Basil Lemonade Slushy 
6 oz fresh lemonade
¼ tsp finely chopped basil 
Ice

• Add all ingredients into a blender, blend until slushy. 
• Garnish with a lemon wedge, fresh strawberry or full basil leaf.

*Fun twists: substitute basil for fresh lavender or add watermelon for extra sweetness and hydration. 

Spicy (Tequila-Free) Margarita
Fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
2 tbsp of fresh orange juice 
¼  fresh jalapeno, muddled
1-2 tbsp agave syrup or 1 tsp of Stevia
Soda water to taste
Salt (for rim) 
    

• Salt the rim of the glass and add ice.
• Add all ingredients into a shaker with extra ice, 
• Shake until well mixed and cold, pour into salted rim glass. 
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

    
*Not into spice? Skip the jalapeno. Want it blended? Pour all ingredients into blender, substitute the soda water for flat water, add ice and blend.

Berry Spritz
2 fresh cucumber slices
2 sprigs of fresh mint
Handful of frozen berries (strawberries or raspberries)
1 cup lemon sparkling water
    

• Let berries thaw slightly. 
• Combine cucumber slice, berries and fresh mint sprig into larger glass or bowl and gently muddle until all ingredients are slightly soft and blended.
• Pour into glass with ice and top with lemon sparkling water.
• Garnish with remaining cucumber slice and mint sprig.

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For more healthy swaps to your indulgent favorites, email our Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Jamie at [email protected].