Home > Blog > Summer Sips: Refreshing Mocktails For Al Fresco Entertaining
4 Creative Mocktail Recipes For Summer Gatherings
There’s something about summer entertaining that just hits differently — the warm breeze, long evenings, and drinks under the open sky. But cocktails aren’t the only stars of the show. Sebastien recently shared a few of his favourite mocktails on Breakfast Television, including two from Eatertainment’s mocktail menu.
These four sips are bright, refreshing, and perfect for al fresco hosting, with easy spiked options for guests who want a little extra kick from their drinks, whether it’s a cocktail or a mocktail choice.
1. The Appletini
We’re taking the classic Appletini and giving it a fresh, alcohol-free makeover. Instead of the overly sweet, syrupy version, this one is crisp, tart, and totally refreshing. Made with fresh apple juice, a splash of lemon juice, and just a hint of simple syrup, it’s easy to whip up and looks super chic in a chilled martini glass. It’s also one of the signature non-alcoholic drinks on our mocktail menu — a favourite for summer soirées and stylish events alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz apple juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Apple slices for garnish
How-to: Add ice, apple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake until well chilled, then pour into a pre-chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few thin apple slices and enjoy!
Want to turn it into a cocktail? Just add a splash of vodka.
2. Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz
Think of this as a garden party in a glass. Sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of honey simple syrup come together for a perfectly fizzy, herbaceous mocktail. It’s beautifully customizable — swap basil for mint, or try blueberries instead of strawberries — and that burst of sparkling water on top makes it extra refreshing, making your mocktail truly stand out.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 diced strawberries
- 3 torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz honey simple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling water
How-to: Add strawberries and basil to your glass and muddle until juicy and aromatic. Add crushed ice, lime juice, and honey simple syrup. Stir well and top with sparkling water. Sip and repeat.
To make it a cocktail, add a splash of gin — it pairs beautifully with herbs.
3. French 89
A fresh twist on the French 75, the French 89 is light, citrusy, and effortlessly elegant. Perfect for summer brunches, showers, or even a featured mocktail at your next celebration, it brings all the bubbles without the booze. You’ll also find it on our mocktail menu — proof that you can go alcohol-free and still keep things elevated.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 4 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- Lemon twist
How-to: Pour simple syrup and lemon juice into a champagne flute. Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and garnish with a twist of lemon for that extra touch of glam.
To spike it, simply add 1 oz of gin.
4. Spicy Pineapple Margarita
This one’s for the spice lovers. Our virgin take on the spicy pineapple margarita packs a punch with muddled jalapeño and sweet pineapple. It’s bold, tropical, and a real crowd-pleaser on warm nights. And of course, serving it in a Tajin-rimmed glass adds a touch of charm to this mocktail adventure.
Ingredients:
- ½ fresh jalapeño, sliced
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks
- ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Fresh pineapple wedge for garnish
- Tajin seasoning for rimming
How-to: Start by rimming your glass with Tajin using a lemon slice to moisten the edge. In a shaker, muddle jalapeño, pineapple chunks, and sugar until juicy. Add ice, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Shake well, then pour over ice into your prepared glass. Garnish with a jalapeño slice and a pineapple wedge.
Looking for the cocktail version? Add a splash of tequila and enjoy the heat.
