Refreshing Summer Mocktails

If you find yourself reaching for an adult beverage most summer nights, you’re not alone. Research confirms a reality most of us are all too familiar with -- we typically consume more alcohol during the warmer summer months (1). While an occasional drink won’t do you harm, habitual alcohol consumption is correlated with depressed mood, interrupted sleep, poor digestion, and unwanted weight gain. And those are just the short term effects. 

Long term alcohol consumption may weaken immune function and cause heart disease, cancer, and serious mental health problems (2). 

If you choose to cut back on alcohol to support your health goals, you can still enjoy delicious hand-crafted beverages. Welcome to the wonderful world of mocktails! Much like cocktails, mocktails are a great place to experiment with high-end ingredients, complimentary flavors, and beautiful presentation. We like to take our mocktails a step further by adding superfood ingredients like ashwagandha, fresh herbs, and immune-supporting tinctures. Why not choose a drink that actively encourages your flourishing, thriving health? 

Whether you’re mixing up beverages for a crowd or just for yourself, we have a recipe for you. These are the mocktails we’ll be sipping all summer. 

Comment below to let us know how you mix up your summer beverages! 

Elderberry Lime Soda

Elderberries have been used since ancient times to support immune function. Recent research confirms that elderberry syrup can help reduce the duration and severity of colds and flus. (3) The sweet, rich flavor of elderberry offsets the tartness of fresh lime juice in this rejuvenating single-serving mocktail. 

Serves 1 

Ingredients

• 1 ounce elderberry syrup

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice 

• 6 ounces lime flavored unsweetened sparkling water 

• Ice

Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice and add all remaining ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately. 

Iced Ashwagandha Mexican Mocha 

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic adaptogenic herb. It can reduce anxiety, increase energy levels, and improve focus! (4) Put the heavy alcoholic drinks away and try this rich chocolatey sipper, fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla. You can use stevia, honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to create the right level of sweetness for you. 

Serves 2 

Ingredients

• 16 ounces unsweetened oat milk

• 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder

• 2 teaspoons ashwagandha powder

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Sweetener of choice, to taste 

• Ice 

Instructions 

Combine all ingredients except ice in a cocktail shaker or smoothie bottle. Shake until powders dissolve and mixture is smooth and creamy. Fill two glasses with ice, add mocha mixture, and enjoy immediately.

Mint Watermelon Punch

Mint is an energizing herb that may improve alertness and reduce fatigue -- the opposite effect of alcohol! (4) In this colorful mocktail, we pair mint with hydrating watermelon and cucumber for a spa-worthy flavor combination. Mineral water and agave nectar add just the right sparkle and sweetness.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon chunks

• ½ large cucumber, sliced into chunks 

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup packed mint leaves

• 20 ounces sparkling mineral water

• ⅓ cup agave nectar 

Instructions

• Step 1: Using a high-speed blender, puree watermelon, cucumber, lemon juice, and mint leaves until smooth. Press through a fine mesh sieve. 

• Step 2: Pour puree into a large pitcher and stir in sparkling water and agave nectar. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired. Garish with more mint leaves, cucumber slices, or lemon slices and enjoy immediately. 

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

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