There’s something about a chilled drink on a hot day that makes the world slow down. The glass beads with condensation, the ice clinks like wind chimes, and suddenly, everything feels lighter. Now, mocktails aren’t just juice in disguise; they are carefully crafted, flavour-packed drinks with personality of their own. In fact, the word “mocktail” first appeared in 1916, when non-alcoholic beverages were being reinvented as something stylish rather than second-best.

So, whether you’re after something tart, floral, or fizz-forward, here are eight refreshing mocktail ideas.

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1. Pear-Ginger Shrub

Shrubs, fruit-and-vinegar-based syrups, date back to the 17th century as a way to preserve produce before refrigeration. This one pairs sweet pear with fiery ginger, then meets a splash of club soda. The result? A bright, tangy, and lightly spicy drink that’s both old-world and modern.

2. Non-Alcoholic Negroni (NAgroni)

The Negroni has always been about balance, bitter, sweet, and herbal. The NAgroni swaps in zero-proof gin and vermouth, keeping that complexity without the alcohol. It’s sophisticated, moody, and ideal for evenings when you want to sip slowly.

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3. Mango Mint Sparkler

Sweet, sun-ripened mango purée meets fresh mint leaves and a splash of soda. The tropical sweetness and cooling mint make it feel like summer in a glass, no beach required.

4. Cucumber and Ginger Beer Cooler

Three ingredients: fresh cucumber, ginger beer, and herbs like mint or basil, create a crisp, cooling drink. Ginger beer’s warm spice meets cucumber’s freshness, making it perfect for poolside lounging.

5. Rosemary Rhubarb Spritzer

Herbaceous rosemary pairs surprisingly well with rhubarb's tart bite. This drink proves that summer mocktails don’t have to be all sweet; sometimes a little earthiness makes things far more interesting.

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6. Jamu (Indonesian Tumeric-Ginger Drink)

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian health tonic made with turmeric, ginger, lime, and honey. Its vibrant golden colour and peppery-citrus taste feel like bottled sunshine. Turmeric, by the way, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Steep dried hibiscus petals for a ruby-red, tangy drink popular in Mexico. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, it’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.

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8. Lavender Lemonade

A floral twist on a summer classic, lavender adds a calming aroma to tart lemonade. Aromatic herbs like lavender have been linked to reduced stress and improved mood.

Mocktails aren’t just stand-ins for cocktails; they’re their own category, full of heritage, innovation, and surprising flavour pairings. This summer, let the glass in your hand tell a story, and the simple joy of something cold on a warm day.

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