When you’re watching the little ones splash around, you need a drink that’s both refreshing and responsible. These non-alcoholic cocktails are perfect for sipping poolside:
Cucumber Mint Cooler
This light, crisp drink is like a dip in a cool pool on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 4-5 thin cucumber slices
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Soda water
- Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add JUNiPRE, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
Why it works poolside: The cucumber and mint provide a cooling effect, perfect for hot days by the water. It’s light and hydrating, ideal for responsible adult supervision.
Late Summer Cookouts
Hosting or attending a backyard BBQ? Cookouts are one of the highlights of summer, where we get together with friends and enjoy the long warm evenings and share laughs with friends. These non-alcoholic spirit cocktails are a proven hit:
Watermelon Jalapeño Cooler
A perfect blend of sweet and heat to spice up your summer gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 2 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2-3 thin jalapeño slices (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- Watermelon ball and jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker.
- Add JUNiPRE, watermelon juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a watermelon ball and a thin jalapeño slice on a cocktail pick.
Why it’s great for cookouts: The watermelon freshness pairs wonderfully with grilled foods, while the jalapeño kick stands up to bold BBQ flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers sophistication without the alcohol.
Capture the essence of late summer with this peachy delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 1 oz peach puree (or 2-3 slices of muddled fresh peach)
- 3-4 basil leaves
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, mixed)
- Soda water
- Peach slice and basil leaf for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add JUNiPRE, peach puree, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a peach slice and basil leaf.
Why it works for cookouts: Peaches are at their peak in late summer, making this a seasonal treat. The basil adds an herbal note that complements many cookout dishes.
Lakeside Lounging
Let’s face it: living anywhere in the upper Midwest means you’re going to be visiting a lake during summer. Whether you’re on a boat or relaxing on the shore, these non-alcoholic cocktails are perfect for a day at the lake:
Lemongrass Thai Basil Spritzer
An exotic, aromatic sipper that adds a touch of adventure to your lake day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 1 oz lemongrass syrup (see recipe below)
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4-5 Thai basil leaves
- Soda water
- Lemongrass stalk and Thai basil sprig for garnish
Lemongrass Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 bruised lemongrass stalks for 10 minutes. Cool and strain.
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle Thai basil leaves.
- Add JUNiPRE, lemongrass syrup, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemongrass stalk and Thai basil sprig.
Why it’s perfect lakeside: This refreshing, aromatic drink is like a vacation in a glass. It’s light and hydrating, ideal for long days in the sun.
Outdoor Brunch Party
We can think of few things better than a brunch party in August. It’s a perfect blend of friends, food and fun. Hosting a late summer brunch? Impress your guests with these sophisticated non-alcoholic brunch cocktails:
Blackberry Lavender Lemonade
A sophisticated twist on a summer classic, perfect for brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see recipe below)
- 4-5 fresh blackberries
- Soda water
- Lemon wheel and lavender sprig for garnish
Lavender Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp dried lavender for 10 minutes. Cool and strain.
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle blackberries.
- Add JUNiPRE, lemon juice, and lavender syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
- Double strain into a collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender sprig.
Why it’s great for brunch: The combination of blackberry and lavender offers a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs well with both sweet and savory brunch dishes. It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail that feels special enough for a gathering.
N/A Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz
A citrusy, herbal drink that’s perfect for morning sipping.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz JUNiPRE
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz rosemary syrup (simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 3-4 rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes, cool and strain)
- Soda water
- Grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a wine glass filled with ice, combine JUNiPRE, grapefruit juice, and rosemary syrup.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig.
Why it works for brunch: The bright citrus notes wake up the palate, while the rosemary adds a sophisticated herbal touch. It’s a non-alcoholic spirit cocktail that feels festive without the morning-after effects.
Tips for Serving Non-Alcoholic Cocktails at Summer Events
- Presentation matters: Use attractive glassware and garnishes to make your non-alcoholic cocktails look as appealing as their alcoholic counterparts.
- Offer variety: Have a few different non-alcoholic options available to suit different tastes.
- Make it interactive: Set up a DIY cocktail station with JUNiPRE and various mixers so guests can create their own non-alcoholic drinks.
- Consider batching: For larger gatherings, consider making bigger batches of these cocktails for easy serving.
- Don’t forget ice: Plenty of ice is crucial for keeping these summer sippers cool and refreshing.
We hope these creative non-alcoholic cocktails help you enjoy all of your favorite late-summer activities while staying refreshed and clear-headed. JUNiPRE’s versatility as a non-alcoholic spirit allows you to create sophisticated, flavorful drinks that don’t compromise on taste or experience.
Whether you’re watching the kids at the pool, hosting a cookout, relaxing by the lake, or throwing a brunch party, these non-alcoholic cocktails prove that you don’t need alcohol to create memorable summer drinks. So raise a glass to the joys of late summer and savor the flavors of well-made cocktails without the brain fog.
Remember: drink responsibly, stay hydrated, and enjoy your late summer activities to the fullest using these refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails.