Late Summer Sipping: N/A Cocktails for Your Favorite August Activities

 

August: also known as the dog days of summer. Many of us are squeezing in the last of our summer activities and making the most of our plans. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a cookout, or enjoying a day at the lake, non-alcoholic spirits like JUNiPRE offer a refreshing way to indulge without the alcohol. Luckily, we’ve concocted several delicious non-alcoholic cocktails that are perfect companions for your favorite late summer activities.
 
 

Poolside Refreshment with the Kids

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:
  1. Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
  2. Add JUNiPRE, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
  5. 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:
  1. Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker.
  2. Add JUNiPRE, watermelon juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
  3. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. 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.

Peach Basil Fizz

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:
  1. Muddle basil leaves in a shaker.
  2. Add JUNiPRE, peach puree, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
  5. 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:
  1. In a shaker, muddle Thai basil leaves.
  2. Add JUNiPRE, lemongrass syrup, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
  5. 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:
  1. In a shaker, muddle blackberries.
  2. Add JUNiPRE, lemon juice, and lavender syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Double strain into a collins glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
  5. 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:
  1. In a wine glass filled with ice, combine JUNiPRE, grapefruit juice, and rosemary syrup.
  2. Top with soda water and stir gently.
  3. 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

  1. Presentation matters: Use attractive glassware and garnishes to make your non-alcoholic cocktails look as appealing as their alcoholic counterparts.
  2. Offer variety: Have a few different non-alcoholic options available to suit different tastes.
  3. Make it interactive: Set up a DIY cocktail station with JUNiPRE and various mixers so guests can create their own non-alcoholic drinks.
  4. Consider batching: For larger gatherings, consider making bigger batches of these cocktails for easy serving.
  5. 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.