SUMMER DRINKS

AMAZINGLY FRESH FRUIT AND HERB DRINKS FOR SUMMER

These amazingly fresh summer sippers put mocktails back on the map with bold, refreshing ingredients, that will help you beat the summer heat.

With summer finally here, the aisles of the supermarkets and the shelves of the farmer’s markets are filled with the best, freshest produce right now just begging to be mixed into a premium, artisan cocktails. But if you don’t drink alcohol, there is no reason to miss out on this concoctions. Too often drink stations at parties have an array of beers and mixers for cocktails but a sad container of water or store bought juice for those who choose to abstain. Fix that at your next party. Whatever your reason for teetotaling, these amazingly fresh summer sippers put mocktails back on the map with bold, refreshing ingredients, helping you beat the heat and conquer your thirst without skimping on style or flavor.

And hey — if the mood strikes you, you can always add a splash of liquor to any of the following recipes, so it’s a mixology win-win.

1. CUCUMBER-MINT LEMONADE

 Lemonade is already a summer classic for a reason, so try a cooling twist on the original with cucumber, lemon zest, and mint. Talk about backyard bliss!

2. WATERMELON PUNCH

This punch recipe serves ten and couldn’t be more simple — the only ingredients are watermelon puree and seltzer! — so punch up the presentation (no pun intended!), by using the hollowed out watermelon rind as the serving bowl for your tasty concoction. If you’re feeling like taking it further, add some mint sprigs for a truly refreshing spritzer.

3. LADY LAVENDER MOCKTAIL'S

The subtle fragrance of summer lavender is the inspiration for this chilled beverage, combining lavender syrup, grapefruit juice, and basil for a virgin cocktail that sacrifices nothing as far as flavor or presentation, and wouldn’t be out of place on a table at the fanciest restaurant in town.