5 Classic Summer Cocktail Recipes And Their Mocktail Versions; Substitutes Inside

Summertime means preparing lots of different summer cocktail recipes and mocktails using seasonal ingredients containing sweet, sour, tangy and spicy flavour notes. These beverages are interesting offerings, particularly while hosting a cocktail evening or a summer brunch at home. And for those preferring non-alcoholic drinks, certain summer cocktail recipes can be substituted with mocktail recipes too, keeping their base flavours intact, so similar tropical flavours seep into the blends made without liquor. The seasonal nature of many of these beverages plays an important role in their design. They typically have lighter bodies and shorter ingredient lists, and flavours are very clear. They can also be made using fresh produce and less pronounced infusions, as well as balanced sweetness, which is important for all classic cocktail recipes and mocktails. It allows each element of the beverage to have its own purpose without masking the entire flavour profile. Dive into some of the classic summer cocktail recipes that can be prepared this season and their mocktail substitutes for those who prefer to hold the alcohol:

Prepare an enduring classic, the sweet and spicy pineapple jalapeño margarita, this season. Bring together 90 ml freshly squeezed pineapple juice and 30 ml premium quality tequila like Don Julio to prepare this drink, complete with slight citrusy notes coming from 1 teaspoon lime juice. Add a spicy touch to the cocktail with chopped-up jalapeños that can be muddled into the drink or with a large jalapeño slice tucked at the top of the serving glass as a garnish. 

Mocktail Swap:

• For those who prefer the non-alcoholic substitute of this cocktail, blend freshly squeezed pineapple juice with 30 ml of sparkling water to infuse a fizzy touch into the tropical blend.

• A couple of jalapeño slices can be used as a garnish for the spicy touch.

Another popular summer classic, the cucumber mint cooler can be made by blending 30 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin or other good quality gins with 90 ml tonic water, 1 teaspoon lime juice and 4-5 cucumber slices. Fresh mint leaves are used as a garnish for this summer cocktail recipe. It can typically be served at brunch during the summer season.

Mocktail Swap:

• In the mocktail substitute, swap out the gin with 30 ml of coconut water to build a tropical finish into the summer classic.

• Also, add about 30 ml sparkling water or soda to give the drink a spritzer-like touch.

One of the more well-known drinks prepared during summer weather, aam panha gin fizz mixes the raw mango syrup with 30 ml premium quality gins like Tanqueray No. Ten Gin to make a signature sweet, sour and herby blend. 

Mocktail Swap:

• The aam panha cocktail is one such drink which is, in fact, derived from its mocktail or sherbet counterpart that is classically prepared in summer weather in the tropics.

• For the non-alcoholic blend, simply add cold water to the aam panha syrup or 90 ml club soda to render the drink a sparkly touch.

Watermelons are available aplenty during the summer season. Make use of this ripe, crispy fruit to prepare a watermelon and basil smash made using 30 ml freshly squeezed watermelon juice and 30 ml quality vodka like Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka. Basil can either be muddled into the drink or used as a garnish so its herby, umami flavours come through the cocktail blend.

Mocktail Swap:

• For the mocktail version of this summer cocktail recipe, swap out the vodka with 30 ml lemonade to build a more citrusy element into the blend.

• The watermelon basil smash will acquire a sour touch with this addition, leading to a well-balanced mix of sweet, herby and sour tasting notes.

Another interesting summertime drink, the spiced jamun mojito can be crafted by blending 15 ml sweet and sour jamun syrup with 30 ml vodka and 45 ml club soda. A sprinkling of red chilli powder can be added to the blend for the spicy flavour notes.

Mocktail Swap:

• In the mocktail swap, add 30 ml sparkling water to the drink in lieu of the vodka and blend well.

• Garnish with mint and a pinch of black salt to highlight the flavours of the fizzy drink.

Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.