lake life Archives

Mark Shoda Joins Lake Homes Realty on Lake Lanier in GA

Posted on October 12, 2023October 5, 2023 Chris Melton

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Georgia are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Georgia’s total market at $2.1 billion, up from $1.9 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Mark Shoda, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Lanier in Georgia. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Lanier to be the largest market in the state of Georgia,” said Shoda. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of August 8, 2023, Lake Lanier has 733 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $15,000 lot to a $5.99 million lake home. “One hundred thirty-eight of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Shoda.

The average home price for listings around Lake Lanier is $929,389, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $675,819 for the 229 lake area lots currently listed.

“Lake Lanier is one of the best boating spots in the country, and it opens the door for plenty of related activities such as waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Shoda. “With 38,000 acres of pristine water, Lake Lanier appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. It remains at the top of Lake Home Realty’s Annual ‘Hot Lakes’ list. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Lanier in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Washington D.C. followed by New York City and Greenville, South Carolina,” said Shoda. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Lanier and the surrounding area,” said Shoda. One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for Lake Homes “Mark offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Lanier areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Mark Shoda

Mark Shoda is your ultimate expert in all matters concerning Lake Lanier. What sets Mark apart isn’t just his extensive experience in real estate, but also his firsthand understanding as a lakefront property owner. He doesn’t just talk the talk about lake life; he truly lives and breathes it.

With his wealth of experience in real estate transactions, Mark can offer invaluable insights on topics ranging from dock permits to property boundaries and more. Furthermore, he’s deeply ingrained in the Lanier community, having been a part of it for five years and cherishing the close bonds he’s formed.

For Mark, being a real estate agent is more than just a job; it’s a source of joy derived from helping others achieve their dreams. Whether you’re an existing homeowner or aspiring to become one, he’s genuinely excited to be a part of your journey and to safeguard your future endeavors.

Beyond his real estate passion, Mark’s heart belongs to his loved ones. He holds his fiancée in the highest regard, considering her the most amazing person he’s ever met, and he treasures the time spent with his parents and future in-laws. When he’s not busy assisting clients, you’ll find Mark indulging in his favorite pastimes, such as playing tennis, fervently supporting his favorite NFL team, or enjoying quality time on the water with his boat or jet ski.

Lake Homes Realty Adds Kim Hoog to Tenkiller Lake Area in Oklahoma

Posted on October 9, 2023October 5, 2023 Chris Melton

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Oklahoma are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Oklahoma’s total market at $786 million, up from $592 million in the summer of 2022,” said Kim Hoog, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Tenkiller Lake to be the ninth largest market in the state of Oklahoma,” said Hoog. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of July 3, 2023, Tenkiller Lake has 118 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $5,000 lot to a $659,000 lake home.

The average home price for listings around Tenkiller Lake is $285,128, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $76,959 for the 76 lake area lots currently listed.

“Boating is extremely popular on Tenkiller Lake, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Hoog. “With almost 13,000 acres of pristine water, it ventures into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tenkiller Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Oklahoma in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Dallas, Texas, followed by Wichita, Kansas, and Chicago,” said Hoog. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Tenkiller Lake and the surrounding area,” said Hoog. One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for Lake Homes “Kim offers outstanding customer service in the Tenkiller Lake areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Kim Hoog

Kim Hoog is currently living her dream by selling properties on the lake where she spent her childhood. A resident of Gore, Oklahoma, for nearly three decades, she proudly calls it her home. Kim is deeply engaged in the community, having raised her children there, and her strong ties and experiences make her a true expert on Tenkiller Lake.

Having previously worked as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, Kim has transitioned her dedication to real estate. With thirty years of living near the lake, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the area. Kim wholeheartedly believes that Tenkiller Lake is one of Oklahoma’s most pristine gems, and she eagerly anticipates every opportunity to showcase its beauty.

“My number one passion is helping others, which is initially what attracted me the most to real estate,” Kim says. “I enjoy the relationships I get to cultivate with my clients. I love meeting new people and helping them along their journey to finding a new home.”

Whiteboard Topics: Selling a Lake Home Requires Broader Marketing

Posted on October 4, 2023October 4, 2023 Chris Melton

If you’re thinking of selling your lake home, you’ll have to broaden your marketing. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, gives reasons to market to a broader audience.

Out-of-State Buyers: Agents who have had the most success selling lake homes are the ones who market to out-of-state buyers. When choosing an agent, consider if they will be able to tell you how many buyers in other states are shopping your lake. With more realistic buyers, you have better opportunities for more return on investment when you sell.
Specific Lake Might Not Matter: While some buyers may be committed to one lake, there are many who look at several lakes in multiple states when buying a lake home. This should affect where you are marketing and how you are pricing houses. You should price competitively for multiple markets, not just your own.
Local Marketing = Limited Marketing: Most buyers come from the web, so you should have a broad market reach. Putting out signs and listing in a local MLS are beneficial to a point, but limit your pool of buyers.
Web Portals Are Crowded: Big web portals that list many types of property are crowded with people looking for all types of houses, not just lake houses. This causes buyers who want to specifically look for lake homes to sift through the other types of property. Listing on a niche website that specializes in lake property puts you ahead of the listings on big web portals.

Agents and sellers must think broadly when selling lake property. Utilizing these strategies, sellers can maximize their return on investment with their lake home. Connect with an agent at lakehomes.com if you’re looking to sell your lake home to a broad market.

Whiteboard Topics: Why Lake Home Real Estate is a Long Game

Posted on September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 Chris Melton

Buying and selling a lake property is nothing like buying a primary residence when it comes to its schedule. People often experience urgency with a primary residence due to events such as moving to a new town for a job. Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why lake real estate is a long game.

Discretionary = Patience: Similar to a high-end restaurant, a lake home is a discretionary property. Buyers aren’t paying for shelter alone, but also a premium for the lifestyle and access to the water. With discretionary property, buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.
Mortgage Rates are NOT a Driver: Unlike other residential property, mortgage rates do not push people in and out of the lake real estate market. Many buyers complete transactions with cash, and buyers can often pay extra for their property.
Dream Homes are Different than Urban/Suburbs: Buyers can afford to wait until their dream home is available on the lake they want. They can also buy property on that lake and build their dream home themselves. Additionally, buyers often wait to see what the market does over time, especially in times of compressed inventory.
New Lake Buyers have a Learning Curve: New lake home buyers often enter the market with minimal knowledge of lake real estate, and need time to learn. Many of them don’t realize that the price of a house increases when it is on lake property. These new buyers need time to understand and adjust their mindset while in the lake homes market.

Don’t be surprised if the buying and selling process is taking a while. Successful lake home agents realize that the lake real estate market is a long game and work to compress it. Connect with an expert lake agent who understands the importance of playing the long game at lakehomes.com.

Whiteboard Topics: What to Ask When Selecting an Agent to Sell Your Lake Home

Posted on August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 Zac Parnell

You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid.

WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…

Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line: you should want to help yourself.

CORRECT Questions to Ask:

Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.

While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Secrets to Success as Lake Home Real Estate Agents

Posted on August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 Kenya Spencer

The work of a Lake Homes real estate agent in the real estate industry presents its own set of obstacles and opportunities. These agents, nestled among the tranquil beauty of lakeside properties, are tasked with not only completing property transactions but also creating a smooth experience for their clients. Lake Homes real estate agents must discover the secrets to success that set them apart from the competition in order to fully flourish in this sector. Understanding the discretionary property sales cycle, developing systems for playing the long game, maintaining a laser focus on lakefront properties, and employing national marketing tactics to attract the right buyers are four essential strategies that can propel these agents to new heights.

1. Understanding the Discretionary Property Sales Cycle: Master the nuanced sales cycle of lakefront properties, aligning with seasonal trends and buyer emotions for effective and smart transactions.

2. Systems to “Play the Long Game”: Develop systems for enduring success, such as cultivating buyer databases, nurturing relationships, and consistent follow-ups.

3. Focused on the Lake: Focus expertise on lakefront living details, regulations, and lifestyle benefits to provide tailored guidance to each individual client.

4. National Marketing to the Right Buyers: Utilize marketing and tailored advertising to capture the attention of potential lakefront property buyers.

Success as a Lake Home real estate agent hinges on a combination of specialized knowledge, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of both the market and potential buyers’ desires and dreams of lake homes. By embracing the secrets, successes, and systems, agents can position themselves as trusted experts and elevate their careers in the competitive world of lake home real estate. This intentionally provides a platform for individuals acting as real estate agents, as well as those taking on the roles of buyers and sellers within any real estate market.

Fresh Catch: Perfect Wine Pairings for Fish & Seafood

Posted on August 11, 2023August 8, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

plates of seafood and fish with glasses of wine overlooking lake at sunset — *Photo courtesy of* *OpenTable*

Whether you prefer freshwater fish caught from your own lake or succulent market seafood, there’s no better complement to your fresh catch than the perfect bottle of wine. Like wine and cheese, there are endless options to choose from when selecting the perfect wine pairings for fish and seafood. So, to help you navigate the sea of wine selections, here’s an easy shortlist to guide you. Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and it’s always adventurous to experiment with different combinations.

Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, & Fumé Blanc

pan-seared scallops with thyme and pink peppercorn served with Chardonnay — *Photo courtesy of* *Kendall-Jackson*

Smoked Trout — *Photo courtesy of* *Kendall-Jackson*

Starting with a summer classic, Chardonnay—along with these other favorite whites—are the go-to wines for a multitude of fish dishes. A fuller-bodied Pinot Gris or Fumé Blanc complements oilier fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, bluefish, grilled fish, and smoked trout. Yet a rich buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with sweet seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, and even raw oysters. Its slightly oaky flavor also balances well with trout, striped bass, and crappie. Chardonnay is known for pairing well with nutty or buttery flavors, and it also tastes delightful with meaty fish like tuna, halibut, and cod. As journalist and Master of Wine Christy Canterbury said in a Kendall-Jackson post, “Chardonnay is the Meryl Streep of white wines . . .a marvelously versatile white grape variety that can play a diverse array of roles very well.”

Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon Blanc

Cod baked in parchment paper served with Pinot Grigio — *Photo courtesy of* *PA Eats*

cornmeal fried catfish with whiskey spiked tartar sauce — *Photo courtesy of* *PA Eats*

Light and dry, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines are characterized by their high acidity, bright citrus aromas, and crisp minerality. These wine styles are the perfect pairings for white, lean fish such as tilapia, cod, snapper, walleye, halibut, and flounder. Because of their acidity, they are especially prized for balancing the fat in fried fish dishes, catfish, striped bass, deep-fried shrimp, fish and chips, and fish tacos. In addition, these refreshing wines taste excellent with seafood salads and most seafood, including sushi, shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab, mussels, clams, and oysters. To learn more about specific fish and wine pairings, visit VinYang.

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, & Zinfandel

Tuna steak with red wine — *Photo courtesy of Getty Via* *Wine Enthusiast*

Pan-seared salmon with corn and pablano salad served with pinot noir — *Photo courtesy of Getty Via* *Wine Enthusiast*

Yes, you can drink red wines with fish, contrary to popular belief. These light reds are an ideal choice if you’re serving meaty, flavorful, and fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, swordfish, monkfish, marlin, bluefish, or mackerel. Fruity and bright, they can even help tone down the fishiness you can sometimes detect with tuna and salmon. Likewise, rich, tomato-based dishes, paella, and Mediterranean-style fare can stand up remarkably well to light and medium-bodied red wines. In addition to hearty fish, these versatile reds can also complement mussels, oysters, lobster, and delicate poached white fish or salmon. For more on pairing red wine with fish, visit Decanter.

Sparkling Wines

Seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, corn on the cob with champagne — *Photo courtesy of* *Summer Shack*

Prawn tempura served with Cava sparkling wine — *Photo courtesy of* *Summer Shack*

You don’t need a special occasion to break out the bubbly. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are perfect on their own but take on an entirely new persona when paired with sweet seafood and shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and prawns. They are also surprisingly delicious with fried foods like tempura seafood and even hearty beer-battered fish. The light and lively fizz of sparkling wines help to balance heavy fried foods and elevate the flavors. Champagne and oysters—another classic pairing—deliver a perfect balance between the crisp and satisfying nature of bubbly with the clean and fresh sea-saltiness of oysters. Pair these effervescent wines with cooked shellfish such as scallops, clams, or mussels for a beautifully balanced taste sensation.

Blush Wines & Rosés

raw oysters on the half shell with rose wine — *Photo courtesy of* *Sonoma Wine Garden*

Bluefin tuna with olive, cucumber, and cilantro relish with blush wine — *Photo courtesy of* *Sonoma Wine Garden*

Highly versatile and universally popular, blush wines and rosés pair exceptionally well with seafood. Their floral and fruity notes, along with their palatable acidity, bring a beautiful balance to succulent shellfish as well as both subtle and rich seafood. These wines are light and refreshing, so there’s no need to worry that they will ever overpower the delectable flavors of your fresh catch. In fact, they do just the opposite, complementing almost every fish flavor, whether briny or sweet. Plus, they make a crisp substitute for more full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay. Their light blush hues bring delightful color to the table, along with the fresh taste of summer.

For a list of exceptional “No-Fail Seafood & Wine Pairings,” visit Southern Living. Cheers to your delicious culinary adventures at the lake this season—bon appétit!

Top Products for Boat Cleaning

Posted on August 8, 2023August 8, 2023 Noah Ryan

a clean sailboat with the name 'LAQUILA — Courtesy of Sailing Magazine

There are a few necessary items to maintain a well-kept boat:

A day on the lake is all sunshine and relaxation, but owning a boat is more than playing in the water. Proper boat ownership includes maintenance to ensure your vessel’s appearance, longevity, and value. Luckily, there are several tools and cleaners on the market to keep your vessel in pristine condition. Whether you need to remove salt, grime, or mildew, these products are sure to help you.

Boat Cleaner

deck brush cleanign wood — Courtesy of Boating Magazine

man on a boat cleaning a boat — Courtesy of Boating Magazine

One of the primary products for boat cleaning is a high-quality boat soap or marine cleaner, like this one from West Marine. These specialized cleaners are designed to effectively remove salt, grime, and other common contaminants found in marine environments. Although formulated to be gentle, this sudsy aid provides thorough cleaning power for exteriors. Boat soaps or marine cleaners are essential for routine maintenance and are typically used for washing the boat’s hull and decks.

Great for both the hull and the floor, this special soap keeps your vessel water ready. But boaters clean a vessel like their teeth — a brush is needed. Most deck brushes feature a multi-bristled head with an extendable body and telescopic handle to reach difficult spots.

Mildew Cleaner

a bottle of Green Sauce by Bling Sauce in front of a boat — Courtesy of Bling Sauce

person cleaning a seat with green sauce mildew killer — Courtesy of Bling Sauce

One struggle boaters everywhere complain about is mildew. Try as they might, boatowners are bound to miss a spot when cleaning, and that is all it takes for mildew to form. Mildew thrives in damp areas, making vessels a prime location. These boat cleaners remove mildew stains and ward off potential popups. Manufacturers designed these products to be safe on various surfaces and fabrics commonly found on boats. Regular use prevents buildup, eliminates odors, and prolongs the lifespan of cushions and similar items.

Bling Sauce is a brand for and by boaters with a mission to imagine, create, and distribute solutions to boating woes. One of their products, Green Sauce, boasts a biodegradable spray to defeat mildew and mold on your vessel. Their formula is safe for color, vinyl, outdoor fabric, carpet, and fiberglass — all without chlorine, bleach, or ammonia!

Bilge Cleaner

water coming out of a boat — Courtesy of Fresh Water Systems

Readers may have noticed that most boat cleaning tools tend to be soapy liquids, but they are not just to improve aesthetic appeal. One example is the bilge, an area within the boat that collects and pumps out water. Bilge water may contain salt, oil, fuel, or other contaminants that corrode metal components, such as pumps, wiring, and other mechanical systems. By keeping the bilge clear and removing any water or substances that could cause corrosion, you help protect the boat’s components and reduce unnecessary damage.

No need for a lengthy trip to the store or ordering online, as one common bilge cleaner is in the kitchen. Known globally for its part in assisting with the BP oil spill, Dawn Dish Soap is safe for bilges too. To use Dawn for bilge cleaning, add a fair amount of soap to a bucket of water, include a splash of bleach, and soak below.

Glass Cleaner

view from the cabin of a boat with a clean window and the ocean — Courtesy of BoatLife

Just like cars, it’s important to keep your window clear of grime and gunk. Among other things, a traditional windshield will protect from dirt, bugs, and wind, but the windshield on a boat faces different challenges. On the water, glass must be able to withstand saltwater, sea spray, and other environmental elements. Many boat glass cleaners have additional properties that make them effective at sea. Water-repellent helps bead water, encouraging it to roll off the glass surface, which can be particularly useful when boating in wet or rainy conditions.

Chemical Guys offers a series of sprays and cleaners catered toward boaters, and their product, Marine and Boat Optical Clean Glass Cleaner, reduces scratching, prevents water spots, and works for both tinted and non-tinted glass. After treatment, salt and minerals will be unable to stick onto and dry on applied surfaces.

With the right tools, you can enjoy your time on the water while keeping your boat looking its best.

Zero-Proof: Refreshing Summer Mocktails

Posted on July 29, 2023July 27, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

Are you looking for a healthy and family-friendly alternative to summer cocktails? Then try a mocktail instead. Not surprisingly, mocktails are becoming a delicious option for people who have nixed alcohol altogether—permanently or for a brief sabbatical, like sober January. However, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to refreshing summer mocktails. These libations look and taste just as appealing as their boozy cocktail cousins. Plus, they easily transition into a cocktail simply by adding your favorite spirit. This is a perfect all-around summertime fav that everyone—even the kids—can enjoy. Sip these refreshing mocktails on hot afternoons at the lake or while boating when you want to stay hydrated in the sun and feel full of energy for watersports. After all, sunset cocktails are right around the corner if you so desire. So, here are some delicious crowd-pleasing concoctions you can whip up at the lake—cheers!

Mango Magic

This vibrant Mango-Kiwi Mocktail combines frozen mango concentrate with kiwi juice, offering a fruity taste sensation as fresh as an island breeze. You can also use freshly blended mango juice if you prefer and slowly pour over ice. Top with kiwi juice, and then add a splash of grenadine that will sink to the center and create beautiful layers. Garnish your refreshing mocktail with a lemon wedge, and sip on a glass of tropical inspiration. Visit Cooking Sense for the ingredients and preparation.

Citrus & Spice

Ginger-Orange Mocktails — *Photo courtesy of Caitlin Bensel Via* *Southern Living*

This spicy citrus Ginger-Orange Mocktail is the perfect option when hosting a family gathering or festive summer celebration. You can make this wonderful concoction beforehand and then serve it in a punch bowl or pitcher over glasses of ice. Combine freshly squeezed orange juice—or Satsuma mandarin juice—with chilled pineapple juice and Angostura bitters. Ensure you have enough oranges to garnish your mocktails with thin slices for an extra kick of citrus flavor. Top each drink with ginger beer for a cold and fizzy thirst quencher. For those who prefer a cocktail, add a shot of vodka or gin. Visit Southern Living for the full recipe. Sip, savor, and enjoy.

Summer In a Glass

Who doesn’t love the taste of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day? For these delicious Watermelon Mocktails, you can use either a blender or a cocktail shaker to muddle the watermelon cubes, fresh mint, and lime juice. The tang of the lime juice balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Strain the mixture into ice-filled glasses and top with sparkling water or kombucha. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Visit The Mindful Mocktail for the full recipe.

Minty Fresh

Mojito Mocktails — *Photo courtesy of* *Eating Well*

A Cuban-Spanish classic, the mighty mojito is always a summer specialty. For your next get-together at the lake, mix up a batch of refreshing Mojito Mocktails. Packed with fresh flavor, this variation combines all the ingredients of a traditional mojito without the alcohol, which you add by the glass for those who prefer rum. Blend fresh lime juice with simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and strips of lime zest. Add ice cubes and sparkling water and divide among four glasses. Garnish with lime slices and mint springs, if desired. You can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd.

Quick Tip: Add your ice cubes and sparkling water just before serving if you don’t want to dilute this fragrant pitcher cocktail. Visit Eating Well for this refreshing recipe.

Flavor Punch

For a punch of zesty summer flavor, this cooling Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch offers a quick pitcher drink you can mix up in just five minutes. All you need is a large pitcher, some cranberry juice cocktail, and one container of frozen lemonade concentrate. Stir until blended, and add club soda or seltzer and ice cubes. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries for an extra fruity kick and a colorful presentation. Visit Woman’s Day for this breezy summer recipe.

Cucumber Cool

For a twist on the classic cocktail, this Virgin Cucumber Gimlet delivers all the cool cache of the original. Simply combine club soda, muddled cucumber, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it up and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a rolled cucumber slice and a refreshing finish. For the recipe, visit Town & Country.

Tiki Treat

Nonalcoholic Pina Coladas — Photo courtesy Matt Armendariz Via Food Network

This classic tiki drink gives you all the frosty goodness of the original without the liquor. To make these Nonalcoholic Piña Coladas, mix coconut milk, cream of coconut, and agave syrup in a blender for about 20 seconds. Then, add pineapple chunks and lime juice and blend for an additional 30-45 seconds. Add ice and even nonalcoholic rum if you like, and blend until creamy and smooth. Divide the mixture between two tall, stemmed glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges. For some extra zest, make your ice cubes from fresh limes or lemons. This Caribbean favorite is yummy-delicious and offers an instant cool-down in the summer heat. Visit Food Network for the full recipe.

If you want to transform these creative libations into cocktails, add your favorite spirits or liqueurs. For more fantastic summer mocktail recipes, visit Food Network. Cheers to a cool summer at the lake!