Zero-Proof: Refreshing Summer Mocktails

Photo courtesy of Cooking Sense

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

Mango-Kiwi Mocktail
Photo courtesy of Noel Cunningham via Cooking Sense

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

Watermelon Mocktails
Photo courtesy of The Mindful Mocktail

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

Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch
Photo courtesy of Getty Images Via Woman’s Day

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

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet
Photo courtesy of Town & Country

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!

Sipping Season: The Best Summer Wine Pairings

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Summer is always a reason to celebrate, especially when you’re lucky enough to be at the lake. It’s that blissful time—the sweetest of all seasons—when the world slows down, and we allow ourselves to kick back, relax, and enjoy. So, let’s break out the wine and get this party started!

If you don’t know the difference between a buttery chardonnay and a full-bodied, fruity rosé, we’re here to help. We’ve put together an easy-to-navigate list of our favorite summer wines and the perfect foods to pair them with. Feel free to use our cheat sheet anytime you want to dazzle your guests and show off your wine acumen. Bon appétit!    

Rosé

Photo courtesy of Hospitality Marketplace

Once considered second-rate by the wine world, rosé has made a fantastic comeback over the past few years. A popular choice, especially in summer, rosé boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to wine—embodying some of the best aspects of both red and white all in one bottle. So how is it different from other wines?

It’s all in the winemaking technique. Rosé is made from dark-colored red wine grapes that are macerated with their skins on, which creates its beautiful blush color. The skins are then removed after several hours, followed by the usual fermentation process. Because the skins are removed early on, rosé develops some of the same color and flavor characteristics as red wine, yet without the bitter tannins.

Like red wine, rosés are made from a variety of different grapes and come in a vast selection of styles. This versatile wine takes on a multitude of different flavor personalities as well—from light and dry, to elegant and fruity, to bubbly champagnes and other sparkling options. To demystify all the food-pairing choices, simply look at the color.

As the award-winning food and drink author Jeanette Hurt explains in her post for Wisconsin Cheese, “Light, delicate rosés are generally a subtle pink, while full-bodied rosés have deeper hues of salmon or pink.” So how do we know what to serve with this mind-boggling array of pretty pink wines? Remember this rule: Richer colors complement more intense flavors. Here’s your go-to list of perfect pairings.

Smell the Rosés

  • Sushi, lobster, salmon, tuna, paella, grilled chicken, lamb, duck, barbecue
  • Olives, garlic, anchovies, tapenade, patés, salad Niçoise, light pasta, mildly spicy curry and rice dishes
  • Fresh strawberries, pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, raspberries, blackberries, red plums
  • Brie, fresh mozzarella, chèvre, feta, mascarpone, baby Swiss, Gouda, Gruyère, fontina, Colby, young and aged Cheddar, Havarti, Manchego, Pecorino Romano

Sparkling Rosés and Rosé Champagnes

  • Lighter styles prefer pairings with tapas, citrusy salads, sushi, seafood, and even canapés, cakes, fruit tarts, and muffins
  • Dry sparkling rosés pair well with fatty, fried foods, spicy dishes, and barbecue
  • More robust champagnes can pair with grilled lobster, lamb, or even pheasant and grouse
  • Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
  • Camembert, Brie, chèvre, ricotta, and feta

Chardonnay

Photo courtesy of Wine Enthusiast Magazine

When it comes to white wines, Chardonnay reigns supreme because it pairs beautifully with lots of different foods. Called Chablis in France, Chardonnay comes in a variety of styles depending on where it’s made, its maturity level when you drink it, and whether or not it’s oaked. Served chilled, Chardonnay’s refreshing nature is a summer favorite. Rule of thumb: Pair crisp, unoaked Chardonnays with simple flavors that don’t overpower, and pair oaked Chardonnays with toasty, more robust foods.

Tried-and-True Chardonnay Companions

  • Sashimi, grilled halibut or cod, shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, pan-seared salmon, seared tuna, seasoned poultry or pork, grilled or roasted foods that are caramelized, risotto, pasta, and any mild, buttery, or creamy dish
  • Caesar salad, salad Niçoise, sweet corn, sweet bell peppers, avocados, butternut squash, sweet potatoes
  • Apples, mangoes, peaches, pears, grapes
  • Butterkäse, Asiago, Havarti, parmesan, Gruyère, fontina

Pinot Gris

Photo courtesy of La Crema

Known in Italy as Pinot Grigio, this delightful white wine with notes of citrus and tropical fruit comes in a broad range of styles, from crisp and light, to rich and full-bodied. Hence, its versatility offers a wide range of pairing options. You really can’t go wrong with this one—it gets along with most any food. Same rule of thumb: the richer the wine, the more it stands up to robust flavors.

Pinot Gris Pleasers

  • Sushi, oysters, calamari, grilled scallops, and Chilean sea bass, pan-seared tilapia, grouper, and snapper, grilled or oven-roasted lemon chicken, veal, pork, lamb, barbecue, creamy pasta dishes
  • Artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, roasted vegetables, salads with creamy vinaigrette
  • Apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit
  • Brie, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, Roquefort, Manchego

Pinot Noir

Photo courtesy of Lake Minnetonka Magazine

The highly versatile ruby-red Pinot Noir is one of the few varietals that pairs with both fish and meat. It’s best known for its delightful bright acidity as well as its fruity notes of cranberry, strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry. Oaked styles can reveal rich notes of vanilla, clove, black tea, and tobacco. This all-around pleasant wine is best served slightly chilled at about 55°F—ideal for summer.

Pinot Noir Perfection

  • Poached, grilled, or oven-baked salmon, seared tuna, grilled lobster, herb-roasted pork, ham, lamb, chargrilled steak, roast duck, turkey
  • Root vegetables, grilled asparagus, sundried tomatoes, kale, collard greens, spring peas, summer squash, roasted herbed mushrooms
  • Apples, berries, cherries, figs
  • Brie, goat cheese, medium cheddars, smoked Gouda, Manchego, Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, Camembert, Taleggio

Prosecco

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

This crisp and fruity bubbly from the Veneto region of Italy is undoubtedly a summertime staple. Just a bit sweeter than other sparkling wines, Prosecco is best served with party-style fair—think finger foods and canapés.  

Pop the Cork!

  • Sushi, seafood, smoked salmon, prosciutto and other cured meats, chicken, turkey, Asian dishes (Thai noodles), quiche, frittatas
  • White asparagus, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, avocados, stuffed mushrooms, fruit salads
  • Mango, passion fruit, raspberries, pomegranate, sorbets, fruit tarts
  • Camembert, Brie, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, ricotta, goat cheese, parmesan, Emmentaler

If you want to discover other classic food and wine pairings at a glance, check out this helpful guide. Now let’s raise a glass—cheers!  

Summer Sips and Spirits – Tasty Lake-Inspired Cocktails

Article co-written by LakeHomes.com intern Sam Harvey

Get your sweet summer sip on with these fun and fruity lake-inspired cocktails!

Summer Sangria with Watermelon and Pineapple

This simple, delicious summer sangria is crisp and refreshing, exactly what you need after a relaxing day of sunbathing by the lake. (Serves 4-6.)

Photo Courtesy of What the Fork Food Blog

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of Moscato (750 ml)
  • 1 cup brandy
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh watermelon cubes, chilled
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple cubes, chilled
  • Lemon Lime soda, for serving

 Directions:

Prepare your sangria by first combining the wine and brandy in a large pitcher, and stir.

Next add the majority of the lime wheels, watermelon cubes, and fresh pineapple.

Place the remaining fruit pieces in the bottoms of your guests’ drinking glasses, and fill with ice.

Pour your finished sangria over ice, and top with lemon-lime soda for a little extra pop.

Serve!

Courtesy of: What the Fork

Mermaid Lemonade

Mermaids may be the stuff of tall tales, but this lovely, thirst-quenching lemonade definitely measures up to the myths. (Serves 4.)

Photo Courtesy of Ethan Calabrese

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup blue curacao
  • 1 cup white rum
  • Lemonade
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • Maraschino cherries, for garnish

 Directions:

For a fun drink that is as visually refreshing as it is delicious, first fill each of your glasses halfway with ice, then pour in a splash of blue curacao. 

Add 1/4 cup of rum, then top with more ice. 

Add lemonade, then garnish with a lemon slice and two cherries.

Courtesy of: delish.com

Grilled Peach Whiskey Smash

A southern-inspired indulgence, this fancy treat is sure to impress your guests this lake season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small peach (or ½ of a large peach), pitted and quartered
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 fresh basil leaves (or 4 fresh mint leaves)
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3 oz club soda, chilled

Directions:

For a warm, smoky flavor, place the peach and lemon slices on the grill and cook, covered, until golden brown, turning once. 

Combine the peaches and lemons, basil (or mint) and honey in a cocktail shaker. 

Muddle — crush and stir– the fruits and herbs to release their juices and aromas. 

Pour the bourbon and mixture over ice, cover and shake for 10 to 20 seconds. 

Strain your cocktail over a fresh glass of ice, and top with club soda before serving.  

Courtesy of: Better Homes & Gardens

Meyer Lemon Shandy

Pucker up for this summer classic combination. (Serves 4.)

Photo Courtesy of Lori Yates Photography

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 3 Meyer lemons, juiced
  • 4 12-oz bottles of wheat beer

Directions:

Begin by bringing the sugar and the ½-cup of water to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until dissolved. 

Let the mixture cool, then transfer the sugar-water to a pitcher and place in the refrigerator to chill into a syrup.

Combine this chilled syrup with fresh lemon juice, and add 2 cups of water. 

Stir lemonade into one bottle of beer in a chilled pint glass. 

Courtesy of: Foxes Love Lemons

For more taste bud-approved sips and spirits, check out these “5 Delicious Cocktails to Enjoy All Summer Long.”

5 Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipes

What is a summer get together with no cocktails? There are many different types of cocktails, but here are five of the tastiest summer cocktails that are sure to please any guest!

MojitoMojito Perfecto

Ingredients:

  • 6 Leave of Mint
  • 4 tsp. of White Sugar
  • 1 Lime – Cut to 6 Wedges
  • 2 -1.5 Ounce Jiggers – Lemon Flavored Rum
  • 1 Cup of Ice Cubes
  • ½ Cup of Carbonated Water

Directions:

Put 3 of the mint leaves and 2 teaspoons of sugar in glasses.

Stir them vigorously.

Crushing the mint with the spoon, add 3 lime wedges into each glass.

Stir vigorously.

Pour 1 jigger of the rum into each of the glasses.

Fill the glasses with ice, and then top it with carbonated water.

Courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Lemon Drop

Ingredients:

  • 4 Ounces of Lemon Juice
  • 2 Ounces of Vodka
  • 1 tsp. of White Sugar
  • Crushed Ice
  • 1 Sliced Lemon
  • 4 Fresh Mint Sprigs

Directions:

In a mixing glass, combine vodka, lemon juice and the sugar.

Stir it, and then pour it into glasses that are filled with ice.

Garnish the glasses with the slices of lemon and a sprig of mint.

Daiquiri Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ Ounces of Light Rum
  • 1 Tbsp. of Triple Sec
  • 1 ½ Ounces of Lime Juice
  • 1 tsp. of White Sugar
  • 1 Cup of Crushed Ice
  • 1 Maraschino Cherry

Directions:

Combine the rum, lime juice, triple sec and the ice in a food processor or blender.

Add in 1 cup of ice; blend it until it’s smooth.

Pour it in the Champagne flute.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Bikini Martini 

Ingredients:

  • 1 Ounce of Coconut Rum
  • ¾ Ounce of Vodka
  • 1 Ounce of Pineapple Juice
  • 1Dash of Grenadine Syrup

Directions:

Combine the vodka, rum and pineapple juice in a shaker.

Shake it until it is frothy.

Pour it into a martini glass.

Add in a touch of the grenadine to the middle.

Garnish it with an orange wheel.

Courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Easy Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups of Bloddy Mary Mix
  • 1 Tbsp. of Horseradish
  • 1 tsp. of Fresh Dill
  • 1 tsp. of Pepper Sauce – Franks Redhot
  • 2 Tbsp. of Dill Pickle Juice
  • ½ Cup of Salt
  • 1 tsp. of Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp. of Celery Seed
  • 1 Lime – Juiced
  • 6 – 1.5 Ounce Jiggers of Vodka
  • 6 Dill Pickle Spears
  • 1 Lime – Cut to Wedges

Directions:

In a pitcher stir in the Bloody Mary mix, dill, horseradish, hot sauce and the dill pickle juice. Taste and adjust your seasoning to your liking.

In a shallow type dish, stir in the salt, celery seed and pepper.

Pour in the lime juice into a saucer. Dip each glass in it.

Fill each of the glasses with ice and pour in one shot of the vodka.

Fill it with the Bloody Mary mix and then garnish it with a wedge of the lime and a pickle.