As temperatures heat up there is nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink. While many of us reach for a cold cocktail or beer, the good news is that you can have the feeling of enjoying a cold one without the alcohol. While alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, our recommendation is simply to skip it, if possible. Read more about the negative effects of alcohol on the body.
Not only are our recipes below doctor-approved, but they are kid-approved meaning your whole family can enjoy a fun cool drink together. Also, the recipes below are super simple to make, and your kiddos may have a good time helping to prepare these tasty beverages.
Doctor-Approved Mocktails
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Blend the watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth.
- Strain the watermelon juice to remove any pulp.
- In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, and torn mint leaves. Stir well.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve chilled.
Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups sparkling water
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Lemon slices for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the blueberries until smooth.
- Strain the blueberry puree to remove any seeds.
- In a pitcher, combine the blueberry puree, lemon juice, sparkling water, and sweetener. Stir well to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the blueberry lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve chilled.
Virgin Mojito
Ingredients:
1 lime, cut into wedges
10 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1 cup club soda
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a glass, muddle together lime wedges, mint leaves, and sugar until the lime juice is released and the mint leaves are bruised.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour club soda into the glass and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
- Serve chilled.
Tropical Paradise Punch
Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup (optional, for added sweetness and color)
Pineapple slices and cherries for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, coconut water, and grenadine syrup (if using). Stir well.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tropical punch over the ice.
- Garnish with pineapple slices and cherries.
- Serve chilled.
Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
Sparkling water
Mint leaves for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, blend the strawberries, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
- Strain the mixture to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry mixture halfway.
- Top it off with sparkling water.
- Garnish with mint leaves and a strawberry slice.
- Serve chilled.
Pineapple Coconut Mocktail
Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup coconut water
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey
Pineapple slices or wedges for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake well to mix.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the pineapple coconut mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with pineapple slices or wedges.
- Serve chilled.