9 cocktails and mocktails that are perfect for sunshine

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These 9 cocktail recipes offer a unique blend of flavors that mocktails just can’t replicate. Each drink is crafted with the perfect mix of ingredients, creating a distinct taste you can only get from a true cocktail. From refreshing to bold, there’s a recipe here that suits any occasion and mood.

Two virgin moscow mules garnished with lime on a gold platter.
Virgin Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Two champagne pomegranate cocktails in coupe glasses on a dark blue background scattered with pomegranate seeds.
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail is a refreshing blend of bubbly champagne and pomegranate juice. Orange liqueur adds a sweet citrus note, balancing the tartness perfectly. This sparkling drink is made in just 5 minutes and tastes like a sophisticated celebration. No mocktail can replace this zesty, bubbly delight.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

A mint julep in a silver mint julep cup with sprigs of mint and a decanter of bourbon and other ingredients in the background.
Classic Mint Julep Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Classic Mint Julep Cocktail is a Southern staple, combining bourbon, fresh mint, and sugar. It’s sweet yet strong, with herbal notes from the mint that complement the bourbon’s warmth. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for sipping on warm days. No mocktail can quite capture its spirit like this Kentucky Derby classic.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Two empress 1908 gin sours next to a bottle of purple gin.
Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail blends vibrant gin with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for a smooth finish. The gin’s botanical flavors mingle with the tangy citrus, creating a well-balanced drink in just 10 minutes. Its striking purple hue adds visual appeal. This cocktail’s unique flavor is simply irreplaceable as a mocktail.
Get the Recipe: Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Fre Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Two sparkling drinks garnished with mint, surrounded by pink and yellow roses, with a bottle of fre brut in the background.
Fre Raspberry Bellini Mocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Fre Raspberry Bellini Mocktail combines sparkling wine with raspberry puree and peach nectar. This non-alcoholic drink delivers a bright, fruity flavor that’s sweet and slightly tart. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s a delightful option for those looking for a sophisticated beverage without alcohol. Still, the original Bellini’s effervescence is unmatched by any mocktail.
Get the Recipe: Fre Raspberry Bellini Mocktail

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Two cadillac margaritas in front of a bowl of citrus fruit.
Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita is a luxurious mix of premium tequila, Grand Marnier, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The orange liqueur enhances the lime’s tartness, and a touch of agave syrup adds sweetness. Taking just 5 minutes to prepare, it’s a perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, and tangy drink. There’s simply no mocktail that can replicate its layered complexity.
Get the Recipe: Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Bar

A mint julep in a silver mint julep cup with sprigs of mint and a decanter of bourbon and other ingredients in the background.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Bar. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Bar is all about customization, featuring bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint. With each drink ready in just 5 minutes, guests can create their ideal balance of flavors. The bourbon’s rich warmth pairs beautifully with the cooling mint. Any mocktail version would fall short of the bourbon’s distinct character.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Bar

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Raspberry mojito cocktails with a mojito party pitcher.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Raspberry Mojito Cocktail is a refreshing mix of white rum, raspberries, mint, and lime juice. Sweet yet tangy, the fruitiness of the raspberries perfectly complements the mint’s herbal notes. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s a light and effervescent drink that’s perfect for summer. No mocktail can replicate its bold burst of fruity freshness.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Virgin Moscow Mule

Two virgin moscow mules garnished with lime on a gold platter.
Virgin Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Virgin Moscow Mule is a zesty blend of ginger beer, lime juice, and club soda. It’s got the same spicy kick as the original, with a bright citrus twist that’s tangy and refreshing. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for those seeking a non-alcoholic option. However, the cocktail version offers a complexity that’s simply unparalleled by a mocktail.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Moscow Mule

Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail

rum tamarind cocktail with bottles of booze behind.
Colombian rum tamarind cocktail. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail mixes tamarind paste with tequila, lime juice, and chili for a bold flavor. The earthy sweetness of tamarind balances with the heat from the chili, creating a distinctive taste. This drink is made in 5 minutes and is refreshingly tangy with a kick. It’s an adventurous cocktail that no mocktail can replace.
Get the Recipe: Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail

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