Nonalcoholic drinks are having a moment, with sales surging and alcohol-free menus popping up. Bold in flavor and striking in presentation, mocktails often blend real fruit, fresh herbs and a fizzy finish for maximum refreshment. The vacation-worthy mocktails you’ll want on repeat all summer are redefining what a seasonal sip can be, and they’re here for the hot days, backyard hangs and evening toasts.
There’s no room for artificial syrups or shortcuts; just clean, simple ingredients that do more than hydrate. Here are flavorful drinks built to make you feel like you’re on vacation with every sip.
Why mocktails are more than a moment
Vacation-worthy mocktails are part of a broader shift in how people drink and why, blending everyday refreshment with a sense of occasion. The United States no-alcohol market is forecast to grow by 18% in volume, at a compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2028. While this marks a slight deceleration compared to the rapid surge of recent years, the trend is still strong, as consumer interest in alcohol-free options among younger demographics and wellness-focused shoppers continues to rise.
Millennials are the driving force behind the growth of the no-alcohol category. As of April 2024, they make up 61% of all no-alcohol beverage consumers, which is nearly triple the share of Gen X at 22%, and well ahead of legal-aged Gen Z, who currently account for just 7%.
This generational shift is redefining what summer sipping looks like. Vacation-worthy mocktails, such as the lavender mocktail, are meeting a growing demand for drinks that are stylish, satisfying and alcohol-free. With younger consumers embracing moderation and mindful indulgence, the season belongs to bold, fruit-forward drinks made for repeat pours and warm-weather rituals.
Mocktails worth repeating all summer
Looking for mocktails that are refreshing and built for long afternoons, second pours and casual gatherings? These bring a mix of bold flavor and no-fuss prep, so they slide easily into your summer rhythm. Here’s your go-to lineup when the forecast calls for sun and the vibe is low-key but elevated.
Cucumber mint cooler
Like a spa day in a glass, cucumber mint cooler is as easy as it sounds. Thin slices of fresh cucumber and a generous handful of mint get muddled together until fragrant. Add crushed ice, a splash of lime juice and top it off with soda water for a thirst-quencher that cuts through hot afternoons. It’s light, crisp and endlessly customizable; you can even swap in sparkling cucumber water if you want an extra flavor boost. Go cool on cool and serve it with tzatziki and pita.
Tropical ginger fizz
If you like your drinks with personality, this one’s got it. Pineapple juice brings the sweet, coconut water adds body and freshly grated ginger turns up the volume with a little spice. Top with sparkling water to give it a bright, bubbly finish, then add a lime wedge or two for balance. It’s perfect for the next BBQ season or anytime you want your drink to have some bite.
Strawberry basil smash
Strawberries when paired with fresh basil, take on a savory depth that makes this drink anything but ordinary. Muddle ripe strawberries with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon. Strain the mixture into a glass, then top with tonic water for a grown-up fizz that doesn’t feel like juice. Serve it in a short glass over ice, and serve it with your favorite grilled chicken dish.
Watermelon lime spritz
Blend fresh watermelon chunks and strain them into juice. Mix the juice with sharp lime and top with cold club soda. It’s naturally sweet and deeply hydrating, making it ideal for hot days when you want something light but flavorful. Garnish with a thin slice of jalapeno or a few mint leaves for extra dimension. The watermelon lime spritz is a crowd-pleaser and one of the easiest drinks to scale up for gatherings.
Peach green tea refresher
Peaches are an easy match for brewed green tea. Stir fresh peach puree with chilled green tea, or mash a few soft peaches if you’re going for rustic, then add a small drizzle of honey. Pour it over ice and sip slowly, and you get a mellow, earthy drink that can pair well with a good book and a quiet afternoon.
Blueberry thyme cooler
Offering a rich color and gentle sweetness, blueberries blend beautifully with thyme’s earthy bite. Muddle a small handful of berries with a sprig of thyme, add lemon juice, then top with soda water. The result is fresh, fizzy and ideal for laid-back afternoons or early evening sips.
Grapefruit rosemary fizz
Bringing a tart, clean edge, grapefruit juice pairs well with the piney note of rosemary. Shake with honey syrup and ice, strain, then finish with sparkling water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig to amplify the aroma, making this one crisp, grown-up and great as an aperitif.
Pour, repeat, enjoy
Mocktails are setting the tone for how people drink during summer. Driven by a shift toward wellness, moderation and real flavor, these drinks appear on menus, in coolers and across social feeds. With minimal prep and bold ingredients, they offer a modern answer to the question of what summer refreshment should look like.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., a unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites, and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.