Summer Seasonal Mocktails

Summer is the season of sunshine, long days, and social gatherings. Whether it’s barbecues, pool parties, or beach days, it seems everywhere you turn, someone is raising a glass of wine or a fruity cocktail. It’s enough to test anyone on a sober journey.

“Being sober is 90 percent emotional sobriety, so seeing everyone else having fun and drinking is challenging,” said Veronica Valli, a psychotherapist and recovery coach hosting an upcoming sober retreat in June. “An easy way to feel less isolated and more a part of the party is with festive mocktails.”

Why Choose Mocktails?

Mocktails aren’t just alcohol-free alternatives; they’re an intentional celebration of wellness, mindfulness, and self-care. With vibrant seasonal fruits at your fingertips, you can craft drinks that are as beautiful and satisfying as any cocktail.

Whether you’re on your own sober journey, or hosting guests who are, mocktails create a welcoming environment for everyone to sip and savor without pressure.

Mocktail Essentials

Stocking your Mocktail pantry or reading a mocktail bar for a party requires that you have certain supplies on hand including:

• Sparkling water/club soda
• Various fruit juices and flavored syrups
• Lemon and lime juice (fresh is best)
• Simple syrup or agave nectar
• Ice (plenty of it)
• Fresh herbs and fruit
• Cocktail Shaker and jigger for measuring
• Muddler

Tips for Hosting with Mocktails

• Consider creating a signature mocktail for your event ora DIY mocktail bar with fruit, herbs, and mixers so guests can customize their own drinks.
• Use the same glassware you would for standard cocktails
• Offer infused water and herbal iced teas alongside your mocktails.

Refreshing Summer Mocktail Recipes

🍉 Watermelon Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• Sparkling water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon until smooth.
2. Strain the juice into a shaker.
3. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and honey in a glass.
4. Add ice and watermelon juice.
5. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.

🍋 Citrus Basil Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, juiced
• 1/2 grapefruit, juiced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 4 basil leaves
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Shake citrus juices with torn basil leaves and ice.
2. Strain into a tall glass with ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a basil leaf and citrus slice.

🍓Berry Lavender Fizz

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 cup water
• Sparkling water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Simmer berries, lavender, honey, and water for 5 minutes.
2. Strain and chill the syrup.
3. Pour syrup over ice and top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with a few whole berries and a sprig of lavender.

Cheers to Summer

Mocktails empower you to enjoy every sunny celebration with clarity and intention. With the bounty of summer’s fruits and herbs, there’s no limit to the creativity you can bring to your glass. So raise a glass to health, happiness, and a vibrant, sober summer—one refreshing sip at a time.

If you’re seeking help on your sober journey and a community of like-minded women to support you in it, join Veronica on her sober retreat June 6-9, 2025, at Montevalle Resort & Spa in Baja, Mexico.