One of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer day is to find a friend or two, a shady spot and enjoy a cool drink.
Mocktails, with their blends of fruits, spices, syrups and tonics, are a fun, tasty and interesting choice.
Chisholm Institute hospitality teacher Avril Switalla says these recipes are perfect to enjoy on your balcony or backyard, or you can even make them ahead and pack them for a picnic or beach day.
“Mocktails are not just for people who don’t drink alcohol, they’re a fantastic option for everyone,” Avril says. “The possibilities of flavours to mix and try are endless, and these recipes are a good starting point.”
So, dig out a shaker and your fanciest glassware, raid your fridge for ingredients and mix up some mocktail magic.
The Hot to Trot
The addition of chilli gives this otherwise sweet and tropical drink a fiery edge.
Glass: Martini, coupe or everyday lowball glass will do.
Ingredients:
White sugar
15ml sugar syrup (made up of 1 part sugar and 1 part water)
1 bird’s eye chilli (seeds removed)
30ml passionfruit pulp
60ml pineapple
Method:
Step 1: Rim a martini glass with sugar. To do so, dip the rim of the glass in sugar syrup and then into some white caster sugar to coat.
Step 2: Muddle (crush) the chilli and sugar syrup in a shaker. If you don’t have a shaker, use the handle of a rolling pin or wooden spoon to crush the ingredients together in a small bowl or glass.
Step 3: Add the passionfruit, pineapple and ice and shake.
Step 4: Strain your drink and serve in the sugar-rimmed glass.
Watermelon Fizz
The sweet watermelon and refreshing mint are the perfect combination in this vibrant concoction.
Glass: Hurricane or any tall glass.
Ingredients:
10 cubes of watermelon
Half a lime cut into quarters
5 large mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Soda
Method:
Step 1: Muddle (crush) the watermelon, lime and mint until you have extracted all the juice.
Step 2: Fill your glass with ice and pour the watermelon mix over the ice.
Step 3: Stir in the sugar syrup before topping up the drink with soda.
Step 4: Garnish with a sprig of mint.
The Pink Panther
This sweet, tangy and creamy combo is like a tropical holiday in a glass.
Glass: Hurricane or any tall glass.
Ingredients:
3 scoops of ice
120ml pineapple juice
120ml coconut cream
15ml passionfruit pulp
3-4 strawberries
Method:
Step 1: Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until ice is a slushy-like consistency.
Step 2: Pour into your glass and garnish with strawberry or pineapple.
This article was first published in January 2020 and has been updated.
