It’s summer, which means it’s time to lounge in your backyard, hang out for BBQs, or just find a cozy spot to chill in your air-conditioned living room. The point is… you want to relax, but you also want a great summer drink. You might think you have to jump through hoops or get a degree in mixology to make a good one, but you’d be mistaken!

We put together a list of 3-ingredient summer mocktails that anyone can make! They’re super easy recipes for when you’re looking to enjoy a delicious drink without all the fuss. Whether you’re looking for tangy citrus flavors or tropical tastes, these non-alcoholic cocktails are a good choice for nearly any occasion. They’re also to easy make into proper cocktails with the addition of a little gin or vodka, if you so choose. 

Mocktails are all about simplicity, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a variety of virgin drinks to suit anyone’s tastes. Plus, they’re a fun way to stay hydrated and healthy in the summer heat. So grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s jump in to some amazing non-alcoholic drinks, shall we?

Why Mocktails Are Great for the Summer

Mocktails aren’t the first thing we think of when it comes to summer refreshment. Perhaps because they’re often shadowed by their alcoholic counterparts. But when the sun is blazing, alcohol’s diuretic qualities can accelerate dehydration. It can also lower the amount of vasopressin in your body, which is an antidiuretic hormone that helps your body to retain water. So when you need a truly thirst-quenching (but still fun) drink, mocktails are the way to go.

Not only are mocktails hydrating but many of their ingredients, from lemon juice to pineapple juice, offer an array of nutrients, vitamins, and electrolytes to supplement your body with what it needs to make it through the summer. Plus, most of these simple ingredients can be found at your local supermarket.

One of our favorite aspects about mocktails is their adaptability. There are so many different ways to achieve the perfect mocktail. Looking for spicy flavors or prefer something bubbly? There’s a mocktail for you! Try adding in some ginger beer or ginger ale for a kick, or tonic water and a lime wedge for that classic touch. Enjoy experimenting? Go wild with coconut milk, maple syrup, or even a splash of grapefruit juice… whatever your taste buds are drawn to! What’s even better is that they’re a great way to enjoy any time of year, from dry January to the holidays.

Here are some of our favorite 3-ingredient summer mocktails.

Pineapple Fresca Mocktail by Morgan of Spirited and Then Some

Morgan’s Pineapple Fresca Mocktail is gluten-free and vegan, so it makes for a very inclusive drink that’s perfect for parties. This sweet and citrusy drink is also super easy to make. AND, it’s topped with frozen fruit, so it stays chilled without getting watered down. Trust us, this one is bound to become one of your favorite mocktail recipes.

Ingredients:

• Fresca
• pineapple juice
• frozen fruit (pineapple chunks or raspberries work well for this recipe)

For the full recipe, head over to Spirited and Then Some.

Limoncello Rose Mocktail by Carolyn of The Social Sipper

The Limoncello Rose Mocktail is light, crisp, and refreshing, which makes it all the more perfect for a warm summer day. It only takes a minute to make and (BONUS), it’s also Insta-worthy, so snap a pic before sipping. Love a delicate floral touch? This unique and easy mocktail recipe is for you.

Ingredients:

• LaCroix LimonCello
• lemonade
• rosewater
• garnish: lemon slice, edible flowers, and dried rose petals

Check out the full recipe on The Social Sipper.

Blood Orange Mocktail by Tahemeem of Blissful Bites By Tay

Tahemeem’s Blood Orange Mocktail is an antioxidant-packed summer drink that’s not only easy, but incredibly delicious. You’ll also discover that it’s perfect for any time of day and is kid-friendly too! Packed with vitamin C and anthocyanin, a cancer-fighting antioxidant, this is an adaptable drink, so be sure to play around with the flavors by adding in some crushed berries or fresh mint leaves for a fun twist.

Ingredients:

• blood oranges
• sugar/agave syrup
• lemon/lime sparkling water (half lemon juice, half sparkling water)

For the complete recipe, visit Blissful Bites By Tay.

Piña Colada Mocktail by Nat of The Mindful Mocktail

Nat’s Piña Colada Mocktail is an incredible blend-and-serve drink that requires no prep work. It’s so easy, almost anyone can whip this up. It’s smooth, creamy, bursting with tropical flavors, and great in a pinch or when you have some unexpected guests stop by. 

Ingredients:

• frozen pineapple chunks
• coconut cream
• pineapple juice

Get the full recipe and customization options at The Mindful Mocktail.

Delicious Tropical Mocktail by Erica of Eating With Erica

This Tropical Mocktail by Erica equal parts sweet and fizzy and it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. It’s an easy recipe that is wildly customizable. Add in some cranberry juice for a tart twist and be sure to garnish with strawberries, rosemary, and lemon for an extra flair.

Ingredients:

• cranberry sparkling water
• tropical fruit juice
• crushed ice
• garnish: strawberries, rosemary, and lemon

Check out the full recipe on Eating With Erica.

Time to Mock it Up!

There you go! We hope you enjoyed these five fabulous 3-ingredient summer mocktails. We’re fairly certain these will soon become some of your favorite mocktails.

Which ones are you excited to try? The creamy virgin piña colada? The tangy blood orange mocktail? What will you add to it? Perhaps a sprig of mint, cinnamon stick, or some fresh basil leaves for garnish? Are you looking forward to enjoying these just during the warm summer days, or all year round? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing all about your summer plans!