Let’s Make Mocktails!

If you know Mil at all, you know that she loves capping off a workday with happy hour drinks on a patio. I guess, who doesn’t? Shockingly we haven’t done many happy hours since I’ve been back, mostly because we work in different cities and rush hour traffic is the worst. One happy hour trend I’ve been delighted to see is that more restaurants seem to be adding a mocktail menu. Drinks specifically designed to be delicious without the booze. For someone who thinks booze isn’t particularly delicious, it’s nice to have a few options that feel a little more special than a Diet Coke. Mocktails are also an easy and affordable way to make any meal or afternoon feel special. Here are a few recipes I particularly enjoy:
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I love ginger beer and whoever came up with this combination of ginger and lime is a genius. This recipe simply swaps out the vodka with club soda.

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Hole in the wall Mexican joints almost always offer agua frescas (cool waters in Spanish), which are typically just a blend of fruit with sugar and water. Sometimes they toss in some chia seeds or flowers. This watermelon version brings in a little jalapeño syrup for a more complex flavor.

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Bubbly cocktails always remind me of Mil, probably because of her affinity for mimosas. I’ve enjoyed this non-alcoholic French 75 several times over the past few weeks and it never fails to make me feel just a little bit classier than before I started sipping.

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It’s not summer until you’ve sipped on a fruity tropical drink complete with garnish and an umbrella. This combination of pineapple and orange flavors with mint sounds interesting. I’m hosting book club this Sunday and I’m thinking about mixing up a big pitcher to share.

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Hanging out on our back patio sipping a mocktail and soaking up the sun. Note the spill across the front of my dress. It’s a miracle if I make through a day without spilling something on myself. This is real life, y’all.

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Next time you’re planning a summer barbecue consider adding one of these drinks to the bar menu. While they won’t get you drunk, they will make you and your guests happy!
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XOXO,
Jules