As the warm summer weather approaches, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool, fruity, and flavorful drink to brighten your day. We all love a scrumptious cocktail, but for those who want to keep it high-protein and non-alcoholic to focus on a healthier summer, these mocktails are a great option! Let’s explore some tasty high-protein mocktails that won’t wreak havoc on your summer health goals, and provide you tips for crafting the perfect guilt-free and delectable drinks.
What are Mocktails?
Mocktails are alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails or original non-alcoholic drink concoctions. These refreshing beverages are a creative way to combine various fruits, herbs, and flavors that not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide health benefits.
Tips for Creating Healthy and Delicious Mocktails
Here are some tips to make your summer mocktails both healthy and scrumptious:
- Use Fresh and Seasonal Fruits: Take advantage of the wide variety of fruits available in the summer months. Fresh and seasonal fruits tend to taste better, and they’re loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Opt for Natural Sweeteners: Instead of adding sugar or artificial sweeteners, consider using natural alternatives, such as honey, agave nectar, or even the natural sweetness of fruits.
- Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Add a dash of flavor and health benefits by incorporating herbs and spices like mint, basil, ginger, and cinnamon in your mocktail creations.
- Choose Low-Calorie Mixers: Replace sugary sodas or juices with low-calorie options like sparkling water, club soda, or freshly squeezed citrus juice.
- Stay Hydrated: Remember to balance out your delicious mocktails with plenty of water to stay on track with hydration goals.
High-Protein Mocktail Recipes to Inspire You
Here are some functional and delicious high-protein mocktail recipes to sip all summer long:
Pineapple Basil Splash
- 2 cups fresh pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- Pineapple Orange Fruit Drink Mix, prepared according to package directions
- 1 cup club soda
Muddle the basil leaves in a pitcher. Add pineapple juice, lime juice, prepared Fruit Drink Mix and mix well. Fill your glass with ice and pour the mixture over it. Top off with club soda and garnish with a basil leaf.
Strawberry Ginger Lemonade
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Lemonade Fruit Drink Mix, prepared according to package directions
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cups sparkling water
Blend strawberries, lemon juice, and ginger until smooth. Pour the strawberry mixture and prepared Lemonade Fruit Drink Mix into a glass filled with ice and top it off with sparkling water. Garnish with a strawberry or lemon slice!
No matter which mocktail recipe you choose, following these tips will keep you on track with your summer health goals while still indulging in some delightful refreshments. Here’s to a refreshing summer filled with good health and great times!
Berry Watermelon Mint Cooler
- 2 cups of cubed seedless watermelon
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Wild Berry Fruit Drink Mix
Blend watermelon cubes, mint leaves, honey, Wild Berry Fruit Drink Mix and lime juice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice, and top it off with sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint!
Lemon Razzy Summer Spritzer
Steep the herbal tea by pouring hot water over the tea bags, into a heat safe container like a glass measuring cup or a mason jar. Steep tea for 3-5 minutes. Remove bags and set aside to cool.
*NOTE: You might have better results with step two if you mix the fruit drink powder into the hot tea. In which case, add more water or club soda to reach desired flavor potency.
Mix the fruit drink by adding 2 packets of fruit drink mix to a large mason jar or blender. Add water, cap the container, and shake vigorously or blend until dissolved.
Assemble the spritzer by pouring the tea and the fruit drink in equal parts over a glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for added health benefits!
Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to two days.
Other Flavors of the Sparkling Summer Spritzer
Same recipe, different fruit drink mix and tea combinations for endless summer-sipping!