Healthy summer cocktail ideas
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
Spending a hot summer night on the patio with a few drinks? Skip extra calories and cut sugar with these healthy summer cocktail (and mocktail) ideas
Apple Cranberry Sangria
To make this apple cranberry sangria recipe truly local, make sure to adapt the ingredients depending on what is available in your area. Perfect for a leisurely summer weekend, you can pick up a few ingredients with a morning trip to the farmers’ market and and relax in the evening with this homemade, refreshing drink.
Get the recipe: Apple Cranberry Sangria
La Belle Capsicum
Red bell pepper and herb liqueur add a unique touch to this Scotch-and-whisky cocktail that’s fit for the boys.
Get the recipe: La Belle Capsicum
Cherry Red Eye Mojito
This drink is an eye-catching twist on the classic mojito, perfect for cocktail hour or special occasion entertaining. It’s also heart-healthy, thanks to its use of antioxidant-rich cherry juice.
Get the recipe: Cherry Red Eye Mojito
Mango, Peach and Apricot Fizz
A luscious combination of fruit puréed together with fizzy ginger ale, or with tonic, bitter lemon or sparkling mineral water, makes a wonderfully refreshing breakfast drink. Choose perfectly ripe fruit for the smoothest low-calorie drink and add a splash of your favourite mix (a flavoured vodka, perhaps?) for evening cocktails by the pool.
Get the recipe: Mango, Peach and Apricot Fizz
Red Alert Mocktail
This drink is a blend of lip-smacking cherry juice with another trendy ingredient, coconut water, which is gaining popularity as a cooking ingredient and sports drink (for its high potassium and mineral content). This blend is great for cooling off after a workout or as a delicious, party-worthy mocktail.
Get the recipe: Red Alert Mocktail
Elixir de Vie
Earl Grey tea adds depth to this fruity virgin cocktail of apple juice, blackberries and raspberries.
Get the recipe: Elixir de Vie
Moroccan Sunshine
Mix up a pitcher of this fruity virgin cocktail to refresh the whole family on a summer afternoon. (And if you top some glasses off with a shot of vodka, we won’t tell.)
Get the recipe: Moroccan Sunshine
The Okarito
This alcoholic cocktail balances the tart flavour of kiwifruit, lime and rhubarb with the sweetness of apple juice and a vanilla simple syrup.
Get the recipe: The Okarito
Il Pompelmo
Fresh pink grapefruit juice is muddled with thyme and shaken with whisky, grappa and other ingredients to make a gorgeous antioxidant-rich cocktail.
Get the recipe: Il Pompelmo
Basil and Grape Rum Cocktail
While this particular cocktail was made with basil and grapes, you can easily substitute any fruit combination to suit your personal tastes. A great choice for the diet-conscious, this refreshing summer drinks clocks in at under 100 calories. Cheers!
Get the recipe: Basil and Grape Rum Cocktail
Sparkling Red Cherry Punch
Sweeten your summer barbecues and parties with this festive punch made of cherry juice, orange juice and your favourite sparkling wine or champagne. Use sparkling water to make it alcohol free.
Get the recipe: Sparkling Red Cherry Punch
Grapes of Life
This virgin cocktail is packed with antioxidants thanks to the Concord grapes and blueberries. Try freezing extra grapes to use as an icy garnish.
Get the recipe: Grapes of Life
Don’t forget dessert!
Looking for the perfect dessert to accompany your cocktail? Pick up a copy of Desserts, available now in the Best Health Store. From brownies and tiny tea cakes to tortes and delicate pastries, you’ll satisfy the sweet cravings of your family and friends every time with this wonderful treat. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll whip up yummy time-tested classics from cheesecakes, crisps, and strudels to more exotic delights such as mousses, madeleines, and sorbets.
Related:
• 20 healthy grilling recipes
• 5 must-use summer cooking ingredients
• 10 ways to enjoy fresh strawberries
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