By A. Geri
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing beverages, and what better way to stay cool and healthy than with delicious organic mocktails? Here are four easy-to-make recipes that will delight your taste buds and keep you hydrated all season long.
1. Cucumber Mint Cooler
Ingredients:
- 1 large organic cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh organic mint leaves
- 1 organic lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons organic honey or agave syrup
- 4 cups sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime juice, and honey.
- Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove pulp.
- Add sparkling water and stir gently.
- Serve over ice, garnished with additional cucumber and lime slices,uswell as some mint leaves.
Tips: This drink is incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot days. For an extra twist, add a few slices of organic jalapeño for a hint of spice.
2. Berry Basil Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup fresh organic basil leaves
- 1 organic lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Muddle the berries and basil leaves in a large bowl until they release their juices.
- Strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add lemon juice, maple syrup, and cold water. Stir well.
- Serve over ice, garnished with whole berries and basil leaves.
Tips: This mocktail is packed with antioxidants and vitamins from the berries, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
3. Tropical Coconut Lime Fizz
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic coconut water
- 1/2 cup organic pineapple juice
- 1 organic lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon organic agave syrup
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges and pineapple slices for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine coconut water, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Stir well to mix.
- Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain the fizz.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lime wedges and pineapple slices.
Tips: For a more exotic flavor, add a splash of organic mango juice or a few fresh mint leaves.
4. Lavender Lemon Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 cups brewed organic black tea, cooled
- 1/4 cup organic dried lavender flowers
- 1/2 cup organic lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons organic honey
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Steep dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then strain.
- In a pitcher, combine brewed tea, lavender infusion, lemon juice, and honey. Stir until honey is dissolved.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.
Tips: This floral twist on traditional iced tea is both soothing and refreshing, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Enjoy these organic mocktails at your next summer gathering, and feel good about serving healthy, natural beverages that everyone will love!