Whilst preparing for the next heatwave of the Summer to hit us… Lets talk cocktails! And why not share out very best, amazingly refreshing non alcohol drinks. Let’s do mint picking, ice crushing and get our very best glassware out of the cupboard.
Let’s skip the boring selection of soft drinks – and let’s do non alcoholic drinks for Summer!
Apple, elderflower & mint sparkle
As a lovely alternative to sparkly wine…
Use up your homemade elderflower cordial in a simple blend with Cox apple juice (the dryer apple juice the better), fresh mint topped with a little soda water. Use a different cordial if you like. And for a unusual twist, try swopping the mint for fresh rosemary. Surprisingly delicious. Serve in Champagne saucer glass for a luxurious finish. Warning: Prepare to fill up second round very soon.
Virgin Mojito
Traditionally, a classic mojito is a cocktail that consists of five ingredients; white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint. But the non alcohol version is not a bad option!
Ad a handfull of fresh mint into a tall cocktail glass. Mash 2 tbs of brown sugar with the mint. The mint leaves should only be bruised to release the essential oils and should not be shredded.
Ad a dash of apple juice and the juice from half a large lime. Stir carefully, to lift the mint and sugar mix.
Add crushed ice, club soda and garnish with another handful of mint leaves and 2 lime wedges. Top with crushed ice and serve immediately. Iitalla Aarne tumblers – perfect for making and serving mojitos!
Drivers Punch
Like a punch, fruity and bold. But with no redwine or spirits to slow you down when you want to dance the summer night away!
Put 100g cranberries into a medium size, rigid freezer container, cover with water (by about 2.5cm) and freeze until solid.
Mix 100ml cranberry juice in a large jug (about 1.5 litre) with 500ml of freshly squeezed juice from blood oranges (Sanguinello) together with the juice of one lime.
To serve, smash the sheet of frozen cranberries into shards and put in the bottom of eight highball glasses. Put a wedge of lime and orange and a mint sprig in each glass, then pour in the mixed fruit juices and top up with Appletise or a similar sparkling apple juice drink.
This drink will make a very special treat on a hot day, served in the tall Carat glass from Orrefors.
Then last but not least. Serve your drink in beautiful glasses – or glasses that are sure to kick start the conversation. Like these tumblers from the Swedish glassware specialist, Kosta Boda.
What is your favourite non alcoholic summer drink?
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