Say, “Hey!”

10 Herbal Mocktails Fresh From the Garden

•

Joni K. Rocher

Herbal mocktails are a fantastic way to add depth and flavor to your non-alcoholic drinks while reaping the benefits of various herbs. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply craving a refreshing drink, you won’t even miss the booze (not to mention the hangover!) with these refreshing summery drinks inspired by what’s blooming in our gardens this time of year.

1. Cucumber Mint Cooler

Gather:

  • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
  • 3 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Blend cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice, honey/agave syrup, and water in a blender until smooth.
  2. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp.
  3. Serve over ice, garnished with a mint sprig and cucumber slice.

2. Rosemary Grapefruit Sparkler

Gather:

  • 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • Sparkling water

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine grapefruit juice, honey/agave syrup, water, and rosemary sprig.
  2. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, then let cool.
  3. Remove rosemary sprig and pour mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.

3. Berry Basil Bliss

Gather:

  • 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
  • Sparkling water

Instructions:

  1. Muddle berries, basil leaves, lime juice, and honey/agave syrup in a glass.
  2. Add ice and top with sparkling water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a basil leaf.

4. Thyme to Shine

Gather:

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • Sparkling water

Instructions:

  1. In a glass, combine lemon juice, honey/agave syrup, and thyme sprig.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a thyme sprig.

5. Sage Pineapple Punch

Gather:

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 2-3 fresh sage leaves
  • Sparkling water

Instructions:

  1. In a glass, mix pineapple juice, lime juice, honey/agave syrup, and sage leaves.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a sage leaf.

6. Chamomile Peach Iced Tea

Gather:

  • 1 chamomile tea bag
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup peach nectar
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Steep chamomile tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes, then let cool.
  2. In a glass, mix peach nectar, honey/agave syrup, and cooled chamomile tea.
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well.

7. Lemon Verbena Cooler

Gather:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
  • 2 cups water

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine lemon verbena leaves, lemon juice, honey/agave syrup, and water. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture.
  2. Serve over ice, garnished with a lemon verbena leaf.

8. Dandelion Root Reviver

Ingredients:

  • 1 dandelion root tea bag
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup cranberry juice
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Steep dandelion root tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes, then let cool.
  2. In a glass, mix apple juice, cranberry juice, and cooled dandelion root tea.
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well.

9. Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea

Gather:

  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 4 hibiscus tea bags)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon or lime slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Add the dried hibiscus flowers (or tea bags) and fresh mint leaves to boiling water. Cover and let steep for about 15-20 minutes. If using a sweetener, add honey or sugar while the tea is still warm. Stir until fully dissolved.
  2. Strain the hibiscus and mint mixture into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
  3. Pour 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher and stir to combine. Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly.
  4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled hibiscus mint tea over the ice. Garnish with extra mint leaves and lemon slices if desired.

10. Orange Ginger Fizz

Gather:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup ginger ale
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger juice (or 1/2 tsp grated ginger)
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slices and a sprig of mint for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine fresh orange juice, ginger juice, and honey (if using). Shake well until the honey is dissolved.
  2. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  3. Pour the mixture into the glass and top with ginger ale.
  4. Stir gently and garnish with orange slices and a sprig of mint.

These herbal mocktails are not only refreshing and delicious but also offer a healthy alternative to traditional cocktails. Enjoy them at your next summer gathering or whenever you’re in the mood for a festive, alcohol-free drink!

Join our Hey Girl Hey Community! We send out fun stuff sometimes.


,