In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in drinking habits. Indeed, more and more people are cutting back, if not quitting, alcohol drinks altogether and instead opting for healthier and more mindful lifestyles. Of course, there’s a wide range of NA beers available now, but what if you want to sip on a cocktail? That’s where simply delicious tea mocktails come in.
Why Tea Makes the Perfect Mocktail Ingredient
Nearly 30% of Americans under 30 now identify as non-drinkers. It’s not just the younger generation that’s making different choices. The trend is extending across all age groups. Whether you’re choosing to limit alcohol for health reasons, personal preference, or just wanting to avoid the many downsides of imbibing in one too many, the rise of alcohol-free options is undeniable.
Tea, with its rich and varied flavors, is becoming a star ingredient when it comes to mocktails. Not only does it add depth and complexity to drinks, unlike alcohol, it also offers a host of health benefits, so it’s a fantastic substitute.
From the subtle smokiness of black tea to the refreshing notes of green tea to the floral aroma of herbal teas, there’s a tea for every palate and every occasion. Beyond the surprising and varied flavors available, tea is also packed with antioxidants, polyphenols, and other compounds shown to support heart health, a healthy metabolism, and improved mental clarity. Plus, it’s very low in calories. So, you can enjoy a beverage that not only tastes delightful but is also delicious for the body.
For instance, research has found that green tea, due to its high concentration of powerful antioxidants known as catechins, may help protect against cell damage due to free radicals. Black tea, on the other hand, is rich in theaflavins, which may reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger are often sought after for their calming effects or ability to aid digestion. So, including tea in your mocktails means you won’t just enjoy a sensational drink, you’ll also be supporting your overall health. I’ll drink to that!
You can find a growing number of fun and flavor-filled mocktails from brands like Mingle, Dry Botanical, De Soi, Recess, Mockly, and Free AF. And many of them are quite delicious! They also often include calming herbs. Unfortunately, many of them are also quite costly—as much as or more than a straight-up cocktail. And they also aren’t always easy to find. Tea mocktails, on the other hand, can often be made inexpensively with ingredients that are easily found at most grocery stores.
Enough on the benefits… Let’s get to pouring!
5 Refreshing Summer Tea Mocktails
Here are just a few of the many enjoyable tea-based mocktails that are perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day or chilling out on your porch watching a gentle summer rain.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of strongly brewed juniper tea like Juniper Berry Tea from Buddha Teas
- 2 drops of juniper bitters
- Squeeze of lime juice from 1/4 to 1/2 of a fresh lime
- Light tonic water like Q Mixers
- Ice
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Brew the juniper tea and let cool.
- Add ice to your glass and fill half full with the juniper tea. Top with your tonic water, and stir in a squeeze of lime juice and some juniper bitters.
- Garnish with lime slices.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup of citrus green tea brewed and cooled (I used Blackberry Bellini from Tiestd tea)
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 5 drops stevia like lemon-flavored SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Drops
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice
- Mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Blend blackberries until smooth. Then, strain to remove the seeds. Stir in honey to make a blackberry puree.
- In a tall glass, combine the green tea and blackberry puree and stir to mix.
- Add ice and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup no sugar kombucha like Remedy Raspberry Lemonade Kombucha
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice into a glass. Top with kombucha.
- Stir gently and garnish with orange slices.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed white tea cooled
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- 1/4 cup white grape juice
- Ice
- Fresh fruit mint, or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the white tea and grape juice in a glass.
- Add the ice and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with your choice of fruit, mint, rosemary, or a combination.
- Sip on the flavors of summer!
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed kava tea cooled
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Brew kava tea and let it cool.
- In a glass, combine the kava tea, honey, and coconut water.
- Add ice and stir well.
- Garnish with lime slices.
- Sip socially or to relax at the end of the day.
Nutrition
These tea mocktails aren’t just refreshing; they’re a delightful alternative to common summer cocktails. Whether you’re kicking back on the porch, socializing with friends or family at a backyard BBQ, relaxing by the pool or lake, or simply cooling off in the AC, these drinks provide the flavor of your favorite cocktails without the possible downsides of drinking, like impaired driving, hangovers, or excess calories. So why not give these tea mocktails a try? Your body—and your tastebuds—will thank you!
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