From the first moments of a new year, the persistent Dry January branding is impossible to ignore. People of all different lifestyles take part in the challenge to drink less for 31 days — heavy drinkers, social drinkers, even the seemingly health-averse. Why January? The fresh start is motivating, and the post-holiday-party haze might have people feeling a little overserved. But there's another time of year we should be looking at as an opportunity to revisit our relationship with alcohol: Summer.
While frosty nights make you want to curl up with a hot toddy or glass of red wine, literally every summer activity seems to be the perfect opportunity to imbibe. Annual barbecue? Beer. Afternoon activity? Wine tasting. Beach or pool? Margaritas. The list goes on.
For many of us, the prospect of trying out Dry July is far more intimidating than the more popular option of Dry January. But it would be hugely beneficial: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that drinking is a leading contributor to water-related drowning deaths, which are particularly common during the summer months. Plus, hot weather increases fluid loss through sweat, while alcohol causes your body to lose even more fluids by increasing urination. Together, they can raise your risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, which will put a damper on your beach trip.
Danielle Elliott Smith, an author, speaker, and founder of the Redefining Sober app — a tool designed to support sober-curious users with personalized coaching — agrees that the warmest months of the year can also be the booziest. "There are so many summer events that we associate with drinking. Going outside, throwing barbecues, going to baseball games, and spending time on the water. At these parties, everybody always asks, 'Hey, do you want a drink?'" This simple, courteous question can cause discomfort.
"I'm closing in on seven years sober," Smith tells us. "When I first got out of treatment, anytime I would go anywhere, whether it was to an art gallery opening or a restaurant, there was a noticeable sentiment of, 'Oh, you don't drink.' There might be one or two NA beers on the menu, but more often than not, when you went out and asked for non-alcoholic options, they would offer water or soda." Today, she says it's easier than ever to find bright, refreshing alcohol-free drinks on menus, which makes it possible for everyone to enjoy a festive sip during the season's biggest celebrations.
If now feels like the right time to test the non-alcoholic waters for whatever reason, or you want to offer colorful, flavor-packed mocktails at your next party, Smith is sharing her repertoire of stunning recipes that will steal the show at any cookout. "I make mocktails with lavender or basil that are wonderful for summer barbecues," she says. With fresh herbs, seasonal fruit, and plenty of sparkle, they're proof that alcohol-free drinks can be as fun and indulgent as cocktails.
Summer Mocktail Recipes
The Hope Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz sparkling water
- 2 oz white cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Splash elderflower cordial
- Cucumber ribbons
- Mint
Garnish with cucumber and mint.
Blueberry Lavender Collins
Ingredients
- Fresh blueberries
- ½ oz lavender syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water
Instructions
- Muddle blueberries before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh lavender and blueberries.
Summer Berry Fizz
Ingredients
- Handful of strawberries
- Handful of blueberries
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water
Instructions
- Muddle strawberries before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh berries and mint.
Coconut Lime Breeze
Ingredients
- 2 oz coconut water
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Sparkling water
Garnish with a lime wheel and toasted coconut (optional).
Lavender Lemon Spritz
Ingredients
- 4 oz sparkling water
- 2 oz fresh lemonade
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and a lemon wheel.
Blackberry Sage Smash
Ingredients
- Fresh blackberries
- 3 sage leaves
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Sparkling water
Instructions
- Muddle berries and sage before topping with sparkling water.
- Garnish with blackberries and sage.
The Rose Garden
Ingredients
- 4 oz sparkling water
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz rose syrup
- Squeeze of fresh lemon
Garnish with edible rose petals and a grapefruit twist.
Basil Bliss
Ingredients
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz cucumber juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Sparkling water
Instructions
- Muddle the basil gently before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh basil and cucumber ribbons.
Peach Ginger Sparkler
Ingredients
- 2 oz peach nectar
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Splash sparkling water
Garnish with fresh peach slices and mint.
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Sparkling water
- Fresh mint
Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a mint sprig.
