2 Easy-to-Make Mocktails Perfect for Hot Summer Days

As summer heats up, staying refreshed and hydrated becomes essential. Unlike alcohol, which can dehydrate you, mocktails can quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. Best of all, mocktails offer a tasty way to boost your nutrient intake without piling on the calories. Dive into summer with these two family-friendly mocktail recipes from Overlake Clinical Dietitian Maria Cammarota, RDN.

Very Berry Lemonade

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Ingredients:

• 12 large fresh strawberries.
• 20 fresh raspberries.
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (slices and zest).
• Dash of cinnamon.
• 10–15 mint leaves.
• 1 large lemon (slices, juice and zest).
• Long cinnamon sticks (can use as straws).
• Water and soda water to top off.

Directions: 

In the bottom of a glass, add half the strawberries and raspberries, a few leaves of fresh mint, ginger, lemon and cinnamon. Muddle until fragrant.

Add 1/4 cup of water and stir, then add the remaining strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices and mint. Stir. Top with soda water. Add cinnamon stick and serve.

Serves two, nutrition information per serving: 75 calories; 8 g carbohydrates (0 added sugars, 0 sugar alcohols); 3 g fiber.

Summertime Citrus Mojito

Ingredients:

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• 2 slices and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.
• 1 ounce lemon juice, 2 slices of lemon.
• 1 ounce lime juice, 2 slices of lime.
• 1 orange or fresh orange peel with zest.
• Grapefruit wedge for decoration and spritz of juice (omit if grapefruit juice interacts with your medication*).
• 1 cucumber, cut into long thin slices to line inside cups.
• 10–15 mint leaves. 
• 4 ounces of water or coconut water.
• 4 ounces of seltzer or soda water.

Directions:

In a mason jar or glass, place the fresh mint, ginger, orange, lemon and lime zest, and slices. Muddle (with the back of a spoon or muddler) until fragrant. Add water, close the jar and shake. Add in additional mint, cucumber and grapefruit slices*. Top with soda water. Mix. Add some ice cubes. Chill and serve.

Serves two, nutrition information per serving: 50 calories; 6 g carbohydrates (0 added sugar, 0 sugar alcohols); 3 g fiber.

*Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix

Need help developing and maintaining healthy dietary habits? Overlake Nutrition Services offers nutrition counseling from registered nutritionists and dietitians. Contact Nutrition Services today to make an appointment. Or sign up for our free "Transform Your Health with the Natural Farmacy" class to learn how to avoid the pharmacy using the “farm-acy.” Led by a registered dietician nutritionist.