Classic Summer Cocktails Made Into Mocktails
By Laura Fagan Published May 2023
Summer is the season of sunshine, sipping and savoring the simple pleasures of life. But, of course, there are also some very important choices to make:
Beach or pool?
Rock the 5-inch inseam shorts or stay with the classic 8-inch?
Shake up a classic summertime cocktail or opt for a booze-free version?
And if you do decide to bypass the booze, you can still indulge in all the flavors of your favorite seasonal drinks, because we’re here to help you sip into something more comfortable this summer. It's time to raise the bar (or, um, lower it?) with seven classic cocktails made into mocktail masterpieces.
Cartel Piña Colada
Made with Coconut Cartel Añejo Rum, fresh pineapple, lime juices and a hint of cream of coconut, this cocktail is the ultimate summer sipper. Just add a pineapple leaf and maraschino cherry to complete the vacay vibe, minus the sand in your shorts.
The Recipe:
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2 ounces Coconut Cartel Añejo Rum
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3 ounces fresh pineapple juice
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½ ounce fresh lime juice
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¼ ounce cream of coconut
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Pineapple leaf
Combine rum, juices and cream of coconut in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and a cherry.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 2 ounces of rum with 2 ounces of CleanCo Spiced Rum Alternative. Prepare in the same method as above.
Blackberry Margarita
Made with premium Messicano Alteno Blanco Tequila, this fruity marg is bursting with rich berry flavors that will sip beautifully at your next summer barbecue.
The Recipe:
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Salt
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2 ounces Messicano Alteno Blanco Tequila
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3 ounces Mr & Mrs T’s Margarita Mix
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1 ounce blackberry syrup
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Blackberries
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Mint
Rim a glass with salt and set aside. In a shaker with ice, add tequila, margarita mix and blackberry syrup. Shake and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with blackberries, lime wedge and mint.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 2 ounces of tequila with 2 ounces of NKD LDY Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative. Prepare in the same method as above.
Cruzan Basil Berry Mojito
This cocktail breaks all the rules of a classic mojito (in the best way) by infusing fresh strawberry, basil, lime and a peppercorn kick.
The Recipe:
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4 basil leaves
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4 strawberries, sliced
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1 ounce simple syrup
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2 ounces Cruzan Aged Light Rum
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Fresh ground pepper
Muddle basil with strawberries, simple syrup and lime juice in a glass. Fill glass with ice, add rum and top with ice. Stir and top with soda water. Garnish with a small basil leaf and fresh ground pepper.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 2 ounces of light rum with 2 ounces of CleanCo Spiced Rum Clean R Non-Alcoholic Golden Spiced Spirit. Prepare in the same method as above.
Note: The taste of the mocktail version will vary slightly from the Cruzan Rum version as the CleanCo Spiced Rum brings a different flavor profile to the drink than light rum. Expect a somewhat spicier taste with CleanCo, as it's infused with natural flavors and botanicals.
1941 Strawberry Mule
This sun-sational strawberry mule is made with craft vodka, sweet strawberry syrup, tangy lime juice and spicy ginger beer. It's the perfect drink to pair with a light and refreshing summer salad, grilled corn on the cob or BBQ ribs.
The Recipe:
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1 ½ ounces 1941 Craft Vodka
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½ ounce Master of Mixes Strawberry Syrup
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½ ounce Master of Mixes Lime Juice
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Fresh strawberries, sliced
In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, strawberry simple syrup and lime juice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with strawberry slices and lime wedges.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 1 ½ ounces of vodka with 1 ½ ounces of Seedlip NA Spirit Grove 42. Prepare in the same method as above.
Note: The mocktail will have a slightly different flavor profile when using the non-alcoholic spirit. Expect bright flavors of citrus, lemongrass and ginger when using Seedlip.
Tom Collins
Quench your thirst with a classic this summer: a Tom Collins. Made with Pickering's Gin, lemon juice and club soda, this fizzy and citrusy cocktail is the grown-up lemonade we all need for Florida’s sweaty season.
The Recipe:
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2 ounces Balfour Street Gin
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1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
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1 teaspoon superfine sugar
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3 ounces club soda
In a shaker with ice, combine gin, lemon juice and sugar. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 2 ounces of gin with 2 ounces of NKD LDY Gin Alternative Non-Alcoholic Spirit. Prepare in the same method as above.
Strawberry Mango Daiquiri
Yup, you had us at strawberry and mango rum! You’ve got to have at least one frozen cocktail in your summertime lineup, and this one is the real deal. We're talking freshly pureed strawberries and ripe mango with white rum and a touch of lime juice. It's sweet, tangy and best enjoyed in a frosted glass.
The Recipe:
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½ cup frozen strawberries
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1 ½ ounces Palms Strawberry Rum
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1 ounce lime juice
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½ cup frozen mango
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1 ½ ounces Palms Mango Rum
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Fresh fruit
In a blender, add frozen strawberries, strawberry rum and ½ ounce lime juice. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Clean blender. Then, add frozen mango, mango rum and remaining lime juice. Blend until smooth and pour over strawberry mixture. Garnish with fresh fruit.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 1 ½ ounces of strawberry rum and 1 ½ ounces of mango rum with 3 ounces of CleanCo Spiced Rum Clean R Non-Alcoholic Golden Spiced Spirit. Prepare in the same method as above.
Note: The taste of the mocktail version will vary slightly from the Palms Rum version as the CleanCo Spiced Rum brings a different flavor profile to the drink than the light rums. Expect a somewhat spicier taste with CleanCo, as it's infused with natural flavors and botanicals. The mocktail will still have the desired fruit flavors from the addition of the fresh mango and strawberries.
Paloma
This recipe is a refreshing blend of Los Rijos Silver Tequila, sparkling pink grapefruit, lime juice and a hint of agave nectar, served with a side of sass and a sprinkle of salt. Let this citrusy concoction transport you straight to a Mexican beach resort.
The Recipe:
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2 ounces Los Rijos Silver Tequila
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4 ounces sparkling pink grapefruit
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½ ounce lime juice
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¼ ounce agave nectar
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Grapefruit wedge
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Rosemary sprig
Combine tequila, sparkling pink grapefruit, lime juice and agave in a salt-rimmed glass with ice. Stir and garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Add a lime wheel and rosemary sprig for optional garnish.
Mocktail Version:
Replace the 2 ounces of tequila with 2 ounces of CleanCo Clean T Tequila Alternative Non-Alcoholic. Prepare in the same method as above.
Thirsty for more summer cocktail inspiration? Check out our full collection of delicious, Florida summer-ready recipes online.