Now that it’s Summer, you may want to lower the calorie count of certain foods
and drinks. And if a cocktail without alcohol doesn’t sound too appealing,
you may want to read this post first.

The post is all about mocktails, you know, light and healthy twists on classic
bar drinks that’ll help liven up any type of party or event–no alcohol required.

So, if this sounds like something you would go for, just head to your local grocery
store or Farmers’ market and pick up some cucumbers, watermelon and mangoes.
Why these fruits, you ask?
Because, you’ll need them to make the following.

Mocktail No. 1-
Cucumber “Spritzer!”
This popular drink is popular at a lot of spas and it has the summery combo of
cucumbers and fennel.
To make:
Simmer 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 Tbs. of crushed fennel seeds for
5 mins. Strain and chill. Puree 2 peeled and chopped cucumbers with 1/3 cup of
lemon juice and the fennel syrup; strain into 4 ice-filled glasses. Top with club soda.
For a more decorative look-using a vegetable peeler, make a few cucumber ribbons
and place in the drinks.
Devices to cut veggies into ribbons- Spiralizers and Julienne vegetable peelers,
find them at your local Walmart, Trader Joe’s or B.J.’s.

Mocktail No. 2-
Mango Spice “Colada!”
If you love a few slices of mango in the Summer, then you’ll really love
it (mango) in this non-alcoholic pina colada.
To make:
In a blender, puree 4 cups of frozen mango chunks, 1 can of light coconut milk
(13 or 14 oz.) 1/4 cup of dark honey and 1/2 tsp. of allspice. Blend until smooth
and pour into 4 glasses. Cut a thin slice of mango and place it on the top or side
of the glass.
Important tip: Buy fresh mangoes, cut up and leave in the freezer for 30 to 60 mins.

Mocktail No. 3-
Watermelon “Mint Julep!”
To make:
This Southern favorite doesn’t contain alcohol, but it does contain a
pretty pink color thanks to the watermelon.
To make:
Simmer 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 mint sprigs for 5 mins;
strain. Puree 6 cups of cubed watermelon with 1 cup of water; strain.
Stir in mint syrup and 1/4 cup of lime juice. Divide evenly among 4
ice-filled glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint
and a small slice of watermelon.

Sources:
* Imbibe Magazine
* The Professional Bartender’s Magazine
* Bartender’s Black Book
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Please make sure to pass this article along to friends and family, the ones
who are calorie-conscious and “alcohol-free” over at Facebook, Tik-Tok,
Pinterest, Reddit, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.
And one last reminder: Don’t forget to visit our store, (click on buy recipes at the
top of this blog) and get your menu for patriotic desserts. The E-Doc- Red,
White & Blue Desserts-just in time for the 4th of July holiday.
Thank-You!