There’s nothing like a nice, cool beverage on a hot day and in Sacramento, we’ve got plenty of them. While you’re hanging out with your friends, it may be easy to opt for a cocktail, but you can enjoy a tasty and refreshing beverage without the extra calories or a hangover. Try a mocktail instead. And by try a mocktail, I mean, try one of the three mocktail recipes I am sharing with you in this post!

The Berry Lime Spritz

Ginger Peach Lemonade

Strawberry Mint Faux-jito

These summer mocktails are perfect for everyday occasions, from pool parties, to floating along the Sacramento River, to outdoor grilling. Bringing the “glam” wherever you may go! They’re inspired by Nugget Markets’ Poolside Paradise spread in Nugget’s Summer Field Guide, available at Nugget Markets stores.

You know Nugget is a favorite of mine from the brunch that I hosted this spring. Nugget Markets is a family-owned and–operated company dedicated to providing guests with an extraordinary grocery experience. I love that they are based in the region and take so much pride in serving our community. You can find literally everything there, from specialty groceries to body care to housewares, and we can’t forget about their delicious bakery. I picked up everything for these summer mocktails at my local store!

Here are the recipes!

Berry Lime Spritz

Love love LOVE this mocktail. It is rich in flavor but not loaded with sugar. It leaves you feeling totally refreshed after one sip. The berry adds so much sweetness, you don’t need to add any extra sugar. You can purchase berry syrup, but if you’re so inclined to make your own, here is a good recipe to get you started. I did it easily and I’m seriously going to pour this over some ice cream this weekend!

Berry Lime Mocktail

1.5 ounce Berry Syrup
1 ounce Lime Juice
Sparkling Water
Ice
Blueberries and Raspberries (for garnish)

Add your berry syrup and lime juice to the glass.
Add ice.
Top with sparkling water and stir.

This recipe was developed with homemade berry syrup. The syrup is something that you’d want to create in advance of entertaining. It’s easier than you think, and you can control the amount of sugar that goes into it.

Ginger Peach Lemonade

A little sweetness and a little kick. This one is an interesting experience. I love lemonade, but sometimes it can be especially tart. And, I can’t lie, I love beverages with a little fizz. The ginger beer adds a subtle effervescence and spices up the drink! The peach syrup will add a fresh sweetness, perfect for sipping by the pool this summer.

Ginger Peach Lemonade

4 ounces Lemonade (I like the peach lemonade by Santa Cruz Organics)
3 ounces Ginger Beer
2 tbsp Peach Syrup (You don't need this if you find peach lemonade.)
Ice

Add ice to your glass.
Pour in the lemonade and peach syrup. Stir.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with a lemon or lime and enjoy!

Strawberry Mint “Faux” jito

Ok, this one is fun because it really tastes like a mojito!! This version is super fresh and much like an infused water. You would follow the same steps as infused water, except you would hold out on the sugar!! Infusions are a great way to use fruit and herbs this season. As Nugget Market’s trusted advisor, Dr. Liz Applegate says, infused waters are a flavorful and refreshing nearly zero calorie and sugar-free drink, so consider adding some to your daily routine!

Strawberry Mint Fauxjito

1 Pitcher/Container
1 Muddler
3 ounces Lime Juice (fresh squeezed is awesome)
4 cups Sparkling Water
1/2 bunch Mint Leaves (separated from stem)
1 cup Sugar (I love the bakers sugar for this drink)
1 cup Strawberries (halved)
1 Lime (sliced)

Pour your lime juice into the pitcher.
Add in your mint leaves and strawberries and muddle.
Pour in the sparkling water and stir.
Enjoy!

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I can’t wait to hear what you think about these summer mocktails. They vary from easy to complex, but even the complex one won’t take you longer than five minutes. One takes you thirty seconds! Remember, it doesn’t take a lot to add a little Kachét to your day!

Visit NuggetMarket.com for more Poolside Paradise inspiration this season! Happy entertaining!

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This post is in collaboration with Nugget Markets. Thank you for supporting the brands that support the blog.