How to Create Refreshing Non Alcoholic Mocktails

The Mocktail is becoming popular again, believed to be mainly due to the increasing health consciousness of society and the realization that drinking and driving is just a bad idea. Mocktails, however, can be mixed up and served anytime. Family picnics and baby showers are great reasons to whip up a batch of refreshing mocktails.

Like it's counterpart the cocktail, the mocktail should have a bit of creativity in the flavors and presentation. Just because there isn't alcohol in the drink doesn't mean it should be any less fun to consume. Fresh ingredients and the proper balance of flavors give mocktails their edge. Mocktails can be fruity, sweet, heavy or bitter and are also generally a very healthy alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Summer is a great time to enjoy fruity and refreshing mocktails. The Farmers Market is a popular mocktail made with fresh ingredients and served ice cold. To make The Farmers Market, gather 1 lemon, 1lb. of strawberries and1 lb. blueberries, chilled club soda and a fresh bunch of basil. Add the basil to the club soda and let sit while you slice the lemons and remove the tops from the strawberries. Add all fruit to the club soda and cool in the refrigerator. When serving, swab the rim of the glass with sliced lemon and dip into a plate of sugar. Add ice and serve!

During the fall, it's nice to serve a heavier type mocktail. The Root Beer Elixir is great for an evening by the fire and tastes delicious. Look for a locally made root beer or your tried and true favorite for this recipe. In a glass container mix 6 cups of root beer with a dozen Bing cherries that have had a hole poked in them. Slice up 2 star anise and add to the elixir. Cover and let contents sit overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, remove the star anise and pour into a highball type glass, leaving the cherries in the mix and add a bit of ice. Enjoy!