Sunnier days ahead brings the prospect of time being outside, with loved ones, enjoying a cool refreshment!

This refreshment doesn’t have to be alcoholic, so creating non-alcoholic homemade cocktails can be just as much fun without the liquor and they certainly don’t have to be a bummer.

There are an increasing number of reasons to enjoy them over their boozy counterpoints. For example, if you’re pregnant, if you’re attempting to improve your overall health, or you just simply want to take a break from alcohol – there are so many delicious, refreshing cocktail drinks you can make that you will definitely enjoy.

The culinary artists at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa often accommodate their guests by creating these mouth-watering mocktails, and they wish to share some of their tips and tricks so that you can try make them at home:

Try ditching the sugar. Rather incorporate flavours as we know some can be too fruity or syrupy if not added or rationed out correctly.

Get creative. Don’t be frightened to try something new by mixing different fruits for the ultimate reward.

Make it look pretty, so it doesn’t just taste good but looks appealing too.

If you like the fizz, add non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even ginger beer which is great for special occasions such as birthday parties or even New Year. Sparkling water will work too.

Here are some easy mocktails recipes that the team want to share with you:

Easy Iced Tea / Prep: 5 mins / Serves 6

Make up a jug of refreshing iced tea to serve on summer days. With a subtle tea flavour, oranges, lemons and mint, it’s an excellent alcohol-free party drink.

Ingredients

• 6 tea bags
• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar
• 1 tbsp runny honey, plus extra to serve
• 2 lemons – 1 juiced, 1 sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• Small bunch of mint, leaves picked
• Ice

Method

• STEP 1 – Put the tea bags, sugar, honey and 1.5 litres water in a large jug. Leave to infuse for 10 mins, then remove and discard the tea bags. Chill until ready to serve.
• STEP 2 – Stir in the lemon juice, lemon slices, orange slices and mint leaves. Fill the jug with plenty of ice and stir again.
• STEP 3 – Fill tall glasses with ice and pour the iced tea over the ice, and then serve with extra honey to taste.

Summer Cup Mocktail

Get into the summer vibe with this fruity mocktail featuring red berries, lemonade, mint, and cucumber. Cool and refreshing, it’s fabulous on hot summer days.

Ingredients

• 1cm thick slice of cucumber
• 1 sprig mint
• Few frozen red berries
• 120ml clear, sparkling lemonade
• Ice

To garnish – more frozen berries, chopped fruits, cucumber slice, mint, citrus – all optional

Method

• STEP 1 – Chop the cucumber and mint sprig into small pieces. Bring 200ml water to the boil in a small pan and then add the mint and cucumber. Turn off the heat and leave for 2 mins. Add a small handful of frozen berries, let them defrost for a minute, then crush them lightly with the back of a spoon. Strain the mixture. This will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours and will be enough to make four drinks.
• STEP 2 – Pour 40ml of your strained mixture into a tall glass. Add a handful of ice and top up with 120ml lemonade. Garnish with whatever chopped fruit you like or some more frozen berries and mint leaves if you have them. Stir gently to combine.

When you’re next at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, make sure you enquire about one of their delicious mocktails!

Inspired by: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/iced-tea