10 Ready-to-Drink Mocktails I’m Sipping This Summer

It’s officially summer, AKA time to soak up the sun somewhere with a cold drink to sip on. I’ll admit that most of the time I’m either a water or iced coffee girl, but summer activities call for something more…whether that activity is a beach day, a cookout, or lizard time in your backyard.

In the past, my special summer drink always contained alcohol. While I still love a spicy marg every now and then, I feel A LOT better going the mocktail route. Non-alcoholic cocktails still feel special and taste great, so it’s a win-win!

These are the mocktails I’m packing in my cooler this summer.

If I’m headed to the lake, the beach, or to hang out with friends, I’m not packing a mocktail that requires effort. These ready-to-drink mocktails are as convenient as it gets.

1. Recess

Image: Recess

Recess Zero Proof Craft Mocktails

We love a cocktail in a can…but without alcohol! These look like the same style as Cutwater or High Noon, so if you’re worried about anyone judging or giving you a hard time for not drinking (which is totally none of their business, btw), these mocktails won’t attract any judgy attention.

I love the variety of options Recess offers with these! There’s something for everyone.

2. Vybes

Image: Vybes

Vybes Mixed Pack

I am a huge fan of Vybes CBD beverages. They contain small amounts of CBD and magnesium to help calm your mind, and I find them super refreshing on a hot day.

They’re on the pricey side (around $6 per bottle), but I love the Blood Orange Lime and Watermelon Lime (which I am still anxiously awaiting for summer!).

3. Ritual Aperitif

Image: Ritual

Ritual Aperitif Alternative

If you’ve seen any of my mocktail recipes or other non-alcoholic drink roundups, you know my love for Ritual. I’ve used their zero-proof spirits for a ton of homemade mocktails, but their newest product is ready to drink straight from the bottle.

This aperitif alternative is delicious on its own, but if you are feeling a little ambitious you can mix in some bubbles, like sparkling water.

4. Kin

Image: Boisson

Skin Spritz

Kin was one of the first alcohol alternatives I tried. I was totally new to the world of functional beverages, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wouldn’t say this tastes like a cocktail, but it was sweet, bubbly, and refreshing. Plus it did seem to work as a little “pick me up,” maybe thanks to functional ingredients like 5-HTP and GABA?

5. Parch Prickly Paloma

Image: Boisson

Parch Prickly Paloma

Parch’s prickly pear version of a Paloma is just as yummy as it sounds. It’s bright and citrusy and features adaptogens like ashwagandha, L-theanine, and American ginseng. What do these do? These plants can improve how your body responds to stress. In other words, this mocktail might help you chill out, without the alcohol.

If a Paloma isn’t your drink of choice, Parch also offers a Spiced Piñarita flavor. I really don’t think you can go wrong.

6. Avec

Image: Avec

Shop Avec

If you haven’t caught on, I’m very into spicy drinks and citrus. So this Jalapeño Blood Orange flavor called my name immediately. There are a lot of flavors to choose from though, like Grapefruit and Pomelo, Hibiscus and Pomegranate, and Yuzu and Lime. Want to try them all? Go for the sample pack!

When you bring one of these cute cans along, you and your friends can drink the delicious mocktail as-is, or add alcohol and use it as a mixer.

7. Proxies

Image: Proxies

Shop Proxies

If you were around for my non-alcoholic wine review, you know about my feelings for Proxies Red Ember. This isn’t a 1:1 replacement for wine, but it’s just as fun to sip on sitting poolside or at a bonfire with friends. The Red Ember is spicy, but there are other flavor options like Blanc Slate, Tart, and Pink Salt. Want to try them all? Get the New Tasting Set.

8. Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice

Yes, this one is just juice. But hear me out. I poured this Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice over ice with Tajín on the glass a few days ago, and it was surprisingly good. Like, I’m craving it again now. Another plus – there’s NO added sugar or artificial sweeteners in this!

All I’m saying is, it doesn’t get easier (or more affordable) than this.

9. Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Limeade

While we’re on the subject of Trader Joe’s, we have to include my favorite summer mocktail (and sometimes cocktail mixer) of all time – the Jalapeño Limeade. I stock up every year – it’s that good.

10. Athletic Brewing

Image: Athletic Brewing

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer

I’m not a beer drinker, but I like this (at least the Golden Brew anyway). And my friends who ARE beer drinkers like this. Athletic Brewing has a ton of non-alcoholic flavors to cater to your beer preference, from sours to IPAs to dark varieties.

What’s your favorite summer mocktail?

Drop your faves in the comments!

If you’re trying to grow your non-alcoholic drink cart, check out my reviews of zero-proof beverages and non-alcoholic wines.

Looking for a summer mocktail recipe? Check out this Strawberry Sangria.