Ditch the Alcohol, Embrace the Flavor: Six Essential Non-Alcoholic Sips for a Healthier You

Health
Ditch the Alcohol, Embrace the Flavor: Six Essential Non-Alcoholic Sips for a Healthier You
woman sipping on clear drinking glass
Photo by Tima Ilyasov on Unsplash

Hello, do you ever stop to think about what you can do every day that makes you feel so much improved? Like, drink something tasty yet healthy, for instance? I’m not talking about chugging protein shakes and vomiting down kale juice happy and healthy about living life to the fullest, partying with your friends, and being happy inside and out. Those six beverages without the alcohol are my go-to for that. They’re wonderfully flavorful, comically easy to make, and perfect for everything from a low key night at home to a big backyard party.

Being well is greater than not getting colds. It’s feeling wonderful in your body, peaceful in your head, and having someone with you who cares. Consider good food, a little bit of exercise, good sleep, and not getting yourself too stressed out. Wellness is the day-to-day that’s more about something you don’t hate doing for a living, living in a place where you feel like you’re in the right place, and doing things that you’re compatible with. With so much that’s unhealthy and stressful out there nowadays, choosing beverages that make you want to live is an absolute game changer. Anything from a fizzy Virgin Mojito Sparkler to a cool Watermelon Lime Cooler, these are all about making being healthy taste like a sweet indulgence. Let’s check them out!

Virgin Mojito Sparkler
Royalty-Free photo: Great Virgin Mojito Drink | PickPik, Photo by pickpik.com, is licensed under CC Zero

1. Virgin Mojito Sparkler

This Virgin Mojito Sparkler is what a sunny day in a glass tastes like without the use of any liquor. It has that zing from the lime, refreshing mint feel, and fizzy pop from club soda. Whether relaxing or inviting the whole family out for a backyard barbecue, this one’s everyone’s favourite from kids to adults.

You have to have 6–8 mint leaves, 2 ounces of fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, ice cubes, club soda, and a little lime wedges and mint sprigs to make it look cool. Lightly mash the mint leaves with a spoon in a tall glass just enough to smell that minty goodness, but not too hard or else it’s gonna get bitter. Add the lime juice and simple syrup, scoop in the ice, and fill up with club soda, leaving a little room at the top. Stir with a delicate touch to keep the fizz intact. Fresh mint and lime are the magic trick, but you can tweak the syrup to tartier or sweeter. You’d rather concoct your own syrup? Mix two parts water and two parts sugar together, boil until it is dissolved, refrigerate it, and keep it in the fridge for two weeks. This drink perfect for one or party of one.

a glass filled with a drink next to a plate of fruit
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2. Berry Blast Smoothie

The Berry Blast Smoothie is similar to drinking a big goofy grin. Sweet berries and creamy yogurt with a hint of honey to hold it all together. Ideal to grab as a breakfast on the move, a post workout pick me up, or simply a treat fun enough to feel guilty about. And it’s so bright and cheerful, it’s difficult to say no to.

Hold 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries are my go-to), 1 banana, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 cup ice cubes.

Want to add a little extra goodness? Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix. Throw it all in a blender, start on low for 30 seconds to chop up the fruit and ice, then blend on high for 1–2 minutes till it’s creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Frozen berries make it super cold and thick, but if you’ve got fresh ones, use 1 cup of ice instead. Need a protein boost? Insert a scoop of whatever powder you prefer or break out the protein milk. Milk not your thing? Coconut yogurt is fabulous. I keep frozen bags of berries in the freezer so that I have smoothies on hand, and you can keep this in the fridge for a day just shake it before you use it.

Colorful cocktails sit beautifully on a bar.
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3. Tropical Paradise Punch

Tropical Paradise Punch is a quick getaway to the beach. It’s a tasty blend of pineapple, mango, orange, and passion fruit with a fizzy splash of sparkling water. Take your summer party or simply chill poolside with this beverage that’ll get everyone in a good mood.

Mix 2 cups pineapple and mango juice, 1 cup orange and passion fruit juice each, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/4 cup grenadine syrup in a large punch bowl.

Mix well and chill for 2 hours so that the flavors mix. Add 2 cups of fizzy water just before serving to retain the fizz, and then chill it later with ice and a couple of slices of pineapple, orange, mango, and mint leaves so it would be extraordinary. Feel like maintaining its potency? Freeze some of the juice in ice cubes so it would not become diluted. You can mix and match juices to suit your friends’ tastes, and it’s easy to make ahead so you’re not stuck mixing drinks all day.

a glass filled with green liquid next to sliced oranges
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4. Cucumber Mint Refresher

When you’re hot and exhausted, the Cucumber Mint Refresher tastes like a cool hug. It’s extremely light, extremely hydrating, and pairs cucumber’s soothing element with mint’s energizing zing. Drinking it is like a one-hour holiday from the world, and it’s even preferable to soda.

You’ll need 1 sliced medium cucumber, 10–12 leaves of mint, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar, 4 cups cold water, and ice cubes.

Add a splash of fizz if you like, with some club soda, with some extra cucumber slices and mint for garnish. In a large pitcher, gently muddle the cucumber and mint together in a way that will awaken their flavors. Add lime juice and honey, stir to combine, and then add the water. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and serve over ice in glasses you’ve strained. Got a bit of fizz? Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with sliced cucumber and mint to make it refreshing. English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds, or simply puree cucumber and strain it for a smoother drink.

5. Honey Ginger Lemonade

Honey Ginger Lemonade tastes like a warm hug. The honey is sweet, the ginger is zesty, and the lemon is invigorating. It is wonderful to sip while unwinding or use as a serving drink at a fancy dinner, and it has some beneficial health perks such as ginger’s calming property and lemon’s vitamin content.

Use 6 cups water, 1/3 cup honey, a 2 inch slice of ginger (peeled and cut), and 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons).

Ice cubes will be needed, and maybe lemon slices and mint for garnishing. Mix 2 cups of water in a saucepan with the honey and ginger and heat until honey dissolves completely. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then steep for 30 minutes. Strain it into a pitcher and combine the lemon juice and the remaining water and refrigerate for 2 hours. Taste it and add more honey if sweeter is desired. Fresh lemons are required for that zing of flavor, and if you like ginger, grate it for extra kick.

clear drinking glass with red liquid and sliced lemon on brown wooden chopping board
Photo by Pori He on Unsplash

6. Watermelon Lime Cooler

During sizzling days when the sun just blazes outside, the Watermelon Lime Cooler is your savior. It’s refreshing, sweet watermelon with a tangy lime, very water rehydrating, and completely alcohol free. The bright red color makes it the party favor of every summer party.

Utilize 6 cups of seedless watermelon cubes, 2 limes’ worth of juice, 1 cup cold water, 2 tbsp honey or agave nectar, ice cubes, mint and lime wedges for garnish.

For those who like fizz, offer some club soda. Puree the watermelon in a blender and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to get it clean and nice. Throw it in a pitcher, add the lime juice, water, and honey, and stir until it’s good and mixed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then serve over ice. Add a splash of club soda for a little kick if that’s your thing, and sprinkle with mint and wedges of lime. Use a super ripe watermelon for maximum sweetness, and fresh lime juice for maximum pizzazz.

three mugs with drinks in them sitting on a table
Photo by Zack Sinchan on Unsplash

Why These Drinks Are So Great

These drinks aren’t just made to be yummy tasting like a small pick me up for your whole self. Watermelon and cucumber hydrate, berries are full of good for you things, and ginger calms you. Making them is a mini getaway from your day, and having them serve others is sharing a little joy. They are low sugar content, lots of flavor, and you can personalize to fit any diet.

It’s difficult to leave sweet beverages behind sometimes or to turn enjoying yourselves into a habit, but these make it ridiculously easy. If guests are coming over, just kind of just see what they can have so everyone is included. From a smoothie in the morning to get your day off on the right foot to a punch for when there are lots of people over, these beverages make healthy living easy as pie.

Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy

It’s just the little things you decide to do, that make you feel best.

All of these six drinks Virgin Mojito Sparkler, Berry Blast Smoothie, Tropical Paradise Punch, Cucumber Mint Refresher, Honey Ginger Lemonade, and Watermelon Lime Cooler demonstrate that having fun does not require alcohol to be had. These are all about enjoying staying hydrated, feeling amazing, and enjoying time with the people you love. So get out there and pick up some fresh ingredients, get a little creative with these recipes, and have every drink bring a little sunshine into your day.

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