5 Herbal Mocktail Recipes to Sip Under the Sun

As the summer sun hits its peak, there’s no better time to cool down with refreshing, herbal mocktails that uplift your spirit and soothe your system. Whether you’re entertaining friends, winding down after a long day, or craving a ritual that feels just a little extra, these plant-powered drinks offer a delicious way to care for your body and mind—sans the hangover.

Each of these recipes celebrates herbs known for their calming, cooling, or invigorating properties—perfect for late summer days when you want to feel light, clear, and connected. Bonus: they’re made with wellness in mind and easy to prepare with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or garden.

Let’s raise a glass to radiant hydration and herbal harmony.

1. Cucumber Basil Chill-Tini

A spa day in a glass.

This ultra-refreshing mocktail pairs hydrating cucumber with calming, slightly peppery basil—a duo that supports digestion and soothes inflammation. Perfect after a sunny walk or a long afternoon in the garden.

Ingredients:

• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 4–6 fresh basil leaves
• Juice of ½ lime
• Sparkling mineral water
• Optional: splash of aloe juice or coconut water
  

Directions: Muddle cucumber and basil in a shaker with lime juice. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and basil leaf.

💡 Wellness Tip: Basil contains adaptogenic properties and may help your body adapt to stress more efficiently.

2. Lavender Blueberry Spritz

Elegant, floral, and antioxidant-rich.

Lavender offers calming, nervous-system-soothing properties, while blueberries bring a dose of skin-loving antioxidants. This mocktail is lovely for early evening moments or to elevate a brunch table.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
• 1 tsp honey (or monk fruit for sugar-free)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Sparkling water
  

Directions: Simmer blueberries, lavender, and honey in ¼ cup water for 5 minutes. Strain and chill. Add lemon juice and top with sparkling water over ice. Garnish with a lavender sprig and a lemon slice.

💡 Wellness Tip: Lavender has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and support restful sleep—sip this mocktail to wind down naturally.

3. Minty Matcha Mojito

Energizing, cooling, and green goodness galore.

This bright-green herbal twist on the classic mojito swaps rum for matcha—offering a calm, focused lift without the crash. Mint keeps it cooling, while lime makes it pop.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Cold water or sparkling water
  

Directions: Whisk matcha with a splash of warm water. Muddle mint with lime juice and sweetener. Combine with matcha in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a tall glass. Top with cold water or sparkling water and a mint sprig.

💡 Wellness Tip: Matcha is rich in L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness—perfect for mindful summer sipping.

4. Hibiscus Rose Cooler

Heart-opening, mineral-rich, and made for golden hour.

Hibiscus and rose are both known to support heart health and emotional balance. This cooling mocktail is as pretty as it is nourishing, perfect for sunset toasts or a backyard dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried hibiscus petals
• 1 tsp dried rose petals or rosewater
• ½ tsp raw honey
• Juice of ½ orange
• Still or sparkling water
  

Directions: Steep hibiscus and rose in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and chill. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and pour over ice. Top with water and garnish with a dried citrus wheel or fresh edible flowers.

💡 Wellness Tip: Hibiscus is naturally high in vitamin C and supports healthy blood pressure. Rose soothes the nervous system and opens the heart.

5. Adaptogen Arnold Palmer

Summer’s classic, reimagined for whole-body calm.

Part iced tea, part lemonade, this herbal Palmer uses tulsi (holy basil) or ashwagandha tea to provide adaptogenic support while keeping things bright and citrusy. It’s the ideal mix of energizing and grounding.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag tulsi or ashwagandha tea
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Cold water
• Lemon slices and mint to garnish
  

Directions: Steep tea and chill. Add lemon juice and sweetener, stir, and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint.

💡 Wellness Tip: Adaptogens like tulsi help regulate the body’s stress response and support resilience through seasonal changes.

Final Sip: Make Mocktails Your Ritual

Mocktails aren’t just about skipping alcohol—they’re about intention. Each herbal ingredient adds purpose, pleasure, and plant medicine to your glass. Whether you’re honoring your nervous system, hydrating deeply, or just enjoying a creative ritual, let these recipes invite more joy into your summer rhythm. Cheers to sipping something that loves you back!