When the last weekend of summer rolls in, Labor Day becomes less about the grill and more about the gathering. It’s a time to savor the sunny afternoons and hold cocktails pretty enough not to drink. And, Monday can actually be met with hydration instead of a hangover and still taste as good as sangria. Replace one letter and the solution is made: mocktails.
Whether it’s for a sober, cautious reason or an attempt to debloat, mocktails can be a summer hero. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that consuming alcohol can impair the function of immune cells as it’s dehydrating and disruptive to out gut. But skipping the hangover with a refreshing, beautiful, and hydrating drink can keep spirits high without regret. For people quitting alcohol, cutting back, are immunocompromised, or just want an alternative, mocktails offer all the rituals with no risk.
For people living with autoimmune conditions, chronic illnesses, or undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system, sipping on a summer cocktail isn’t an option. It can interfere with medications, weaken the immune system, and make the body more susceptible to illness. Mocktails provide a safe space. It’s a celebratory option that lets everyone sitting around the table raise their glass, because no one deserves to miss out on a toast.
And they provide health benefits to more than just immunocompromised folks. Research shows that due to the high fruit and herb content in mocktails, they’re are loaded with electrolytes and antioxidants.. This hydrates the body, promotes healthy skin, and leaves the gut feeling better than booze.
So, this Labor Day, cheers to your health with no hangover. Even if it’s cocktails half the night and hydration for the rest.
1. Red Apple Spritz
Virgin Sangria, pitcher recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 orange sliced into rings
- 1 lemon sliced into rings
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or monkfruit sweetener
- 1 green apple sliced into wedges
- 3 cups of a bottle of alcohol-free red wine or a juice alternative
Place orange, lemon, and sweetener into a pitcher and Muddle gently until some of the juice is released from the fruit. Add the apples, orange juice, and non alcoholic wine and stir. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system. Berries and apples are high in antioxidants, aiding in digestion. Your skin and gut will thank you for this drink.
2. Cucumber Coconut
Bahama Mama Mocktail, pitcher recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of unsweetened coconut water
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2.5 cups of lime juice
- 60 fresh mint leaves
- 1/3-3/4 cups of sugar
Crush mint leaves into the bottom of a pitcher, then pour coconut water and lime juice in. Stir sugar and cucumber into the pitcher, then refrigerate for two hours. Top with a splash of soda water.
Studies show that coconut water is a hydration powerhouse, and cucumber is cooling and anti-inflammatory. Your skin and body will thank you.
3. Peach Spritz
Virgin Peach Aperol Spritz, glass recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh peaches (diced)
- 5-6 fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp simple syrup
- Sparkling water or kombucha
Add diced peaches, rosemary, and lemon juice to a pitcher and stir. Add 1 Tbsp of lemon juice and simple syrup. Top with sparkling water or kombucha and stir. Float a flower or peach slice on top like you’re hosting Sofia Coppola.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamins A and C, and rosemary has calming properties.
4. Pineapple Ginger Nojito
Pineapple Ginger Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ginger beer
- 1 juiced lime, save one thin slice for garnish
- 1 large spring mint leaf
- 1 can of pineapple juice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Mix ginger beer and pineapple juice in a pitcher. Top with lime juice and mix. Garnish with lime and mint.
Ginger is beneficial for gut health, aiding in digestion. Pineapple and citrus offer immune support. This drink is quite the anti-inflammatory kick!
Mocktails aren’t just for the DD or kids’ tables anymore. They’re for health-conscious, comfortable people living fully in the present. They offer inclusion for those managing health conditions, comfort for people in recovery, and a fresh sense of freedom for anyone choosing to celebrate without compromise.
As we wrap up summer with a clink of glasses and a toast to rest, no alcohol must be consumed to celebrate. You need good people, good ingredients, and a drink that reminds you that taking care of yourself can be a party too.
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