Mocktails Recipe

Prepare glass and muddle

Divide the mint leaves between two highball glasses (about 6 leaves per glass). Add 1/2 tablespoon simple syrup and 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice to each glass. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press the mint and liquids together 6–8 times to release the oils—do not shred the mint.

Add ice and soda

Fill both glasses with crushed ice (about 1 cup per glass). Top each glass with 4 fl oz club soda. Stir gently twice to combine mint mixture with soda.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and a small sprig of mint. Serve with a straw. Adjust sweetness with extra simple syrup to taste if desired.

Prepare the glassware: place 2 peach slices and 1/2 cup ice (approx.) into each of two tall glasses.

Mix juices and syrup

In a small pitcher or mixing glass combine 6 fl oz peach nectar, 1 tablespoon ginger syrup, and 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine so the ginger syrup is evenly distributed.

Assemble the mocktail

Divide the peach-ginger mixture between the two glasses (about 3 fl oz each). Top each with 3 fl oz sparkling water. Stir gently once to incorporate without flattening the bubbles.

Garnish

Float an additional peach slice on top of each drink and, if desired, grate a tiny pinch of fresh ginger on top. Serve immediately with a straw.

Macerate cucumber and basil

Place the quartered thin cucumber slices and basil leaves into a shaker or mixing glass. Add 1 teaspoon agave and 1 ounce fresh lime juice. Gently muddle 6–8 times to bruise the basil and release cucumber juice; avoid over-muddling the basil which can make it bitter.

Add ice and tonic

Add 1.5 cups crushed ice to the shaker, secure the lid and give a firm shake for 6–8 seconds to chill and lightly dilute. Strain the mixture evenly into two glasses filled with more crushed ice (about 3/4 cup per glass).

Top and finish

Top each glass with 4 fl oz tonic water. Give a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with a long cucumber ribbon or a small basil sprig. Taste and add a little more agave if you prefer sweeter.