Non Alcoholic Beverages Recipe

Make simple syrup (if not pre-made)

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Use 1/2 cup in this recipe; reserve any extra in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 2 cups cold water.

Add 1/2 cup cooled simple syrup to the pitcher and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness, adding up to 2 tablespoons more syrup if desired.

Lightly bruise the mint leaves: place the mint in your hands and clap once or press gently with the back of a spoon to release oils. Add the mint to the pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon 8–10 times—do not pulverize.

Add 4 cups ice to the pitcher and stir until chilled. If you want a fizzy version, top with 1 cup club soda just before serving and stir gently.

Pour into four glasses filled with ice, garnish with orange or lemon slices and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Bring 4 cups water and the 2 tbsp sliced fresh ginger to a simmer in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 4 minutes to infuse the ginger, then remove from heat.

Add 4 black tea bags to the hot ginger water and steep 4–5 minutes for a full-bodied flavor (steep shorter for lighter tea).

Remove tea bags and strain out ginger slices. While the tea is still warm, stir in 3 tbsp honey until dissolved.

Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Fill four glasses with ice, divide the chilled tea among them, garnish each with a lemon wheel, and serve. Optionally add a sprig of mint for aroma.

Place the peeled and chopped seedless cucumber in a blender with 1 cup cold water and 2 tbsp agave nectar (or simple syrup). Blend until very smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Strain the cucumber purée through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.

Stir the cucumber juice into the pitcher with 1/2 cup fresh lime juice. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.

Add 4 cups ice to the pitcher and pour in 2 cups sparkling water. Gently stir once to combine so you don't lose carbonation.

Pour into four glasses, garnish with lime slices and a few mint or basil leaves, and serve immediately.