Refreshing spring cocktails and mocktails – Surprisingly simple

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

Winter is over and spring is in full swing which means it’s time for some cool drinks. Let’s face it, all winter we’ve been drinking tea, hot chocolate, cocoa, and coffee, it’s time to savor the flavors of spring with some fun cocktails and mocktails. If you are still wondering what is a mocktail; a mocktail is basically a non-alcoholic mixed drink made similar to a cocktail except for the use of alcohol. This is perfect for all the persons who can’t consume alcohol but still, want to enjoy a good drink.

Don’t worry, I got you covered on ways to spice up your drinks this spring.

Mocktails

Whenever I’m making mocktails I like to infuse the use of fresh herbs and syrups, like a peach basil smash where you muddle your basil with the peach and lime juice in an old-fashioned glass then top it off with ice and peach nectar. Two of my favorite syrups are ginger and cinnamon. Use extra garnish to add additional flavors. Using the correct glass is important, it takes your drinks to a whole new level.

Cocktails

When thinking spring cocktails think floral, fresh flavors and light drinks. you can also use thin slices of cucumbers in your drink to make them fancy, use enough ice and ensure your mixers are chilled.

This week I’m sharing my sparkling lemonade mocktail which is bubbly and has a rich flavor, so you won’t miss the alcohol. My signature jackfruit daiquiri mocktail can be served as a cocktail with a splash of rum if you want a strong drink. Last but not least the tropical breeze. It’s a spin on a Caribbean rum punch using orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and rum.

Get your drink on with these recipes. You don’t need to be a mixologist to make fancy drinks.

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

This is a perfect drink for a nice evening you will definitely enjoy the sparks with the ginger flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bubbly sparkling water
• 1 oz ginger simple syrup
• 3 oz strong lemonade

Ginger simple syrup

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 oz. grated ginger

Directions

For the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, bring water, sugar, and ginger to a boil, then reduce the flame and allow to simmer until thickened. Remove from flame and leave to steep for 30 minutes, then strain and discard ginger. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add ginger simple syrup, lemonade, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.

Tropical Breeze – A spin on a Caribbean rum punch

Ingredients

• Splash of grenadine
• 1 part pineapple juice
• 1 part orange juice
• 1/2-part lime juice
• 1.5 oz white rum
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a glass, over ice, combine all ingredients in order

Jackfruit Daiquiri

You won’t miss alcohol with this rich and creamy jackfruit daiquiri. Jackfruit is considered the miracle fruit, and this mocktail is definitely a miracle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/4 cup Jackfruit puree
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 oz Cinnamon simple syrup

Cinnamon simple syrup

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1tbsp cinnamon powder

Directions

For the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, bring equal parts water, sugar and cinnamon to a boil. Whisk together to combine, then reduce the flame and allow to simmer until thickened. Remove from flame and leave to cool. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and dust the top with extra cinnamon and serve immediately.