Easy Mocktails

I’d like to introduce you to the 3 minute mocktail that I can’t stop making. Over the past year, this has become my most frequently made drink for friends and family. And for what it’s worth? I absolutely love the convenient fun of these deli container drinks too.

There aren’t many things I like more than to sip a fancy drink while chatting with a friend on the porch or late at night while the house is quiet. There’s just something that feels extra special about it. What I don’t love is that feeling the next day, not hungover, don’t get me wrong, just not great. You know? So, I’ve been making most of my favorite cocktails sans the alcohol for a long while now, years in fact. It turns out that the Blackberry Bourbon Smash that everyone enjoys so much is also absolutely delicious without the bourbon and it was the inspiration that finally led me here, through a lovely delicious mocktail path.

I saw a video this past spring making a deli container drink, and it inspired me. You know the kind, like they make at food trucks or at the fair, punching a hole in the lid of a deli container. Don’t worry, I’ll show you how it’s done. Just hold on a moment and stick with me. Anyways, I immediately had to try it.

I was hooked from the first sip, there’s just something extra fun about handing these drinks off to friends when you’re hanging out on the porch or camping in the summer. Over the past few years, I’ve been making more and more alcohol-free drinks, in an attempt to both drink more water and stay more hydrated. Basically adding citrus and mint to everything. Adding a splash of juice to my seltzers. You get the idea.

Well, I’ve hit on a simple Smashed Berry Mocktail that has been a huge hit with family and friends this summer and enough people have asked exactly how I make these drinks, I decided to write up my method for easy mocktails and share it here.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The Berries – A mixed berry blend of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries is my favorite combination in these drinks. However, any berries you enjoy will work nicely. More often than not, I reach for a frozen blend of berries as I always have them on hand and the convenience can’t be beaten.

The Mint – I adore fresh mint and I use loads of it in these drinks. Handfuls of fresh mint, my friend. This isn’t something you can go too heavy on in my not-so-humble opinion.

The Ice – This is non-negotiable. Warm drinks are no one’s friend.

The Juice – You can squeeze some lemons and lemons, juice some oranges, or be like me, and grab some pineapple juice. I’ve come full circle here and I reach for the pineapple juice nearly every time now.

The Fizz – Choose the seltzer flavor, club soda, or fizzy water of your choice, I like a citrus flavor seltzer or a neutral club soda for this drink most of the time.

ingredients on the table for making easy summer mocktails

Keeping It Simple Works

In the past, I’ve made easy mocktails for friends with a base of fresh lime juice and allowed everyone to sweeten them to taste with simple syrup. They are delicious that way. However, what I found when making mocktails for a crowd (a.k.a. the 37 family members we camped with this summer) is that it simply isn’t possible to squeeze a hundred limes every afternoon for our drinks. At least not in my “I want to relax right now” world.

But a container of juice? A splash of juice adds just the right sweetness and a bit of flavor. Some people liked to add a bit more, while I tend to add a bit less to my own. And it turned out that the splash of pineapple juice was the something extra that made these drinks unforgettable.

berries and mint in the bottom of a deli container

Notes on Equipment

Deli Containers – I’ve found that 36 ounce containers work well, hold plenty of ice, and support a good size straw. They’re dishwasher safe and can be washed and re-used many times.
Straw Puncher – This punch is super easy to use, comes in a two pack, and creates a perfect straw hole every time.
Reusable Straws – I tested several different straws before deciding I like these best. They’re very sturdy, wash well, and are super affordable. I also have glass straws that I like to use when at home, but the plastic are terrific when hosting or on the go.
Muddler – I’ve used all sorts of muddlers over the years and this one is my favorite, hands-down. It is comfortable to hold and it grips the ingredients well instead of just pushing the fruits and herbs around the cup.

pouring pineapple juice into a berry mocktail

How to Make Easy Mocktails

Muddling: I start by dividing the berries and the mint between the cups. Then I smash them a bit with the muddler to release the berries’ juices and the fragrance of the mint.

Adding the Juice: I’ll add a splash of juice into each cup, as needed, to make it easier to smash the berries. Then continue to use the muddler to crush the fruit.

Chilling Things: You’ll divide the ice between the cups, filling them up. Then add the remaining pineapple juice. You don’t need much to add plenty of flavor.

pouring seltzer into a pineapple berry mocktail

Making it Fizz: I finish each drink with seltzer or club soda.

Punching the Top: I top each cup with a lid and punch a hole through it. Pop a straw in, give the drinks and swirl to mix the flavors, and serve immediately.

punching a hole in the lid of a deli container for a straw

Expert Tip

The formula is simple here and it’s highly adaptable too. Take your fruits, add some herbs, pour in a splash of juice, and finish with the sparkling fizzy drink of your choice. Make sure there is plenty of ice to keep things chilled and you’re good to go with the easiest, best tasting fuss-free mocktails you can make at home for a fraction of the fancy restaurant prices.

Juicing Fresh Lemons and Limes – These drinks are excellent with fresh citrus too. However, you’ll likely want to add a splash of simple syrup to them, or a bit of the sweetener of your choice to balance the tartness.

Muddling the Fruit – I like to leave chunks of berries in the bottom of the cups, not fully smashing or pureeing the fruit. It’s fun to sip them through the straw.

Choosing the Size for Deli Container Drinks – 36 ounces sounded like a huge cup when I was first choosing a size for these deli drinks, but it has turned out to be the perfect size for us. There is plenty of room for a ton of ice which keeps them nice and cold for a good long time.

hand holding a deli container drink with an alcohol free cocktail outdoors next to flowers

More Drink Recipes

Do I Have To Use A Deli Container?

YES! Of course you do. That’s the fun part. But if you must simply serve these in glasses, they will be lovely and delicious that way as well.

I don’t have a muddler. Can I use something else?

Sure. I’ve used the end of a rolling pin or the handle of a wooden spoon in the past. A great muddler will make things easier and the fruit and the herbs won’t slide around as much, but it isn’t a requirement.

This sounds great, but I want to make it boozy.

Go for it! A splash of bourbon would be my recommendation with these flavors, but tequila or vodka would also work here.

How do I multiply this for a crowd?

There are a couple of ways to do that. If you have the deli containers ready to go, just multiply the servings. Easy peasy! If you’re working with traditional glassware, you’ll probably get about 4 servings per “recipe” below, if you’re using 12-16 ounce glasses. You won’t be able to use as much ice, but that’s fine as people will likely drink them more quickly. If possible, I recommend serving each drink with a straw though, because it’s just plain fun to sip the muddled berries through the straw.

layered pineapple berry mocktails in deli containers with straws on wooden table

Divide the berries and mint leaves between two containers. Add a splash of juice into each, then use a muddler to crush the fruit.
Divide the ice between the containers with ice cubes, then add the remaining pineapple juice. Add 12 ounces of seltzer to each container.
Top with a lid and punch a hole in the lid. Pop a straw in, give the drinks and swirl to mix the flavors, and serve immediately.