The Best Non-Alcoholic Memorial Day Drinks to Sip at Your BBQ
Memorial Day is the kickoff to summer: grills are fired up, playlists are loud, and the drinks are flowing. But here’s the thing—you don’t need alcohol to enjoy any of it. Whether you’re taking a break, cutting back, or just not feeling like drinking this year, these non-alcoholic Memorial Day drinks are anything but boring.
We’re talking easy-to-make, super-refreshing drinks that look festive, taste amazing, and keep you feeling great all weekend long. No headaches, no regrets, just all the flavor and fun. We even threw in some perfect food pairings so you can build your ultimate BBQ plate.
Why Should You Go Alcohol-Free for Memorial Day?
Let’s be honest—alcohol doesn’t really add anything to a great BBQ, but it sure can take a lot away. Like your energy. Or your memory of that hilarious cornhole comeback. Or your ability to stay up past 9 pm without crashing.
Going alcohol-free for Memorial Day means:
- You’ll actually remember the fun
- You won’t feel wiped out the next day
- Everyone gets to feel included
- You’ll stay cool and hydrated—no headaches, no hangovers
So why not make this long weekend one where you wake up feeling even better than you did the night before?
Free Masterclass with Annie Grace 🎓
If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy life without alcohol—not just for a day, but as a lifestyle—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join Annie Grace, author of This Naked Mind, for a free masterclass that will help you change your mindset around alcohol without relying on willpower.
You’ll learn:
- Why alcohol affects your brain chemistry (and what to do about it)
- How to feel in control around drinking
- And what real freedom looks like
TLDR: What’s Inside This Non-Alcoholic Memorial Day Drinks Roundup?
- 4 alcohol-free drink recipes made for summer parties and laid-back weekends
- One red-white-and-blue stunner, a tea-based favorite, and two totally fresh new combos featuring lychee and yellow watermelon
- Each recipe comes with simple ingredients, quick directions, and Memorial Day food pairings to keep things easy
Jump ahead to your favorite:
Red, White & Blueberry Spritz
This one’s a total crowd-pleaser. It’s got layers of color (yes, actual red, white, and blue), tons of fruity flavor, and just the right amount of sparkle. The strawberry puree makes it feel fancy, the blueberries give it a little pop, and the coconut water keeps things super light and refreshing.
It’s the kind of drink you can sip on all day without feeling weighed down. And let’s be real—it looks really good in photos. It’s as Instagram-worthy as it is easy to make—ideal for your backyard spread or poolside toast.
Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 5 oz sparkling lemonade
- 2 oz coconut water
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig and star fruit (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
- Pour strawberry puree over the bottom.
- Add blueberries and coconut water gently.
- Top with sparkling lemonade and give a single gentle stir to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with mint and a slice of star fruit for extra patriotic pizzazz.
BBQ Pairing
Goes great with burgers, grilled corn, and literally anything off the BBQ. It’s fruity enough to balance out salty sides but not overly sweet.
Grilled Peach Iced Tea 🍑
This one’s like sweet tea with a glow-up. You toss a couple of peaches on the grill (yep, it’s super easy), and it adds a warm, slightly caramel flavor that makes the tea feel extra special. Add a little lemon and honey, and you’ve got a backyard classic with a twist.
It’s laid-back, easy to sip, and totally hits the spot when it’s hot out.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 8 oz strong black tea, chilled
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Ice
- Grilled peach slice and lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Grill peaches on medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until softened and charred. Let cool.
- Puree one grilled peach half with lemon juice and honey.
- Combine puree with chilled tea and stir or shake well.
- Serve over ice in a tall glass.
- Garnish with the remaining grilled peach slice and lemon.
BBQ Pairing
Perfect with BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or a big bowl of pasta salad. It’s low-key and goes with just about anything.
Ready for a Break That Actually Feels Like One?
The Alcohol Experiment Companion Guide is your ultimate toolkit for navigating life without alcohol—without confusion, fear, or missing out. You’ll get real advice on real-life situations like socializing, sex, parenting, cravings, and more from Annie Grace, Scott Pinyard, and our expert team of TNM Coaches.
And don’t forget to hydrate your lifestyle—The Refreshment Reserve includes 30 alcohol-free drink recipes, a cheat sheet on what to sip and skip, and a guide to the best AF bars around the globe. Refresh your glass and your life.
👉 Start your most confident, empowered 30-day break yet.
Lychee Lime Cooler
This is one of those drinks that feels a little fancy without being fussy. If you’ve never had lychee before, it tastes kinda like a mix between a grape and a pear—super juicy and slightly floral. Paired with lime and a splash of sparkling water, it’s like a tropical escape in a glass.
If you’re trying to impress your friends with something different, this one’s it.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh or canned lychees, pitted and halved
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- 4 oz soda water or sparkling mineral water
- Ice
- Mint leaves and lychee skewer for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle lychee halves and lime juice in a shaker.
- Add agave and a handful of ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with mint and a skewer of lychee for flair.
BBQ Pairing
Amazing with grilled shrimp, pineapple salsa, or anything with a little kick. It cuts through spice like a champ.
Yellow Watermelon Smash 🍉
This one’s just pure summer in a glass. Yellow watermelon is a little sweeter than the regular kind and super juicy. When you mix it with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon, it turns into this bright, refreshing drink that’s not too sweet and totally different from what everyone else is drinking.
Plus, it looks awesome—it’s bright yellow and feels like sunshine in a cup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cubed yellow watermelon
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup or honey
- 3 oz sparkling water
- Ice
- Basil leaf and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle watermelon and basil in a shaker until juicy.
- Add lemon juice, sweetener, and ice. Shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir.
- Garnish with basil and a lemon twist.
BBQ Pairing
Serve it with grilled fish tacos, veggie skewers, or watermelon-feta salad. Fresh, refreshing, and so simple!
Want More Alcohol-Free Summer Inspiration?
Each month, we feature fresh drink ideas that let you indulge without regrets. Go from non-alcoholic Memorial Day drinks all the way to flavorful fall delights! Find them all right here.
Our podcast tackles all your questions about alcohol-free living. Check out these popular episodes:
- EP 64: Reader Question – Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Are they okay?
- EP 198: Reader Question – Alcohol-Free drinks? Are they OK?
- EP 88: Reader Question – Social Drinking – How Do I Muster the Willpower Not to Drink?
- EP 542: Reader Question – Do you serve wine when you host parties?
Copyright © 2025 This Naked Mind. This material is original content and is protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content will be met with legal action.
