What To Drink When You’re Not Drinking: 5 Summer Sips That Steal the Show
Want to say sayonara to booze this summer without saying no to good times and great company? Whether you’re poolside, at a BBQ, or hosting brunch with friends, it can be a challenge to know what to drink when you’re not drinking. Instead of reaching for the lemonade again or dodging social questions with an awkward “I’ll just take a water,” shake things up with drinks that taste amazing and don’t come with a side of regret.
We’ve rounded up five alcohol-free summer drinks that bring the flavor, the fun, and the flair. From frozen delights and savory sippers to spicy showstoppers and near-beer brews, there’s something here for everyone, whatever your reason for skipping the booze.
What To Say When Someone Asks Why You’re Not Drinking
You’ve got your delicious drink in hand, but someone inevitably asks, “Wait—why aren’t you drinking?”
Here’s the truth: You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You can just ignore the question. But if you do want something ready to roll, try one of these:
- “I’ve been loving how I feel without alcohol lately—clearer, lighter, and way more energized.”
- “Just giving my body a break. And honestly? Drinks like this make it easy.”
- “Alcohol just doesn’t really serve me anymore. This one’s actually my favorite drink now.”
- “I’ve found life’s more fun when I remember it all. And I’m waking up feeling great.”
Whatever your reason, own it. Curiosity, clarity, or just craving something new—it’s your choice, and it’s a powerful one.
TL;DR: What to Drink When You’re Not Drinking This Summer
- Ditch the alcohol, not the flavor. These five drinks are refreshing, creative, and satisfying.
- Recipes include ingredients, directions, and summer-friendly food pairings.
- You’ll find a spicy option, a savory garden-fresh drink, a frozen fruit treat, a health-boosting blend, and a near-beer experience.
- Stay cool, stay social, and stay alcohol-free—no FOMO needed.
Jump to your favorite:
🍍 Frozen Pineapple Fizz
🌿 Lime & Lager Shandy
🔥 Jalapeño Ginger Pop
🌱 Bitter Orange Cooler
🍓 Superfruit Ginger Spark
🍍 Frozen Pineapple Fizz
(Frozen + Fruity + Crowd-Pleaser)
Okay, if you love something sweet, icy, and borderline addictive (in a good way), this one’s calling your name. The Frozen Pineapple Fizz tastes like a tropical vacation got blended with a heatwave. It’s got frozen pineapple for that creamy slush texture that screams summer, lime to keep it zippy, and coconut water so you stay hydrated instead of wilted by the heat. But here’s the twist that takes it over the top: a Tajín rim that gives each sip a little salty-sour-spicy kick. You can even toss in some freeze-dried lime slices to keep it extra summery and fun.
Trust me, this one’s a keeper—perfect for pool parties, lawn chairs, or just pretending your patio is a beach resort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
- 3 oz club soda
- Tajín (for rimming)
- Freeze-dried lime slices (optional)
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a glass with Tajín and set aside.
- In a blender, combine pineapple, coconut water, lime juice, freeze-dried lime slices (if desired), and honey. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared glass, top with club soda, and stir gently.
- Garnish with mint and a lime wheel.
Food Pairing: Tacos with mango salsa, jerk chicken skewers, or coconut shrimp.
🌿 Lime & Lager Shandy
(Near-Beer + Refreshing + Lager-Inspired)
You know that feeling when you’re cracking open a cold beer at the beach, but without the grogginess afterward? That’s what this shandy is all about. It’s like a spin on a classic Corona with lime, but leveled up with fresh mint and citrus. If you’re someone who misses the ritual of sipping a beer on a hot day, this hits all the right notes—it’s crisp, tangy, and just familiar enough to feel satisfying.
Non-alcoholic lager keeps things light and hoppy, while lemon and lime juice make it extra refreshing. It’s a backyard BBQ essential, whether you’re flipping burgers or floating in the kiddie pool.
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 mint leaves
- 8 oz non-alcoholic lager
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime and lemon juice.
- Fill with ice, then slowly pour in the NA lager.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Food Pairing: Burgers, grilled corn, or street tacos.
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🔥 Jalapeño Ginger Pop
(Spicy + Bright + Bold)
This drink is for the bold ones—the spice lovers who live for that zing. It’s got a little heat, a lot of sparkle, and a ton of personality. The jalapeño gives it just the right amount of kick (don’t worry—you can dial it down), and the ginger beer adds that fizzy, sharp punch that makes every sip feel like a notification that summer is here.
It’s the kind of drink that makes you go, “Whoa… that’s good” and then sip again to be sure. Perfect for those long summer nights when you want something fun in your glass that won’t knock you out the next morning.
Ingredients
- 1 thin slice fresh jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey or agave
- 3 oz ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1 oz soda water
- Lime wedge and jalapeño ring for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle jalapeño slice with lime juice and honey in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake.
- Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger beer and soda water. Stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wedge and jalapeño ring.
Food Pairing: Grilled corn with chili-lime butter, spicy noodles, or chipotle-lime wings.
🌱 Bitter Orange Cooler
(Savory + Citrus + Sophisticated)
This is the one you pull out when you want to feel like a grown-up with a fancy drink—without the alcohol. Based on the Chin cocktail, this version keeps the bitter-citrus-herbal vibe going strong. It’s a little earthy, a little sharp, and a lot refreshing.
If you like your drinks complex instead of sweet, this is your jam. The combo of orange juice, lime, cucumber, and a splash of balsamic is weird on paper but so good in a glass. It’s got that same “hmm, what is this?” energy as a craft cocktail—except it won’t make you sleepy or dehydrated.
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/4 oz white balsamic vinegar
- 1 oz cucumber juice
- 2 oz soda water
- Orange peel and cucumber ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- Shake orange juice, lime juice, cucumber juice, and vinegar with ice.
- Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and stir.
- Garnish with orange peel and cucumber ribbon.
Food Pairing: Grilled veggies, herbed chicken, or marinated mushrooms.
🍓 Superfruit Ginger Spark
(Healthy + Juicy + Energizing)
This one’s for when you want something that tastes amazing and makes your body feel good. Superfruit juice blends are packed with things like pomegranate, tart cherry, and black mulberry—and when you mix that with ginger beer, a little lime, and honey? Yum. It’s like a juice cleanse that remembered how to have fun.
It’s got that deep fruity richness with a zingy twist. Perfect for brunch, post-hike chilling, or whenever you want to feel fancy and hydrated at the same time.
Ingredients
- 3 oz superfruit juice blend (look for one with pomegranate, tart cherry, etc.)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey or agave
- 3 oz ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- Frozen berries and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine juice blend, lime juice, and honey with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
- Garnish with frozen berries and a lime wheel.
Food Pairing: Acai bowls, spinach salad with goat cheese, or grilled salmon.
Want More Ideas on What To Drink When You’re Not Drinking?
Each month, we feature fresh drink ideas that let you indulge without regrets. Go from summer sips 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?
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