When the summer heat settles in, staying hydrated becomes more than just a wellness goal, especially for those of us managing health conditions where hydration plays a vital role in feeling our best. I’m always on the lookout for delicious, herbal-inspired ways to keep my fluids up, and this trio of mocktails has become a seasonal favorite. A Switchel, a Shrub, and a Spritz—each one brings its own refreshing charm, blending tangy fruits, soothing herbs, and hydrating ingredients to keep you cool, nourished, and connected to the flavors of the season. I hope you'll give each one a try and let me know which one is your fave!
Lemon Ginger Switchel
Ingredients
7 cups Filtered water, room temperature
1 Fresh lemon, zested and juiced
2 inches Fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 cup Raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup Honey, maple syrup, or molasses
Instructions
- Using a half gallon size jar with a lid, add 7 cups of room temperature filtered water.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated ginger.
- Pour in the raw apple cider vinegar and sweetener of choice.
- Stir everything together very well, and then top the container with an airtight lid.
- Place the mixture on the counter and allow to ferment at room temperature for 24-36 hours.
- Strain and transfer to the fridge to chill.
- Serve over ice and lemon slices.
Strawberry Basil Shrub
Ingredients
1 cup Club soda
1 cup Apple cider vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 lb Strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
16 Basil leaves (plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Shrub Concentrate Mixture:
- Wash, hull, and cut the strawberries into chunks.
- In a large bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, and strawberry chunks. Tear up the basil leaves and add them to the mixture. Stir to combine, making sure everything is submerged in the vinegar, then cover tightly.
- Refrigerate for 48 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- After 2 days, remove mixture from the fridge and stir to dissolve any remaining sugar. Gently squish the strawberries against the edge of the container to extract more juices.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve.
- Transfer to an airtight bottle or jar and keep refrigerated
Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour 1-2oz shrub mixture over the ice
- Top up with club soda for a refreshing fizz. Garnish and serve immediately and enjoy!
Lavender Blueberry Spritz
Ingredients
1 cup Sparkling water
1/2 cup Blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
2 tablespoons Lemon juice freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup adjust to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Blueberry Mixture:
- In a small bowl, muddle the blueberries with the lemon juice and simple syrup. Crush them well to release the juices and flavors.
Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the muddled blueberry mixture over the ice, through a strainer to remove the solid bits if preferred.
- Top up with sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. Garnish and serve immediately and enjoy!
Whether you're sipping on the zesty Lemon Ginger Switchel, savoring the floral fizz of the Blueberry Lavender Spritz, or indulging in the sweet tang of the Strawberry Basil Shrub, each of these summer mocktails offers more than refreshment—they’re small rituals of care, connection, and seasonal pleasure. Hydration doesn’t have to feel like a chore! It can be a sensory invitation to slow down, listen to our bodies, and celebrate the gifts of summer one sip at a time.
