Three alcohol-free summer mocktail recipes for hot summer evenings

The BBQ's cooling, the garden is calling, and it's time for a glass of something sparkling.

Thoughtfully crafted by our in-house nutritionist team using True Nightcap, our sleep support tonic, and True Hydration, our mineral-rich electrolyte powder, these functional summer mocktail recipes are perfect for relaxing alfresco evenings with friends and family.

Simply mix and sip to cool down and rest well.

Why make a functional mocktail in summer?

Functional mocktails are alcohol-free drinks made using ingredients that actively support the body. Think mineral electrolytes that draw hydration deep into your cells, or tart cherry juice,  a natural source of melatonin that has been studied for its sleep-supporting properties.

One of the reasons why you might choose a functional mocktail over a summer cocktail is that, in addition to tasting great, they’re alcohol-free, meaning they won’t dehydrate you or risk disrupting your sleep on a hot summer’s night. Instead, they replenish with the deep hydration needed to help the core body temperature drop, allowing for deep, restful sleep to follow.

And it’s not just sleep that functional summer drinks can support. With the right ingredients, your functional mocktail can deliver the essential hydration needed to support everything from your energy to your skin radiance. Which is why we reach for them all summer long.

Three functional summer mocktails to try

Cherry cooler functional mocktail

Delivering the tartness of cherry alongside the cool coconut taste of True Hydration, this functional mocktail is perfect for sundowners and a refreshing choice for supporting hydration after a long day in the sun.

Ingredients:

+ A handful of fresh cherries

+ Ice cubes

+ One shot of lime juice

+ 120ml of cherry juice

+ One scoop or sachet of True Hydration

+ Sparkling water

+ A sprig of thyme

Method:

Step 1: Start by adding a handful of fresh cherries and ice cubes to a glass

Step 2: Add the lime juice and cherry juice

Step 3: Top with True Hydration mixed into sparkling water

Step 4: Garnish with thyme and enjoy!

Why we love this functional mocktail 

“I love this mocktail for more than just its flavour; it’s my favourite way to rehydrate and wind down as the sun sets.  Keeping hydrated is essential for natural recovery during sleep. True Hydration brings essential electrolyte minerals to help replenish the body after a long day outdoors. Fresh cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, making them a lovely ingredient to wind down with as the evening draws in,” Faye Murton, Senior Science and NPD Assistant at Ancient + Brave.

True Nightcap Negroni Mocktail 

Featuring just five ingredients, this functional summer mocktail can be made in next to no time and makes a great alcohol-free choice when you want to cool down and sleep well.

Ingredients:

+ 2 tsp or one sachet of True Nightcap

+ Crodino Aperitivo or Tonic Water 

+ Orange skin

+ Ice

+ A sprig of rosemary

Method:

Step 1: Start by filling a glass with ice cubes, then pour in your preferred mixer 

Step 2: Add a sachet or scoop of True Nightcap

Step 3: Gently stir, then garnish with orange skin or a sprig of rosemary

True Nightcap spicy Margarita Mocktail 

An alcohol-free alternative to the beloved spicy marg, this functional summer mocktail recipe is always a hit at summer BBQs, come rain or shine

Ingredients:

+ 1 scoop True Nightcap

+ 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

+ 1/2 cup coconut water or a scoop of True Hydration in water

+ 1/4 cup orange juice

+ 1-2 tsp agave syrup (to taste)

+ A pinch of cayenne pepper

+ Ice cubes (or crushed ice)

+ Fresh lime wedges (to garnish)

+ Chilli salt rim (optional)

Method:

Step 1: If you like your margarita spicy, begin by rimming your glass with chilli salt 

Step 2: In a shaker, combine True Nightcap, lime juice, coconut water, orange juice, agave syrup, and cayenne pepper

Step 3: Shake well and pour over ice

Step 4: For a final flourish, garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Why we love this functional mocktail 

“True Nightcap mocktails are a comforting yet refreshing option, with their warming ginger and bright lemon perfectly complementing the functional ingredients within”, Isobel Hartnoll, Ancient + Brave Nutritionist. 

We hope that you enjoy our summer mocktail recipes. For more recipe inspiration, why not explore our Loaded Water rituals? Crafted for summer hydration, they’re the simple daily ritual that makes every glass count.