College may be viewed as the time for getting borderline-blackout drunk (hello, Borgs) and going out on the town with your besties, but nights out may also lead to a couple of less-than-desirable Saturday outcomes like throwing up, getting hungover, and regretting that one cocktail that pushed you over the edge. If we’re being honest here, I myself have been recovering from a birthday adventure that ended up being a little too fun at night and a little too terrible the next morning. This means that right now, even the sight of alcohol has become a bit gross. This has been a bit of a downer because I want to order drinks at bars and contribute to the atmosphere.
Thankfully, TikTok has advertised some very pretty and delicious-looking mocktails that are just calling my name, specifically frozen ones to help me cool off. Nothing beats holding a fancy glass and saying cheers with the group, but sometimes, a lack of liquor is exactly what we need to still keep the fun vibe without the nasty hangover. Made with some fresh ingredients and some flavor combos I had never even considered, here are my favorite frozen mocktail recipes I plan to drink all summer long.
- Limonana
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A popular Middle Eastern drink, this is a simple recipe perfect for kicking back by the pool and pretending you’re on an international vacation. Made with just five ingredients, it’s quick and easy but packed with cocktail staples. Add mint, sugar, lemon juice, and water to a blender with some ice, and enjoy this refreshing classic that provides a more simple, elegant vibe.
- Daiquiri
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The most common daiquiris we hear about are strawberry and banana but for those looking to try something new this summer, consider the mango and lychee version! Frozen fruit is a must-have for blended mocktails, so just mix some frozen mangos, simple syrup, lemon juice, and lychees and garnish with mint for a beautiful sunset-colored beverage. Fruity drinks are among some of my favorites, but it’s often the flavored/sugary liquors that make me sick, so this is a mocktail recipe I’m holding onto.
- Orange Creamsicle Frosty
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Pay homage to your inner child with this next one because it’s both nostalgic and delicious. Blend a frozen cutie, Ollipop’s orange squeeze (the cutest can for the cutest drink), vanilla syrup, and some dairy-free vanilla creamer, and you’re left with a sweet treat that won’t melt into a puddled mess! Top with some dairy-free whip cream for an extra fun garnish. This is perfect for daytime picnics and photoshoots with its bright hue and whimsical design.
- Spicy Margarita
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For those of you who like a little kick to your drinks and still wanna capture that in a mocktail, this is the one for you. Trader Joe’s has a jalapeño limeade that works wonders with this one, so mix that with some freshly squeezed orange juice. But, we can’t forget about the presentation! Rim your glass with some tajin and garnish with a lime wedge for that additional flavor and aesthetic; this mocktail just screams that sexy, cool, casual drinker in the corner of the bar type of vibe.
Whether you’re interested in mocktails because you want to take a break from liquor or just because they seem like a fun experiment, these recipes draw from different flavor palettes and vibes to perfectly deliver for any event you may want to attend with a glass in hand.