Spring Mocktail Recipes

Cutting Back on Alcohol: A Healthier Path Forward 

Whether you enjoy wine with dinner or cold beer on a hot day, for many adults, drinking alcohol is part of their routine. However, recent research shows that alcohol may have significant downsides, and cutting back improves your physical and mental health. The U.S. Surgeon General highlights alcohol use as a preventable cause of cancer in the United States, contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year.  

The Downsides of Drinking 

Over time, heavy drinking* takes a toll. Health problems linked to heavy drinking include: 

• Liver disease 

• Heart disease 

• High blood pressure 

• Obesity  

• Cancer 

• Digestive problems 

• Memory issues, including dementia 

• Depression and anxiety 

• Increased risk of self-harm  

• Sleep disorders  
   

Drinking also has short-term effects. In addition to painful hangovers, there are more serious concerns, including increased risk for accidents, domestic violence, and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol-related Emergency Department visits increased over 200% in Emerson’s service area between 2019 and 2023. (MA Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, 2023) 

*According to the Centers for Disease Control, heavy drinking is defined as eight or more drinks a week for women and fifteen or more drinks a week for men.  
 

How to Lower Your Risk 

No matter how much alcohol you drink, drinking less is always a better choice for your health. Here are some ways to cut back:  

• Plan it out. Decide how many days during the week you will drink and how many drinks you will have.  

• Count your drinks. Do not let someone “top off” a glass of wine or mixed drink without keeping track.  

• Remove alcohol from your home. You will be less likely to drink if it is not easily accessible.  

• Get support. Tell friends and family you are cutting back and encourage them to join you. If you need help quitting, talk with your healthcare provider.

Make It a Mocktail  

Mocktails are a great choice for an anytime drink or something special for festive occasions. Try these refreshing, creative, and fun non-alcoholic drinks this season!  
 

Triple Berry Mocktail 

This mocktail is light, fruity, and perfect for any occasion!

Serves 2
 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced 

• 1/2 cup blueberries 

• 1/2 cup raspberries 

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference) 

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice  

• Sparkling water (or club soda) 

• Ice cubes 

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish) 
   

Instructions: 

1. Combine the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and honey/agave (if using) in a blender. Add a splash of sparkling water and blend until smooth. 

2. Optional: If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and pulp. 

3. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the berry mixture into the glass, filling halfway, and add lime juice. 

4. Pour sparkling water over the berry mixture to fill the rest of the glass. Stir gently to combine. 

5. Add fresh mint leaves or a few berries for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.  
    

Citrus Mint Cooler 

Enjoy this crisp, refreshing mocktail packed with citrus and mint flavors.

Serves 2
 

Ingredients: 

• 1 orange, juiced 

• 1 lime, juiced 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

• ½ cup cucumber slices 

• 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup 

• Sparkling water (or club soda)  

• Ice cubes 

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish 
   

Instructions: 

1. Combine the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, cucumber slices, and honey/simple syrup in a shaker or jar. Shake well. 

2. Fill a glass with ice, then strain the mixture into the glass. 

3. Top with sparkling water and stir. 

4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices. 
    

Melon-Blueberry Fizz 

This is a sweet and tangy mocktail with a pop of fizz.

Serves 2
 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fresh melon (cantaloupe or honeydew), cubed 

• ½ cup fresh blueberries 

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional) 

• ½ cup lime juice 

• ½ cup club soda or sparkling water 

• Ice cubes 

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish 

• Extra blueberries and melon balls for garnish 
   

Instructions: 

1. Blend the melon and blueberries together until smooth. 

2. Strain the mixture if you prefer a smoother drink, or leave it as-is for a thicker texture. 

3. In a glass, add ice cubes, then pour in the melon-blueberry purée. 

4. Stir in the lime juice and honey/agave syrup (if using). 

5. Top with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy finish. 

Garnish with extra blueberries, melon balls, and a sprig of mint.