You don’t need alcohol to have a good time, but you do need something to celebrate the change of seasons. Springtime’s sunshine and burst of colors are the inspiration behind these mocktails, which are easy to make at the campsite, refreshing any day of the year, and add a little variety to your drink menu.

Virgin Mule

Courtesy of KOA

Remember to pack your copper mugs!

Ingredients

This one is from chef Rick Bayless (via Martha Stewart):

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  •  1 ½ cups water
  • 1 TB fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • Ginger beer
  • Fresh limes

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar, water, and lime juice in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring steadily until the sugar dissolves. Then take off the heat and allow it to cool. Make this ahead of time or at the campsite (or buy a simple syrup instead). You can keep this refrigerated for as long as a week.
  2. Add about a tablespoon to a glass of ginger beer and garnish with a fresh lime slice for your Virgin Mule.

Pairs well… with playing cards for hours as night closes in.

 

 

Raspberry Refresher

Courtesy of Taste of Home

Make a simple raspberry syrup before you head to camp and keep it in the fridge for a few days. When you feel like a libation, simply add in some ginger ale.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
  • 2 liters ginger ale, chilled

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, crush the berries. Stir in sugar, vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  • Strain to remove seeds; refrigerate.
  • Just before serving, stir in ginger ale and remaining water. Serve over ice.

Pairs well… after a hike through the woods.

 

Easy Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Courtesy of The Mindful Mocktail

There’s something comforting about this traditional mocktail, which tastes great in the spring but also gets you ready for the summer.

Ingredients

  • 1 small lime quartered
  • 10 mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice (sugar or an alternative sweetener)
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1 oz non-alcoholic rum (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the lime and your sweetener of choice into your glass.
  2. Muddle for about 1 minute to release the juice from the lime.
  3. Clap the mint in your hands a few times to release the scent. Place it in the glass and press gently with the muddler 2-3 times.
  4. Add non alcoholic rum (if using).
  5. Top with sparkling water and ice. Stir.
  6. Garnish with slices of lime or some extra mint and serve.

Pairs well… with an afternoon paddle on a slow stream or quiet lake.

 

Ginger & Pineapple Spritz

Courtesy of We Are Explorers

All that needs to be done for this delicious mocktail is to pour the ingredients together and add a little garnish. Delightful!

Ingredients

  • 35 mL ginger ale syrup (about one shot, or 2 TB + 1 tsp)
  • Sparkling or soda water
  • Pineapple juice
  • Ice
  • Lemon
  • Mint

Instructions

  1. Put ice in a jar or glass and pour over ginger ale syrup and pineapple juice (to about 1/3 full).
  2. Top off with sparkling or soda water, then garnish with lemon and mint.

Pairs well… with breakfast, as the combination of flavors is invigorating to start the day.