There is no as such food season because to feast on delicious food and flavourful drinks, we don't need a reason. But just to feel little less guilt about our eating and drinking habits, let's say, with monsoon comes the occasion to invite your friends to enjoy the nice cocktail recipes. However, hosting a weekend party to celebrate monsoon is the perfect way to unwind after a tiresome week. Not all of us likes the same drinks. Some want it sweet, some tangy and a few others want it spiced up. Here are some of the most delicious and hydrating non-alcoholic drink ideas to serve at your next brunch, lunch, or dinner party.
1.VIRGIN WATERMELON MARGARITA
Ingredients: 1 medium seedless watermelon, cut into chunks, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 4 tsp agave, 1/3 cup sparkling water
Directions: In a blender, puree enough watermelon chunks so that you have 4 cups of watermelon puree. Add lime juice and agave and mix again. Pour into 4 cups. Top with sparkling water.
Ingredients: 4-5 slices of Cucumber, 1 oz Honey syrup, 1.5 oz Mango puree, 1.5 oz Fresh lime juice, 1.5 oz Ginger beer, Ice
Directions: Muddle cucumber and honey syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the mango puree and lime juice and shake, covered, with ice vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer and stir to incorporate.
3. MOUNTAIN MOJITO MOCKTAIL
Ingredients: .5 oz lime juice, .5 oz agave, .5 oz blood orange purée, 4 fresh mint leaves, Splash of soda water
Directions: Muddle the mint along with the lime juice and agave in a Collins glass, add ice and the rest of the ingredients, top with soda water. Garnish with fresh mint.
4. LAVENDER LEMONADE
Ingredients:6 cups water, ½ cup light-colored honey, ⅓ cup dried lavender, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, strained
Directions: Bring water and honey to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Gently crush the lavender in a mortar and pestle or in a bowl with a meat tenderizer. Add the crushed lavender to the pot then remove it from the heat. Cover, refrigerate, and steep for 2 hours. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the lemon juice and serve over ice.
5. ROSEMARY BLUEBERRY SMASH
Ingredients: 7-8 Blueberries, 1 Rosemary sprig, stripped, 1 oz Honey syrup, 1 oz Fresh lemon juice, strained, 4 oz Sparkling mineral water, Ice
Method: Gently muddle blueberries, rosemary leaves, and honey syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add lemon juice and shake, covered, with ice vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain through a mesh strainer into a tall glass of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and stir to incorporate.
6. STRAWBERRY CHAMOMILE "MARTINI"
Ingredients: 1 oz Elderflower Cordial, ½ oz Simple Syrup, ½ oz Ginger Base, 4 oz Chamomile, 1 Strawberry, 5 Mint leaves, Orange and lemon wedge
Directions: Muddle strawberry with simple syrup and ginger base. Add the elderflower and chamomile and five mint leaves along with the orange and lemon wedge. Add ice and shake before straining into a cocktail coupe.
So this Monsoon chose you fav mocktail and try these amazing recipes with your family and friends. As they say, there's something for everyone. So, pick up your drink and get the monsoon party going on.