Summer non-alcoholic cocktail ideas

There's nothing better than a fun, chilled drink on the hottest day of the year. From sipping on a refreshing summer drink by the pool to sipping on a chilled drink at a hot summer picnic, summer cocktails usually take center stage when the weather is warm, so where will those who enjoy a refreshing drink but choose not to drink be?

Domenica Personti works as the corporate director of the Medication Assisted Treatment program at the American Center for Recovery in King of Prussia, Pa. As a person in long-term recovery and a professional in the behavioral health field, Personti advocates for helping create healthy and sustainable alternatives for those who choose not to drink.

How to Support Alcohol-Free Guests at Summer Parties

Personti says there are many reasons why people choose to live an alcohol-free lifestyle: everyone deserves to be treated with respect. "Typically, we focus on people who are in recovery, which is appropriate in many cases, but there are a lot of reasons why people choose not to drink," she told Yahoo Lifestyle." Whether someone is in recovery, staying sober or abstaining from alcohol due to medical challenges, it's great to provide them with options."

Presti says the social environment can be a burden for people in the early stages of recovery, and that struggle can be exacerbated when having to explain the reasons for sobriety over and over again. Serving alcohol-free cocktails at your summer party is a great way to help your alcohol-free friends feel more comfortable at the event, Presti says.

"Everyone has the right to choose how and when to disclose that they are in recovery," she says." That's one of the reasons promoting non-alcoholic cocktails as an everyday option provides an inclusive experience for everyone and normalizes the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages in all settings."

What to drink when you're not drinking

Abraham Zerebilov lives in Buffalo, N.Y., and says that as a drip drinker - a non-drinker - he has a line of simple non-alcoholic cocktails that use simple ingredients and avoid the constant distractions of the social gatherings he encounters at parties.

"The way I avoid drinking at parties is to order a soda with lime," says Zhelebilov." If I'm the host of a backyard party, I'll drink pomegranate juice from a glass because it has a tannin-like aftertaste and looks like red wine."

Orlando, Florida-based Sara Elaffey, creator of Sara Fay's travelogue, shared that as a travel video blogger and blogger, her goal is to highlight exciting activities, adventures and healthy events that have nothing to do with drinking alcohol.

"I often attend events with alcohol, and if you're spending the hot months at a party or event with an open bar, my best advice is to ask for a non-alcoholic cocktail," she says." Honestly, when I dance and go to events, I often find that no one questions me about not drinking because I have the best time."

Errafay's go-to non-alcoholic cocktails include the classic Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic drink made with ginger ale and pomegranate syrup, and kombucha. In addition, whenever possible, she likes to bring her own drinks, including anything from artisanal sodas to freshly brewed cold brew coffee.

Marlena Del Yero, a licensed clinical addiction specialist from Brownsville, Texas, specializes in helping her clients with this problem. She reflects on Errafay's advice and shares some of her own favorite alcohol-free cocktails for summer." Virgin mojitos made with mint, seltzer, lime and sugar or sugar substitutes," she says, "a straight Cuban spirit made with lime and cola, soda or lime soda, or even a refreshing lemonade ...... , especially in the heat, it's important to stay hydrated, so my favorite non-alcoholic cocktails with soda are the ones with soda."

Del Hierro shares that keeping a full glass not only makes it easier to stay hydrated, but it also prevents being offered a drink.

How to stay sober at summer parties

Non-alcoholic cocktail professional Abby Ehmann, owner of the acclaimed New York City restaurants Hekate Cafe and Elixir Lounge, centers her business around serving fun, non-alcoholic drinks. She recalls the struggles that summer can bring to sobriety.

"I can't even imagine any event I've ever been to that didn't serve alcohol," Ellman says." For those who are newly sober, that's obviously a problem. But it's summer - you don't want to lock yourself in."

Ehrman suggests preparing for summer activities by having a cooler full of favorites so that alcohol is less tempting." My suggestion is a delicious drink made with fresh fruit or a six-pack of 0.0 percent ABV beer in a cooler that has all the flavors you might crave, but no alcohol," she says." There are many products available now that offer an adult drinking experience."