Stay Hydrated and Alcohol-Free: Sip on Flavorful Mocktails at Your Summer BBQ

Dangers of excessive alcohol 

Enjoying a glass or two on occasion is perfectly fine alongside a healthy lifestyle. In fact, some suggest that certain types like red wine contain antioxidants (1). However, hitting the bottle hard on the regular, can increase our risk for developing chronic diseases and other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive issues, certain cancers, weakened immunity, and mental health issues (2). 

Too much booze can also get in the way of weight related goals. Alcohol contains empty calories, or calories without nutritional perks. Plus, when we get a bit tipsy, it can affect our judgment when it comes to food or other healthy choices – cue late night beer induced pizza order. Alcohol also interrupts our precious sleep by interfering with our sleep cycles and brain chemicals that are related to sleep (3). Without good sleep, our overall well being and weight are negatively affected.

Strategies for staying alcohol-free at Summer BBQ’s

Cutting out alcohol can have some amazing health benefits. Some research found that skipping alcohol for a month can improve energy levels and body weight (4). Almost like hitting a reset button, it can also help people drink less in the long term. If you enjoy a casual drink and don’t want to completely cut it out, consider going “damp”. This means cutting back on your consumption but not entirely quitting. 

So, let’s keep the fun BBQ times flowing without alcohol with these strategies and tasty mocktail recipes:

Tell them you aren’t drinking today

The peer pressure to drink can be hard to fight. But if you find someone pressuring you, simply tell them you’re not drinking today. If you need an excuse, you can always mention that you aren’t feeling well enough, are planning to drive later, or have work. But ultimately you don’t need to make an excuse because it’s your right to say no and set your own boundaries!

Keep a non-alcoholic cup

Holding a cup of non-alcoholic beverages not only helps you stay hydrated, it prevents peer pressure from someone asking you where your drink is. An even more sneaky tip: fill an empty beer can or bottle with water. 

Alcohol makes our bodies lose more fluids and when we pair that with hot summer days, we’re at an increased risk for dehydration. Try some soda water or regular water with a squeeze of lemon or infused with natural fruits. Add some hydrating fruits and vegetables to your BBQ dish to boost hydration even more. 

Make a magnificent mocktail 

You can take a break from booze but still enjoy a fun, flavorful drink! Not only do they look and often taste like cocktails, they can make you feel part of the BBQ festivities. Check out our delicious recipes here: Friendship in a Glass.

Green Tea Pineapple Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aquafaba
• 2 oz / 60 ml freshly brewed green tea
• ¾ oz / 20 ml agave
• ¾ oz / 20 ml fresh lime juice
• ½ oz /15 ml pineapple juice

Instructions: 

1. Add aquafaba, green tea, agave syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, and ice in a cocktail shaker. 
2. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lime zest.

Lychee and Coconut Mocktail

Ingredients: 

• 4 fresh or frozen lychees (deseeded) 
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml light coconut milk
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 
• 2 tbsp agave syrup
• 1/2 cup / 60 ml water
• 1 lime wedge
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut 

Instructions: 

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth.
2. Use the lime wedge along the edge of the glass, add the coconut on a plate and roll the glass edge until it gets covered in coconut. 
3. Add crushed ice into a glass and fill it up with the mocktail.

Non-Alcoholic Cucumber Gin and Tonic 

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz / 60 ml non alcoholic gin 
• 5 cucumber slices
• ¾ oz / 20 ml fresh lime juice
• 4 oz / 120 ml tonic water
• Crushed ice 

Instructions: 

1. Add all the ingredients to a glass, stir and serve.

Ready to sip on more delicious drink recipes or healthy dishes you can bring to your BBQ? Check out Lifesum!

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