Berry Ginger Beer Mocktail

It's Mocktail Season

Enjoying a vibrant drink on a warm summer day is a perfect way to embrace the season! Enter this berry ginger beer mocktail. It's a sensational concoction that combines the tangy sweetness of fresh berries with the invigorating spice of ginger. Bursting with berry flavors and boasting a refreshing fizz, this mocktail is an ideal companion for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

This summer, I’ve been all about the mocktail. It’s been such an interesting, fun challenge to make delicious drinks that don’t rely on the taste of alcohol (but can have alcohol added if interested).  Mocktails are a fun drink to have any day of the week, any time of day, and can be shared with all of your friends and family. It's a great way to make sure everyone is included in the fun!

Tips for Making a Delicious Berry Ginger Beer Mocktail

If you plan on making this mocktail recipe, here are a few tips to make sure it’s fantastic:

• For the berry simple syrup, I love to use the “fancy berry” mix from the frozen section of the grocery store.  It’s a mix of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries and it’s the perfect amount of tart to balance the syrup!
• When making the syrup, the color of the berries will bleed into the simple syrup making it challenging to see if the sugar has dissolved.  Before taking the pan off the heat, use a spoon to taste a little bit of the simple syrup to confirm if there are any grains of sugar left. If there are, it will feel a bit sandy.  If it’s ready to be taken off the heat, it will be syrupy and smooth.
• This recipe is a bit on the sweeter side - if that’s not your jam, reduce the amount of simple syrup to ½ or ¾ of an ounce.
• This recipe is outlined as a single serving, but it can easily be made for a group!  Just add the same proportion of ingredients to a pitcher and let your guests serve themselves!
• The simple syrup needs to be completely cooled before adding it to the cocktail.  It can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
• Filling the glass with ice first will help cool the cup.  It makes for an even cooler beverage!

Ginger Beer Mocktail Recipe Details

Make the Berry Simple Syrup

Before making the mocktail itself, you’ll need to make and cool the berry simple syrup.  In a saucepan, add sugar, water, and frozen berries, giving them a quick stir.  The saucepan of is placed over medium heat on the stovetop and brought to a light simmer.  The mixture will bubble for about 5 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the berries have softened.

Once the sugar has dissolved, strain the mixture through a sieve or colander into a heat-safe glass container. Use a silicon spatula to press all of the delicious juices from the berries into the jar. The mixture will need to cool completely in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, before mixing it into the cocktail. Let the mixture cool slightly on the countertop before placing a lid on the container so that you don't trap any heat in the jar.

Mix the Mocktail

To prepare a serving of this mocktail, fill a glass with crushed ice.  Over the ice, add the simple syrup and lemon juice, then pour over the ginger beer and sparkling water. Give it a stir and add the mixed berries and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.  Serve right away and enjoy!

This mocktail would be a perfect drink to serve at a party. Pair it with a Veggie Pesto Pizza, Baked Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip, and Blueberry Cobbler with Lavender Sugar for a complete summer party spread.

If you make this berry ginger beer mocktail, be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating - I can’t wait to hear how it goes. As always, tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook in your photos. It makes me feel like we’re getting to cook together! Happy sipping!