The Best Nonalcoholic Drinks for Hot Days and Happy Hours

Pink lemonade conjures up vivid memories of a Fiestaware pitcher in my grandmother’s fridge: it just screams summer. Recess’s newest Mood flavor leans into that nostalgia with a combination of sweet strawberry and tart lemonade and adds ingredients like magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and lemon balm. The brand says these are designed to promote a sense of calm and balance, and while the science is still evolving, the flavor alone makes this an appealing non-alcoholic option. With just 20 calories and no added sugar, it’s an appealing option for anyone who wants to capture the spirit of summer (sprinklers and push-pops not included).

For those who may miss the ritual of holding a slim can of seltzer, Hiyo’s social tonics offer a non-alcoholic alternative. Hiyo replaces alcohol with adaptogens, which are often marketed as supporting relaxation and sociability. While more research is needed on the benefits of adaptogens, I will say that the flavors are refreshing and fizzy, with summery flavors like Peach Mango and Blackberry Lemon that taste botanical and more nuanced than your average seltzer. The cans also blend in nicely at parties or cookouts, so if you don’t want something that announces, “I’m not drinking alcohol!” these are an inconspicuous alternative.

Editor’s note: As with many functional beverages, it’s smart to check with your healthcare provider if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

If you're curious about the colostrum trend but aren't interested in mixing powders into your morning smoothie, ARMRA offers a way to try it as a beverage.

These mocktails make it easy to pour, garnish, and go, and they’re definitely more fun than the cans of flavored water some people try to pass off as mocktails. Mingle makes mocktails you can actually pour over ice, add a garnish, and call it a day. They’re also only about 20 calories and only 3 to 4 g of sugar (from organic cane and fruit juices) per serving. One of Mingle’s newest flavors for summer, Subtly Spicy Margarita, impressed even my diehard spicy margarita friends; true to its name, it gives you just a small hit of burn on the tongue, and is especially tasty if you pour it into a glass and dress it up with a tajin rim. It basically tastes like summer.

Silly is designed to support a social, feel-good vibe without alcohol. And while I can’t claim any specific mood benefits, the passionfruit-mango flavor is extremely tasty. It tastes fresh and fruit-forward, yet only has 30 calories and 2 g of sugar per serving (how did they do that?).