A taste of summer with sparkling mocktails: 3 gourmet recipes

Watermelon-mint splash

This mocktail is a tidal wave of freshness: together, watermelon and mint create a light, thirst-quenching drink.

Ingredients:

• 250ml sparkling Eska water
• 1 cup diced fresh watermelon
• 5 mint leaves
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Crush the ice, watermelon, mint, and lime juice.
2. Pour into a glass (strain the mixture if desired).
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with mint leaves.

Berry-basil blast

For a rich and fruity sip, this berry and basil mocktail is your best bet. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries blend with fragrant basil for a little something different.

Ingredients:

• 250ml sparkling Eska water
• 3 strawberries, 10 raspberries, and 10 blueberries (fresh, not frozen)
• 4 basil leaves
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, gently muddle the berries and basil leaves until aromatic.
2. Add the honey or agave syrup if desired.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass and top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a few whole berries and a basil leaf.

Peach-ginger spritz

Looking to crank up the flavour intensity? This peach and ginger spritz is just the thing. Sweet peach is elevated by fiery ginger, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s deeply refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 250ml sparkling Eska water
• 1/2 peach, sliced or 2 tsp peach puree
• 1 tbsp ginger syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Add the peace slices or puree to a glass.
2. Add the ginger syrup (see recipe below) and lemon juice.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top with sparkling water.
5. Stir gently and serve garnished with a peach slice.

Homemade ginger syrup

Ginger syrup is a delicious addition for mocktails, cocktails, and drinks of all kinds. Making it at home is easy – here’s how.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh ginger
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Peel the fresh ginger and cut into thin slices. The thinner the slice, the more flavourful the syrup will be.
2. In a saucepan, combine the ginger, sugar, and water. Mix well.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavours combine.
4. After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
5. Once cooled, filter the syrup to remove the ginger chunks. Use a fine sieve or coffee filter for best results.
6. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.