by Caroline Weinberg

Everyone loves a good drink, no matter what time of year. However, as flowers start growing again and temperatures rise, spring drinks are becoming a seasonal hit for people across the globe. For college students especially, being able to chug down a fruity and tasty drink is desirable, but unfortunately keeping it alcohol-free is necessary as not everyone is able to consume liquor infused cocktails. Don’t worry though, we have you covered with a list of the 4 most delicious recipes to concoct the best fruit inspired beverages.

Drinks are a call for celebration and a perfect way to chime in the new sunny season. Themed drink nights with friends and mock-cocktail competitions are popular trends. Just like cooking, creating unique and personalized drinks is a fun and fresh activity to do with your friends. A refreshing and flavorful cold mocktail is loved by most, so these recipes will surely be a crowd pleaser.

Watermelon Margarita

Any drinks infused with a refreshing and cool fruit like watermelon are sure to be popular, and margaritas are a classic tableside hit that is jam packed with flavor – so when you combine the two, you can guarantee yourself a good time. For a true show, display the drink inside the empty watermelon with an array of colorful straws and edible decor.

You’ll need: 

• 1 medium seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
• .5 cup fresh lime juice
• 4 tsp agave
• 5 tbsp sparkling water

This recipe was published by Town & Country and created by Food Done Light, and is one of the most well known mocktails for fruit lovers! It is an easy-to-follow recipe with very accessible ingredients, making it a great drink option.

Blueberry Mojito

Mojitos are known to be on the spicier and wildly refreshing side, with mint, lime, and carbonation. Delicious blueberries and scoopings of ice will ensure you have a chilled springtime Saturday.

You’ll need:

• 6-8 mint leaves
• Handful of fresh blueberries
• 2 oz of lime juice
• 2 oz of simple syrup 
• Splash of club soda

This recipe was published by Town & Country and created by Rebel’s Guild at The Revere Hotel, Boston, MA. This drink is sure to have everyone clinking their glasses together as it has the necessary zest and passion to fulfill a fantastic night. What’s better than one of the best fruits, incorporated into a powerful drink?

The Blue Lagoon

Want to have the feeling of laying on a sandy beach overlooking clear, blue waters on a gorgeous sunny island? If you answered yes to this, then this refresher is sure to give you that exact feeling, even if you are sitting on a dorm bed in Central New York. 

You’ll need:

• 1 oz non-alcoholic gin
• 1 oz blue curacao syrup 
• Lemonade
• Fresh lime
• Cherries

*Tip: Add a “floatie” made out of banana slices and sugar to act as “sand” on top of the drink, you’ll probably win 1st prize for best mocktail of the night.

This drink, created by This Vivacious Life, is definitely the superstar of drink night and gives a whole new name to a Bahamas Breeze. It’s basically sipping fruity paradise as you indulge in a bright blue mocktail that will have you saying “mhmm.”

Sunny’s Grapefruit-Coconut Cooler

A mixed mocktail is one for the books and certainly combines fan-favorite flavors to make the best drink! A mix of creamy and refreshing ingredients will suit any drinker’s preference and will make for a memorable sip.

You’ll need:

• 8 oz of Ruby Red or pink grapefruit juice
• 2 oz cream of coconut
• ½ oz agave nectar

This is one of the easiest and shortest recipes to follow, so it is perfect for when you want to relax after a long day, but still come to impress. Grapefruit is a bright and zealous fruit, and pairs well with coconut. It’s tropical, fruit infused, and overall super fun to make because of the convenience! 

The ingredients for every recipe listed are beyond simple and can be found in almost everyone’s kitchen, or mini fridge. Making memories with friends is what it’s all about and having a newsworthy beverage such as these incredible mocktails to drink makes it that much more enjoyable! It’s not always easy to skip the bars, so creating handmade, virgin drinks comes in handy and can make for some unforgettable memories. It’s all about perspective, even if you have to ditch the tequila bottle.