You may have heard that the alcoholic version of the Shirley Temple, also known as the Dirty Shirley, has been given the title “the drink of summer” for 2022. But while the Dirty Shirley craze is still going strong, being in the mood for alcohol may not always be that way. That’s where mocktails come in. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer sip without guaranteed morning headaches, these 10 summery mocktails are the best Dirty Shirley alternatives.
If you keep up with the Dirty Shirley trend, you know that on May 5, The New York Times referred to the adult-friendly version of the kid’s drink as the “drink of the summer” due to its growing popularity among lifestyle influencers. The Dirty Shirley is made with vodka, grenadine, Sprite of 7UP, and maraschino cherries, and while it puts a fun twist on a childhood classic, the drink might not be your ~jam~. You can opt for the OG kiddie cocktail instead, or you can take a page from the Dirty Shirley playbook and elevate other classic sips from your childhood like lemonade, Fanta, and orange juice without ever reaching for the vodka. If that sounds more like your vibe, check out these 10 TikTok mocktail recipes that are perfect for a morning in the sun, an afternoon at the park, or a night by the sea.
Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail
If you’ve dipped your toe into the world of mocktails on TikTok, you’ve probably seen it @HeyFrankieSimmons‘ series #MocktailSummer, where the creator shares their favorite mocktail recipes for the summer. The series is filled with deliciously sweet non-alcoholic alternatives, including this recipe for a sip of Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade that will take you back to your childhood.
To make the mocktail, you first need to make a set of ice cubes from Trader Joe’s Watermelon Cucumber Cooler. Then add the ice cubes to a glass and fill the glass halfway with lemonade. Add a small splash of club soda, followed by a splash of Watermelon Cucumber Cooler, and if you fancy, you can even add some muddled mint.
Lemonade and lycee mocktail
Who doesn’t like to relax by the pool every now and then with a nice pink drink? TikToker @eatwithleens shared their non-alcoholic spin on the ‘Gram-worthy drink, and it’s so easy to make. Simply mix mint leaves, lime, raspberries, sugar and ice, then add some of the muddled mixture to a glass. Pour over the lemonade and Lycee juice and voilà – your drink is ready for the pool.
There’s nothing like enjoying a beautiful summer sunset while sipping on a sunset-inspired mocktail, and TikToker @coffeeguff21 shared the hack on how to make yours.
Add pieces of watermelon to a juicer to make watermelon juice and pour the liquid into a glass. Repeat the process with orange slices and pour into a separate glass. Then, in a third glass (I hope you did your dishes beforehand), add ice, mint leaves, and a slice of lemon, lime, or both. Pour in the orange juice and add a healthy splash of Sprite to the mix. Finally, top off the drink with the watermelon juice and you’re ready for the golden hour.
Nobody knows mocktails better than a pregnant bartender, just ask TikToker @michellebellexo† The booze expert shared their hack for enjoying the popular summer sip without alcohol, and you can make it at home too.
First, make sure you rim the glass with salt (obviously). Then, in a separate mixing bowl with ice, add 3/4 parts sweet and sour mix, 1/4 part orange juice, a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of Sprite. Pour the mixture into your salt-rimmed glass and garnish the top with an orange and a lime.
Zero Proof Spritz Mocktail
Keep your summer spritz-y with this zero-proof (aka alcohol-free) spritz mocktail recipe from TikTok user @MakeMyMocktails†
First, fill your glass with “a lot of ice”. Then add a Ghia drink or other non-alcoholic aperitif, pour in some Tost White Sparkling Tea and garnish with an orange slice to top it off.
TikTok user @Nutritious Easy proves that mocktails don’t have to be complicated to taste great. In fact, you can make a mocktail with just three ingredients, and no one would be the wiser. Do not believe me? Try it yourself.
Add a large handful of ice to a glass and top with fresh basil. Fill the glass halfway with strawberry kombucha and fill the rest of the glass with lime-sparkling water. Mix the ingredients together and you have a mocktail.
If it’s been a minute since you had Fanta, this recipe from TikTok user @MealsWithAbi will bring you back.
Add ice to a glass and then add some cucumber, orange and lemon slices. Fill the glass with 1/3 fruit juice, 1/3 Fanta and 1/3 Sprite before adding a splash of flavored syrup. Add a squeeze of lime juice and fresh pineapple juice for even more fruity flavour, garnish with a slice of pineapple and enjoy your fancy Fanta sip.
Sex on the Beach Mocktail
Have you ever had sex on the beach… as a mocktail? Let the TikTok user and mixologist @Mkbarldn show you how.
Add ice, 5.5 ounces orange juice, and 2 ounces homemade peach puree to a shaker. Then add more ice to a glass and pour the mocktail mixture over it. Add 3 and 1/3 ounces of cranberry juice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Honeycrisp Apple Basil Gimlet Mocktail
Here comes another must-try recipe from @MakeMyMocktails for a Virgin Honeycrispy Apple Basil Gimlet.
Mix basil pieces in a shaker, then add 2 ounces Ritual Zero Proof gin, 2 ounces Vybes Honeycrisp Basil and 1/2 of a squeezed lime. Once you’ve done that, add your ice cream and shake. Pour the drink into a glass and serve with basil.
Blood Orange Mocktail Spritz
You can never have too many spritzes in the summer, especially if they are alcohol-free. Spritz your non-alcoholic drinks with this Blood Orange Mocktail Spritz recipe from the creator of TikTok @BevsByBeverly†
Add 1/2 ounce of maple syrup to an ice-filled glass, squeeze two blood oranges, and pour in the liquid. Finish with some sparkling water, a slice of blood orange and a rosemary garnish.
Still looking for the perfect alternative to the Dirty Shirley? You can always treat yourself to a glass of the OG sip that started it all, the Shirley Temple. It’s actually the perfect mocktail, and this recipe from Fresca sent to Elite Daily via email is so easy to track:
Pour 6 ounces of Original Citrus Fresca into a tall glass with ice. Add 1 ounce of grenadine, stir gently, and garnish with an orange, lemon, or lime wedge.
Just because the Dirty Shirley has been considered the drink of the summer doesn’t mean you can’t swap the sip for a mocktail every now and then.
