Learn / 8 Fruity Non-Alcoholic Drinks & How To Make Them

August 10th, 2023

8 Fruity Non-Alcoholic Drinks & How To Make Them

There are moments that beckon for something more than mere refreshment — a taste of the extraordinary, an embrace of the tantalizing. Enter the realm of fruity, non-alcoholic drinks, compositions of pure nature that not only quench your thirst but also envelop your senses in an immersive sensory experience.

These non-alcoholic concoctions playfully juggle a vibrant mosaic of flavors to elevate shared moments, making a leisurely brunch, a quiet introspection, or a spirited celebration even more memorable.

Eager to craft these tantalizing beverages for yourself? Allow us to illuminate the path with eight exceptional drink recipes.

Why Consider Non-Alcoholic Beverages?

As we tread through life, our understanding of health, wellness, and indulgence undergoes a transformation. We learn that the joys of a spirited evening need not come with the regret of a hangover the following morning. After all, alcohol, while traditionally a part of many social scenarios, has its own share of downsides.

Besides the commonly known excessive consumption, there are also short-term effects to consider. Dehydration, poor sleep quality, and hangovers, are the immediate pitfalls of drinking.

In response to this, a gentle revolution has begun to unfold, one that puts health and mindful enjoyment at the forefront. Non-alcoholic beverages, full of refreshing and tangy fruit juices and crisp and invigorating botanicals, have started to change the landscape.

These aren't simply substitutes for their alcoholic counterparts; they're thoughtfully crafted alternatives that deliver on flavor, sophistication, and overall drinking experience.

What Are the Stand-Out Ingredients for Fruity Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

The ingredients used in non-alcoholic beverages are the heart of these luscious concoctions, the essence of their allure. Let's dive deeper into what makes these beverages so captivating.

The Best Fruits To Have on Hand

The seasonality of fruits is a palette that changes with the turning of the calendar, and the best fruity drinks demand the freshest ingredients.

Summer ushers in an array of vibrant choices. The tropical flavor of pineapple, the honeyed pulp of ripe peaches, the bursting sweetness of berries, and the slight tang of watermelon offer different notes to your non-alcoholic creation.

On the other hand, autumn brings the ripened sweetness of pomegranates and the earthy allure of apples, both perfect for a cozy, heartwarming concoction. As winter wraps the world in its icy embrace, we find comfort and delight in the juicy tang of citrus fruits — oranges, grapefruits, and cranberries — their vibrant colors a promise of brightness during the shorter days.

When crafting your fruity elixir or choosing the perfect garnish, let the season's bounty in your locality guide your hand.

High-Quality Mixers

The perfect mixer can turn your cocktail into a symphony of flavors. Effervescent club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water add a playful fizz, while a splash of soda water amplifies the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.

Spiced depth is a twist away with ginger beer or ginger ale, whereas homemade lemonade, cranberry juice, or a simple iced tea can infuse your mocktail with a refreshing blend of sweetness and tartness. Don't forget lemon-lime soda for that citrusy zing.

For a smooth, harmonious balance, consider simple syrup or agave to counteract the tang or sourness in your fruity ensemble.

Non-Alcoholic Spirits

Non-alcoholic spirits bring sophistication and complexity to the non-alcoholic beverage landscape. At Aplós, our alcohol-free spirits are infused with functional botanicals to mimic the relaxing or uplifting effects of alcohol minus the negative impacts.

Aplós Calme infuses broad-spectrum hemp extract with a bright, complex blend of citrus and herbal botanicals to craft a plant-based spirit that soothes and uplifts. It's perfect for a moment of relaxation or introspection, offering an ethereal, sensory journey without the hazy aftermath.

On the other hand, Aplós Arise is a daring concoction of citrus and herbal botanicals invigorated by a blend of adaptogens. The adaptogenic blend serves as a vibrant stimulant without overpowering, setting the tone for lively conversations and celebrations, the perfect accompaniment to shared moments of revelry.

Choosing between these two depends on the occasion. For a serene, personal moment of unwinding, Calme is the ideal choice. For an energy-infused gathering or a lively celebration, Arise is your go-to. It's not about what you're missing out on but what you're opting into — a world of taste and experience without compromise.

Our Favorite Fruity Non-Alcoholic Drinks and How To Make Them

Immersing yourself in the world of botanical-infused non-alcoholic drinks is like taking a stroll through an enchanted orchard. Each recipe is a sun-dappled path winding its way through nature’s bounty, leading to unique sensory experiences that refresh, stimulate, and delight.

1. A Fizzy Affair

A captivating blend that encapsulates the fizzing excitement of shared laughter and lively chatter. As a lively mix bubbles in your glass, it invites you to relish the jubilant spirit of companionship.

A perfect party drink, enjoy A Fizzy Affair in the bloom of vibrant garden gatherings or the lively din of a weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

  • Aplós Arise: 2 oz
  • Cranberry cordial: 1 oz
  • Lemon juice: 1/2 oz
  • Sparkling water: 2 oz

In a shaker, combine Aplós Arise, lemon juice, and cranberry cordial. Shake it and strain it into a coupe or flute. Top it off with sparkling water and garnish with a twist of orange. Each sip is a harmonious dance of flavors, as lively as the best summer parties.

2. After the Beach

Sip on the lingering essence of a day well spent by the seaside. After the Beach carries the taste of tranquility, a gentle sunset, and the whisper of waves receding with the tide. Just the right blend for reminiscing about sun-soaked afternoons, this drink is best enjoyed in the serene stillness of a dwindling day.

Ingredients:

  • Aplós Calme: 2 oz
  • Soda water: 2 oz
  • Fresh lime juice: ½ oz
  • Agave nectar: ½ oz
  • Pink grapefruit juice: 1 oz
  • Rosewater: 2 dashes

In an ice-filled shaker, add all ingredients except soda water, and shake it. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice, and top off with soda water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and pink salt on the rim for that quintessential seaside touch.

3. Aplós & Blood Orange

Let Aplós & Blood Orange transport you to a paradise with its vibrant allure that mirrors the hues of a tropical sunset. The drink blooms with the beauty of ruby-red tropics and their refreshing breezes, making it the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon siesta or a leisurely evening spent in the company of good friends.

Ingredients:

  • Aplós Arise: 2 oz
  • Soda water: 2 oz
  • Blood orange juice: 2 oz

Combine Aplós Arise and blood orange juice with ice in a shaker. Shake well, then pour into a glass of your choice.

Garnish with a slice of blood orange, watching as its vibrant color slowly seeps into the glass, and give yourself a vivid reminder of the beauty and abundance of nature — a tranquil escape from the everyday.

4. Agua Fresca

A traditional Agua Fresca is an invigorating blend of fruits and water that echoes the spirit of a sunny afternoon spent lazing in a Mexican hacienda. Savor this summer drink on a warm afternoon, with the lazy hum of bees in the background and the sweet scent of ripening fruit in the air.

Ingredients:

  • Watermelon: 4 cups, cubed
  • Cold water: 2 cups
  • Lime juice: 1/2 cup
  • Agave nectar: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh mint: handful, for garnish

Puree the watermelon, lime juice, and agave nectar in a blender. Strain the mixture to remove the pulp, then combine it with cold water. Add a splash of Aplós Arise or Calme if you’re craving an elevated sensory experience. Then, stir well and serve over ice cubes, garnishing with fresh mint leaves.

5. Love in Low Light

Love in Low Light carries the delicate whispers of fleeting admiration, the kind that strikes in those quiet moments of introspection. As you sip on this concoction, it illuminates the simple yet profound beauty of everyday interactions. Ideal for moments of introspection, let this drink be your companion as you pen your thoughts or gaze at the stars.

Ingredients:

  • Aplós Calme: 2 oz
  • Lychee juice: 1 oz
  • Ginger juice: ¾ oz
  • Lemon juice: ¾ oz
  • Fresh rosemary sprig

Combine Aplós Calme, lychee juice, ginger juice, lemon juice, and ice in a shaker. Give it a vigorous shake and strain the resulting mixture into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh lychee and a sprig of rosemary, encapsulating the exotic and delicate balance of the flavors within.

6. Strawberry Margarita Slushie

This frozen delight captures the whimsical spirit of a hot summer day. Its essence is like a sweet, icy treat on a hot afternoon, the kind that promises laughter, light-heartedness, and shared memories. It's best enjoyed outdoors amidst the melodious chirps of cicadas and the rustling of leaves in the summer breeze.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh strawberries: 2 cups
  • Lime juice: 1/4 cup
  • Aplós Calme: 2 oz
  • Agave nectar: 2 tbsp
  • Ice: 2 cups

Blend the strawberries, lime juice, Aplós Calme, agave nectar, and ice in a blender until it becomes a slushy mixture. Pour the slushie into a margarita glass, garnishing with a strawberry and lime slice.

7. Nowhere To Go, Nothing To Do

This refreshing drink is a tribute to the unexpected delights of canceled plans and the sweet stolen moments we get to spend with ourselves. Such surprise pockets of time, unhindered by commitments and unspoiled by the expectation of “wise use,” are a luxury we all cherish in our bustling lives.

Nowhere To Go, Nothing To Do is the perfect accompaniment to a solitary walk in the woods or a lazy afternoon on the porch, the world paused around you.

Ingredients:

  • Aplós Calme: 2 oz.
  • Fresh watermelon juice: 3 oz
  • Agave nectar: 2 tsp
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1/2 oz

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass or flute, then garnish with a slice of watermelon or lime.

8. Piña Colada

A piiña colada is the embodiment of a breezy tropical holiday, delivering the lazy, languid charm of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. This non-alcoholic summer favorite is Ideal for a day of relaxation, transporting you to the sea's edge, with the taste of salt in the air and the gentle rhythm of waves in your ears.

Ingredients:

  • Pineapple juice: 1 cup
  • Coconut milk: 1/2 cup
  • Aplós Arise: 2 oz
  • Ice: 1 cup

Blend the pineapple juice, coconut milk, Aplós Arise, and ice until smooth. Pour into a tall glass, garnishing with a pineapple wedge for a tropical flair.

The Bottom Line

As the sun sets on our exploration of Aplós' diverse blends, we extend an invitation for you to delve into this botanical symphony yourself. Let your senses wander through lush gardens, fragrant orchards, and sun-kissed shores.

Every blend is a journey, and we encourage you to chart your own path as the magic of Aplós unravels on your palate. Allow these crafted cocktail recipes to become the canvas for your creativity, mixing, matching, and discovering the notes that resonate with you.

As the botanical-infused spirits enrich the tang of a fresh lemon or the delicate juiciness of a ripe watermelon, let your glass awaken your taste buds and transport you to realms of sensory delights.

Sources:

Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC

Hangovers - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity | PMC

Seasonal Produce Guide | USDA