The Joy of Mocktails: Savor the Summer with Refreshing Beach Mocktails
Summer is here, bringing with it scorching days, long evenings, and the perfect excuse to gather friends for some fun in the sun. But what if you could enjoy the refreshing taste of a cocktail without worrying about the next day’s hangover? Enter the world of summery beach mocktails! These delightful, alcohol-free beverages are perfect for staying cool, hydrated, and hangover-free while still enjoying the vibrant flavors and social vibes of a good drink.
Last weekend, my girlfriends and I decided to have a fun night out, but we wanted to avoid the dreaded hangover that usually follows. Instead of opting for the usual cocktails, we embarked on a bar and restaurant hopping adventure focused entirely on mocktails. By the end of the night, we felt refreshed and woke up the next day ready to adult without any of the usual post-party grogginess.
Our decision to go for mocktails was initially driven by a desire to enjoy our evening without the consequences of alcohol. We wanted to savor the night, indulge in delicious flavors, and still wake up the next day feeling energized. Mocktails offered the perfect solution, and we were eager to explore the creative concoctions local bars and restaurants had to offer.
Mocktails offer all the fun and flavor of traditional cocktails without the alcohol. They're a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious drink while staying clear-headed and hydrated. Plus, they’re often packed with fresh fruits and herbs, making them a healthy and refreshing option.
We started our night at The Wedge, a trendy bar at the edge of Ocean City and the Jetty. The bartender, excited for our mocktail quest, crafted an array of non-alcoholic beverages off their extensive drink list. From a refreshing Seedlip Ranch Water to a Paloma Mocktail, each drink was refreshing and vibrant. Each bursting with flavor, we knew we picked a great first spot.
We headed up the boardwalk and wanted to check out the coolest new spot over looking the boardwalk, the Coconut Club. Taking pride in their Alcohol free offerings, they crafted a list of cocktails that are also made without alcohol and not sacrificing on flavor. While there were many options, we went with the "Adult YooHoo", "Members Only", and the "Yummy Tummy Crush". All picture worthy and even better tasting, we paired it with the Chip Dip Trio and watched the waves crash into the shore, while relaxing and enjoying our vacation feeling.
Our journey continued to Ember's rooftop restaurant. Chic, waterfront, and quaint, this was the perfect spot to watch the sunset and grab our next drink. Here, the bartender took mocktails to a whole new level. We savored a "Watermelon NOjito", "Cranberry Sangria" and " Pomegranate Love". Bursting with flavor, fresh juices and creativity. The creativity and passion behind these drinks were evident, and it was exciting to see how mocktails could rival their alcoholic counterparts in taste and presentation.
Another stop for delicious mocktails was the ever popular OC Wasabi. The perfect match for our sushi and nigiri orders, the Strawberry Lemonade combined with sparkling water was just right. While they don't have a list of available mocktails, Sonya was able to create a couple fabulous palate cleansers. The blackberry mocktail paired excellent with the shrimp fried rice (pictured) and created an impressive, memorable stop on our mocktail tour.
Our final stop for the night, before the sun officially went down, was Fager's Island, known for its breathtaking views and creative drink presentations. This place did not disappoint. The first mocktail we tried was a tropical paradise in a glass—the "Summer Breeze" a refreshing mix of Lavender Water from Brittingham Farms, Bay Bees Raw Honey, wild blueberry and lemon juice. The vibrant colors and tropical flavors sourced from farms on the Eastern Shore.
Another highlight was their "Heal the Burn" creation - crafted from peach, organic aloe vera, basil and soda water. The drink was as beautiful as it was delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The presentation, flavor, and creativity of these mocktails left us in awe and provided a memorable conclusion to our evening.
Conclusion
Our night of mocktail bar and restaurant hopping was a revelation. We enjoyed exquisite drinks, great company, and woke up the next day feeling fantastic. If you're looking for a fun and refreshing alternative to your usual night out, give mocktails a try. You might just find yourself waking up ready to conquer the world, one mocktail at a time.
We did keep our mocktail adventure south of the Route 90 bridge, but there are plenty of restaurants north that offer fabulous mocktails as well. Maybe there will be a part 2?! Thanks to my friends for going on this journey to experience the mocktails around Ocean City with me. We had a wonderful, alcohol free evening!