Water-Based Mocktails

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

Quench your thirst with vibrant water-based mocktails made with cold filtered water, ice, and flavorful add-ins like fresh fruit, cucumber, and mint. Simply blend your favorite sugar-free syrup or water enhancer with a variety of fresh ingredients, stir, and let the flavors infuse. Experiment with combinations such as strawberry & lemon-lime or coconut & peach for a personalized twist. Serve chilled in tall glasses, garnish with mint or edible flowers, and enjoy a delicious, hydrating beverage that's vegan, gluten-free, and low calorie. Sparkling water or a splash of apple cider vinegar creates extra dimension, while flexible sweeteners suit every taste. Perfect for gatherings or solo refreshment.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:37:00 GMT
Refreshing water-based mocktails garnished with fresh fruit and mint sprigs.  Pin it
Refreshing water-based mocktails garnished with fresh fruit and mint sprigs. | smartyskitchen.com

Refreshing, hydrating mocktails that blend flavored water enhancers, fresh fruit, and herbs for a deliciously healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

Making water-based mocktails has become my go-to treat whenever I want something flavorful yet light. With a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a refreshing drink that's just right for hot days or relaxing evenings.

Ingredients

  • Cold filtered water: 4 cups
  • Ice cubes: 1 cup
  • Sugar-free strawberry syrup: 1 tbsp (or)
  • Sugar-free lemon-lime syrup: 1 tbsp (or)
  • Peach-flavored water enhancer: 1 tbsp (or)
  • Sugar-free coconut syrup: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon: ½, sliced
  • Lime: ½, sliced
  • Fresh strawberries: ½ cup, sliced
  • Fresh mint leaves: ¼ cup
  • Small cucumber: ½, sliced
  • Lemon wheels: Optional garnish
  • Mint sprigs: Optional garnish
  • Edible flowers: Optional garnish

Instructions

Prepare the glass:
Fill a large pitcher or two tall glasses with ice cubes.
Add water:
Pour in cold filtered water.
Mix flavor:
Add your chosen syrup or water enhancer and stir well to combine.
Infuse fresh ingredients:
Add fresh fruit, cucumber, and mint to infuse flavor.
Rest and serve:
Stir gently and let sit for 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld. Pour into glasses, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.
Deliciously hydrating mocktails infused with vibrant flavors and served over ice.  Pin it
Deliciously hydrating mocktails infused with vibrant flavors and served over ice. | smartyskitchen.com

My kids love choosing their own add-ins and garnishes, making drink time interactive and special for everyone.

Flavor Ideas

Mix and match strawberry, lemon-lime, peach, or coconut flavors to discover your favorite combo. You can even combine two syrups for a unique twist.

Sparkling Mocktail Version

Replace some or all of the regular water with chilled sparkling water for an effervescent alternative that adds extra refreshment.

Nutrition Information

Each serving is low in calories, carbs, and fat, making these mocktails guilt-free and suitable for most diets.

Colorful mocktails made with fruit slices, herbs, and flavored water enhancers. Pin it
Colorful mocktails made with fruit slices, herbs, and flavored water enhancers. | smartyskitchen.com

Serve these mocktails at gatherings or just for an everyday treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors for endless refreshing options.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use sparkling water instead of filtered water?

Yes, replacing filtered water with sparkling adds a fizzy twist and enhances the refreshing factor.

What fruits work best for infusing flavor?

Strawberries, lemon, lime, or cucumber give vibrant fresh flavors and can be mixed for unique blends.

How can I make this sweeter without sugar?

Try stevia drops or choose sugar-free flavored syrups to adjust sweetness to your liking.

Are these mocktails suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are typically vegan and gluten-free; always check syrup labels to be sure.

Can I prepare these drinks ahead of time?

They're best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients beforehand; infuse water just before serving.

What garnishes add visual appeal?

Use lemon wheels, mint sprigs, or edible flowers to make your drinks look attractive and festive.

Water-Based Mocktails

Chilled water, fruit, and herbs create a flavorful, healthy drink. Mix syrups and garnishes for a custom blend.

Prep Time
5 min
0
Overall Time
5 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten, Reduced Carbs

What You'll Need

Base

01 4 cups cold filtered water
02 1 cup ice cubes

Flavor Variations

01 1 tablespoon sugar-free strawberry syrup
02 1 tablespoon sugar-free lemon-lime syrup
03 1 tablespoon peach-flavored water enhancer
04 1 tablespoon sugar-free coconut syrup

Fresh Add-Ins

01 1/2 lemon, sliced
02 1/2 lime, sliced
03 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
04 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
05 1/2 small cucumber, sliced

Optional Garnishes

01 Lemon wheels
02 Mint sprigs
03 Edible flowers

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Glassware: Fill a large pitcher or two tall glasses with ice cubes.

Step 02

Add Water: Pour cold filtered water over the ice.

Step 03

Mix Flavoring: Add your chosen syrup or water enhancer and stir until thoroughly mixed.

Step 04

Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Add the sliced fruit, cucumber, and mint leaves for infusion.

Step 05

Develop Flavor: Stir gently, letting the mixture rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 06

Serve: Pour into individual glasses, garnish as preferred, and serve promptly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pitcher or tall glasses
  • Mixing spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Generally free from common allergens including milk, eggs, nuts, soy, gluten, fish, and shellfish.
  • Verify labels on syrups and enhancers for hidden allergens or artificial sweeteners if sensitive.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 8
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 0 g