By Lori Kampa— Last Updated: June 10, 2024

As the summer heat picks up, winding down in the evenings with a cool, refreshing drink really sets the mood, doesn't it? During winter, I usually curl up with a cup of honey chamomile tea. Hot nights, though, call for something a bit different. While it’s tempting to reach for those summer cocktails, they don’t always mesh well with a peaceful night’s sleep – something I’ve come to cherish, especially during those vibrant Minnesota summers where the drinks flow as freely as the lakes!

As a certified yoga instructor, National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, and Reiki Master, integrating wellness into every aspect of my life, including my evening routine, is incredibly important to me. If you're looking to cut down on alcohol or just want to ensure you drift off without a hitch, I've got some fantastic alcohol-free nightcap ideas. They’re not only delicious, but they also align with a healthier lifestyle and Ayurvedic summer practices.

Ayurveda, the ancient wellness tradition from India, teaches us to cool and soothe ourselves during the summer months to balance the pitta dosha, which can flare up due to the heat. Choosing drinks that are naturally cooling helps keep this balance and ensures a restful evening.

Here are a few of my go-to favorites that keep things interesting:

Chamomile-Lemon Tea Mocktail Sparkler: Chamomile is my year-round go-to for relaxation, and for summer, I like to jazz it up. Brew a strong cup, add a splash of lemon juice and a teaspoon of maple syrup for that perfect hint of sweetness. Let it chill, then top it off with some sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. A lemon slice or a few mint leaves make great garnishes. I usually make a double batch and store it in mason jars in the fridge – super-handy for a quick, soothing mocktail.

Tart Cherry Mocktail Spritzer: Tart cherry juice is fantastic for sleeping and is packed with anthocyanins and tryptophan. Fill a fancy glass halfway, top it with sparkling water, add some ice, and garnish with fresh cherries or a lime slice. It’s a special treat that feels indulgent while being health-forward.

Peppermint-Lime Mojito Mocktail: Peppermint is wonderfully soothing and perfect for a relaxing evening. To make this mocktail, start by brewing a strong cup of peppermint tea. Once it's brewed, let it cool. Add the juice of one fresh lime for that zesty kick and a tablespoon of honey for a smooth, sweet touch. Chill this mixture well. When you're ready to serve, pour it over ice, topping it off with lime sparkling water to add a delightful fizz. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few cucumber slices for an extra refreshing twist. Like my chamomile-lemon tea mocktail, I love making a big batch of this and storing it in mason jars in the fridge – it's the perfect quick mix for a serene evening.

Cranberry-Orange Infusion Mocktail: For a tangy kick, this one’s a winner. Muddle some fresh cranberries and an orange slice in a jar, pour in coconut water for hydration, and give it a good stir. Garnish with rosemary or mint for a refreshing finish. It’s zesty, hydrating, and bursting with flavor.

Lavender Collins Mocktail: Who doesn't love the calming aroma of lavender? Ditch the gin and mix some low-sugar lavender simple syrup with fresh lemon juice. Add sparkling water and either a lavender sprig or a twist of lemon peel for garnish. It’s floral, refreshing, and oh-so-fitting for a quiet evening transition. Bonus points if you serve it in a martini glass to keep the cocktail summer vibe alive!

Milky Dream Mocktail: On those slightly cooler nights – or just when you're in the mood for something comforting – warm up your favorite non-dairy milk and stir in a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice. It brings those cozy autumn vibes a bit early and is just the thing to sip under the stars at the cabin.

These alcohol-free alternatives are perfect for enjoying long summer nights and staying mindful of your health. They’re simple to whip up, soothing, and delightful for easing into bedtime.

Salud: Here’s toasting to many peaceful, starry nights ahead.

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Lori Kampa Kearney is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Wellness Educator, and 200-hour-certified yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga since 2014 and specializes in vinyasa power yoga, gentle yoga, and chair yoga. As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Lori teaches busy professional women how to stay energized, reduce fatigue, improve brain clarity and overall health, and revitalize their outlook on life. Lori helps women over 40 who struggle with anxiety, depression, divorce, and/or pain in their bodies to feel better physically and mentally and to connect to everything around them mindfully. Using the principles of clean eating, self-care, and mindfulness, she helps her clients take the mystery out of eating well and have fun making the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Lori facilitates wellness workshops at Green Lotus that dive into reducing stress, kicking sugar, detoxifying the body, learning secrets to sleep, and so much more.

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