5 Best Mocktails That Complement Summer Salads And Light Bites
A summer salad consists of crisp greens, juicy fruits, and flavourful dressings. Seasonal vegetables such as citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, and melons are frequently included. Mediterranean-inspired pairings with olives and feta, protein-rich alternatives with fish or lentils, and grain-based salads with quinoa or couscous are a few variations which are popularly eaten.
On the other hand, light bites are little appetisers that are ideal for sharing or as a snack. These can include crisp veggie spring rolls, grilled skewers, chilled soups, and bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil on top. Dips like tzatziki or hummus, as well as cheese boards with seasonal fruits, can provide filling but light options. Summer salads and light bites, which highlight fresh ingredients and textures, contrast mocktails, making a well-balanced pairing.
5 Best Mocktails To Pair With Salads And Light Bites
Citrus Mint Spritz & Arugula Citrus Salad
The citrus mint spritz is a bright, zesty beverage that has a little effervescence and a combination of herbal aromas. A little honey balances the flavours, and the sweetness comes from the orange and grapefruit juices. To bring forth its vivid essence, it is served in a highball glass and garnished with an orange wheel or a mint sprig. Before you strain into a glass, add 10 ml of soda, 30 ml of orange juice, 30 ml of grapefruit juice, and 10 ml of honey with ice to shake.
Toasted almonds, spicy arugula, and juicy orange segments are combined in a honey-lemon dressing to create the arugula citrus salad. The salad retains its crisp texture while balancing nutty, sweet, and bitter flavours. While the mint in the spritz season the peppers, the citrus in both ingredients bring out their sweetness.
Cucumber Basil Cooler & Greek Cucumber & Feta Salad
The crisp, herbaceous cucumber basil mocktail gives a balance between earthy and minty flavours. To make a smooth, slightly tangy foundation, cucumber and basil are muddled to liberate their oils, then shaken with apple juice and lime juice. As mentioned, muddle the cucumber and basil, shake with 10 ml of lime juice and 50 ml of apple juice, and strain over ice.
A traditional Mediterranean dish, the Greek Cucumber & Feta Salad consists of briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta. Dressed with oregano and lemon juice, it maintains a crisp texture while balancing acidity and richness. The cucumber in the salad and mocktail blends the flavours and highlights earthiness, making the pair work well.
Berry Hibiscus Fizz & Goat Cheese Crostini with Berries
Rich berry flavours are layered with a hibiscus finish in the berry hibiscus fizz, a tart, flowery, and effervescent mocktail. This acidic beverage is made with 50 ml of hibiscus tea, 10 ml of mixed berry purée, and 30 ml of lemon juice. It is shaken with ice and finished with 20 ml of sparkling water for a crisp finish. It is presented in a coupe glass and can be topped with a simple lemon twist or an edible floral.
Goat cheese crostini with berries is a balanced light nibble that mixes creamy, tangy goat cheese with the sweetness of fresh berries on a toasted baguette. While a scattering of crushed nuts or microgreens can provide texture, a honey drizzle highlights the contrast between sweet and savoury flavours.
Ginger Pineapple Cooler & Spiced Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp coated with paprika, lime zest, and a touch of chilli make up the smokey, mildly spicy spiced shrimp skewers. The shrimp develop a little char that adds smokiness to their flavour. They provide a balance to spiciness, whether served with a yoghurt-based dipping sauce or a simple herb garnish.
The ginger pineapple cooler is a tropical mocktail that balances sweetness and acidity. 5 ml of ginger syrup offers a subtle spice, 5 ml of lime juice adds tartness and 10 ml of fresh pineapple juice adds sweetness. It's served over fresh ice with a pineapple wedge or a piece of crystallised ginger as a garnish to bring out its vivid character. Shake with ice and strain into a tumbler.
Watermelon Rose Spritzer & Fennel Watermelon Salad
The watermelon rose spritzer is a fruity and floral mocktail with floral aroma, sweetness, and bright crip notes. This cocktail has a light, effervescent texture and is served in a tall Collins glass with ice and soda on top. To make this drink, add 20 ml of soda, blend 10 ml of watermelon juice, 10 ml of rose syrup, and 10 ml of lime juice and shake.
This salad is distinctive since mint is frequently added for additional flavours as a garnish. The feta lends a creamy, salty element, while the fennel offers an anise-like flavour that balances the sweetness of the watermelon. This combination is perfect because the watermelon in both components highlight the dish's sweetness, while the mocktail's rose accentuates the fennel's flowery undertones.
There are countless options when you experiment with dips and sauces pairing salads and bites to mocktail when looking to add more flavour. Easy layering and dressing hacks can help with unique flavour pairings while making salads.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
