How To Use Store-Bought Squash Mixes In Cocktails And Mocktails
In the middle of hectic hosting—when time is limited and guests are many—reaching for a ready-made mixer can be a well-suited idea. Squash concentrates are sweetened fruit syrups made by reducing juice to a thick, pourable form. Unlike fresh juice, squash concentrates are shelf-stable and available in consistent flavours year-round. They are usually diluted with water or soda before serving, but in cocktails and mocktails, they offer much more flexibility.
Squash concentrates can act as an ideal base, adding sweetness, colour, and flavour without the need for fresh produce or complicated prep. Their concentrated nature means a little amount adds robust character, allowing better control over taste balance. Whether used in shaken sours, stirred highballs, or even blended mocktails, they offer consistency and speed. For bartenders as well as home hosts, they reduce ingredient prep, simplify flavour layering, and provide more room to experiment by mixing with herbs, spices, or other syrups.
3 Ways To Use Store-Bought Squash Mixes In Cocktails And Mocktails
1. Use As A Base For Shaken Drinks
Store-bought squash concentrates work well as a flavour base in shaken cocktails and mocktails. When mixed with citrus juices or botanical mixers in a shaker, the texture lightens while retaining the syrup’s flavour depth. This method balances sweetness and acidity, especially useful in mocktails that need body without alcohol. It is ideal for drinks that benefit from aeration, like citrus-forward sours or cream-based mocktails, where a smooth, slightly frothy finish is desired.
2. Stir Into Highball Or Spritz-Style Drinks
Squash concentrates dissolve smoothly in carbonated mixers, making them ideal for highball or spritz-style drinks. Simply pour the squash into a tall glass and top with soda, tonic, or flavoured sparkling water. This method keeps the texture crisp and the drink visually clear, with minimal preparation time. The squash provides robust flavour while the mixer adjusts the profile. It is suitable for quick service mocktails or low-alcohol cocktails served over ice.
3. Blend With Spices For Seasonal Infusions
Improve store-bought squash concentrate by blending it with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or star anise. This creates complex infusions that work well in any drinks. Simmer the squash slightly with the spices, then cool and strain for use. These spiced versions are ideal for autumn or winter-themed cocktails and mocktails, offering depth without masking sweetness. They pair well with bitters or non-alcoholic mocktails.
Squash Cocktail And Mocktail Recipes To Serve
Citrus Squash Highball Cocktail
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 30 ml Smirnoff vodka (or any other vodka of choice)
- 20 ml store-bought citrus squash mix
- 45 ml soda water
- Lime wheel, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Begin by filling a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the vodka, followed by the squash mix.
- Stir slowly to combine all components.
- Add soda water on top.
- Place a lime wheel as a garnish before serving.
Spiced Berry Squash Cooler Mocktail
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 30 ml store-bought berry squash mix
- 5 ml cinnamon-infused honey
- 60 ml ginger ale
- Mint sprig, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Shake the squash mix and cinnamon-infused honey together using ice.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Pour the ginger ale on top and stir once to blend.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint before serving.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
