Why Summer Coffee Mocktails Are The Way
Summer Coffee Mocktails are indeed the way.
As we head into the peak of summer, cool, refreshing and invigorating are the keywords for all of the various gatherings on the schedule. One of the best things that young hosts can serve at their backyard BBQs and friend get-togethers are coffee mocktails.
Before I get you some really awesome recipes, there is a reason why coffee mocktails are trending hard right now.
Alcohol consumption among young adults is down by over 50% according to Gallup News, and they cite health consciousness, sober-focused wellness movements, and busy schedules that don’t allow for recovery days. Mental health and stability are also high on the priority list and drinking is a known trigger.
Gen Z is centering on home-based gatherings, monetizing downtime (through side hustles), spending free time for content creation, and are turning to hands-on hobbies (pottery, painting, fitness, and crafting) when they need to put down their screens.
Meanwhile, coffee consumption is at historic highs among 18-29 year-olds, and cold coffee, cold brew, and flavored cold coffee drinks are considered the new norm.
Being an old Gen X-er, we loved our hot coffee and would eventually pursue third-wave level coffee from around the world, thinking we were superior to our Maxwell House/Folgers drinking parents.
For Gen Z, however, focus groups state that cold coffee is thought of as a sweet treat. The Mocha-Frappa-Unicorn -Deluxe with a drizzle and sprinkles was the drive-through chocolate-dipped ice cream cone of previous generations, so there is a mental connection to reward and happiness.
Add to that the endless customizability of cold brew coffee, and young coffee enthusiasts feel they can manifest some form of self-expression through their highly individualistic drink creations.
Coffee mocktails also have a visual appeal in the layers and textures they create, and for a social media-conscious mindset, visual appeal is fire. (cool)
As a coffee geek, I have tried to stay open to the experiences that coffee can create, and though I have moments of being a purist (single origin, light-roasted, black coffee done pour-over style) I have also been surprised how pleasant coffee mocktails can be.
So, let me share a couple of my favorites!
The Cream Soda Fizz
In a tall, clear glass with ice, add: 2 shots of espresso (GFI Chameleon Roast)
1-2 Shots of heavy cream (whipping cream)
Fill the rest of the glass with cream soda.
Stir gently and enjoy a fizzy, vanilla-forward, rich coffee delight!
The Cold Brew Mint Julep Spritz
For our basic Cold Brew Recipe, Click Here
In a highball glass, add:
1 shot of cold brew
1 TBS of sugar
5 mint leaves
(Optional-3 drops of mint extract)
Mix well
Add ice
Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water (like Pellegrino)
Garnish with Mint Leaves
The Cold Brew Sour
In a highball glass, add ice.
Add 2 shots (2oz) cold brew
1 shot of lemon juice
maple syrup to taste
Mix and enjoy. (You’ll probably want another one)
Bonus Recipe!
The Cold Brew Arnold Palmer
While not technically a mocktail, the iconic half-iced tea, half-lemonade drink
found in country clubs all over the world has a cold brew counterpart.
In a tall, clear glass with ice, fill it halfway with lemonade, and then gently add the cold brew to the top half.
Simple and really refreshing. Citrus and coffee go very well together.
There you have it. Clean, crisp, refreshing coffee mocktails that will make your friends and family smile, and make you the host in the know.
Happy Summer!
Matt Carter is a retired teacher (1989-2018), part-time musician, farmer, and currently manages Greenwell Farm’s Tour and Retail Store Operations.
