Peppermint Tea Mocktail

Peppermint tea has always been my go-to for a soothing after-dinner drink. But lately, I’ve been craving something a little more exciting, especially when the family gathers for backyard barbecues.

This Peppermint Tea Mocktail is the BEST drink you can have after your BBQ.

It’s become a favorite with my family – a refreshing twist that keeps everyone happy, from the designated driver to the kiddos (with a little less simple syrup for them!).

Ingredient Notes

Here are a few quick tips to make this Peppermint Tea Mocktail your own:

• Peppermint Tea: This is your flavor base, so choose wisely! I love a strong peppermint tea, but if you prefer a milder taste, go for a spearmint or a blend with other soothing herbs. Want it fancy? Look for a peppermint tea with rose petals for a touch of floral elegance.
• Sparkling Water: This adds the fun, bubbly element! Plain sparkling water lets the peppermint shine, but feel free to experiment with flavored varieties like lime or grapefruit for a citrusy kick. If you can’t find flavored sparkling water, add a splash of juice to plain sparkling water for a similar effect.
• Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is magic in this recipe. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful tang. But hey, if you’re out of limes or just not a fan, a splash of lemon juice would work too!
• Simple Syrup: A little sweetness goes a long way. Start with a half tablespoon of simple syrup and adjust to your taste. If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, a little honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor will do the trick!
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprig of fresh mint adds a beautiful pop of green and a lovely burst of peppermint aroma when you take a sip. Plus, it looks super fancy in your photos 😉
• Make it Fruity: Muddle a few raspberries or strawberries in the shaker for a fruity explosion. You could even try a splash of muddled cucumber for a spa-like twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew that Tea: Pop your favorite peppermint tea bag (or a generous scoop of loose leaf) into a mug and pour in some hot water. Steep it according to the package instructions – I like mine nice and strong, but you do you! Once it’s steeped, let that tea cool completely.
2. Chill Out (Literally): Fill a cocktail shaker (or, if you’re like me and live in a mason jar-filled world, a mason jar will work in a pinch!) with ice. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your mocktail will be.
3. Shake it Like a (Mocktail) Maker: Pour in your cooled peppermint tea, a squeeze of fresh lime juice (don’t be shy!), and a touch of simple syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist (see the ingredient notes for more ideas!). Now, shake that shaker like you mean it! Aim for about 30 seconds, until everything is nice and chilled and frothy.
4. Top it Off in Style: Strain the mixture into your glass filled with fresh ice. Top it all off with your favorite sparkling water – plain or flavored, you choose! I like to add grapefruit sparkling water for that nice zing and perfect peachy pink color.
5. Garnishing is Glamorizing: This is where your mocktail goes from good to gorgeous. Add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green and that lovely peppermint scent. Trust me, a little garnish goes a long way in the presentation department (and it smells amazing too!).

How to Make This Peppermint Tea Mocktail Ahead of Time?

The beauty of this Peppermint Tea Mocktail is that you can absolutely make it ahead of time! Here’s the scoop:

• Pre-Brew Party: Brew your peppermint tea according to the instructions and let it cool completely. This can be done hours, or even a day, in advance. Just store the cooled tea in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Chill Out in Advance: Measure out your simple syrup, lime juice, and any other flavorings you plan to use and store them in a separate container in the fridge.

Pro Tip: Don’t pre-mix the tea with the other ingredients. The fresh mint flavor and the bubbles from the sparkling water will be at their best when they’re fresh.

Not Sure When to Serve? It’s Perfect for EVERY Party!

Here’s when this mocktail shines at a gathering:

• Welcome Drink: Beat the heat and greet your guests with this refreshing drink as they arrive. It’s a lovely way to say “summertime fun” without any alcohol.
• Poolside Perfection: This mocktail is practically begging to be sipped by the pool! Set up a pitcher (recipe can easily be doubled or tripled) with some sliced fruit for an extra refreshing touch.
• Brunch Buzz (Minus the Buzz!): This mocktail is light and bubbly, making it a perfect companion to a brunch spread. Plus, it’s a delightful alternative to mimosas for those who don’t want alcohol.
• Backyard BBQ: Add a touch of sophistication to your next BBQ with this refreshing mocktail. It’s a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids (minus the sparkling water for the little ones, of course!).