The Best Summer Cocktails and Mocktails

With Florida’s heat in full swing, there’s no better time than now to cool off with delicious cocktails and refreshing mocktails! These beverages do more than just help you cool down; they capture the essence of summer with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and artistic presentation. Not to mention — a fantastic drink can truly elevate the whole vibe of your experience! Whether you’re an aficionado of spirited concoctions or prefer a non-alcoholic delight, the importance of a good cocktail or mocktail cannot be understated. In this blog, we’ll highlight some top summer cocktails and mocktails to try at the best bars in Gainesville, FL.

The Rise of Mocktails

Before diving in, let’s unpack why mocktails have become so popular. In case you didn’t know, the key difference between cocktails and mocktails is found in the alcohol content. Cocktails contain alcohol while mocktails do not, so mocktails are also sometimes referred to as “virgin drinks”.

In recent years, more and more people have turned to mocktails as they’ve been seeking healthy, alcohol-free alternatives. These drinks offer all the flavor and excitement of traditional cocktails without the buzz, making them perfect for a variety of situations. The trend of alcohol-free socializing is rapidly growing, catering to individuals who want to partake in social gatherings without consuming alcohol. These drinks provide an inclusive option for all guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious and refreshing beverage

Also, mocktails provide numerous health benefits.  By skipping the alcohol, you can avoid empty calories and potential hangovers. Plus, many mocktails are made with fresh fruit juices and other nutritious ingredients, making them a healthier option compared to their alcoholic counterparts. So, don’t be afraid to indulge in these vibrant drinks guilt-free! Tip: if you don’t see mocktails on the menu, ask your server if it’s possible to make one. Most bartenders are more than happy to accommodate your requests.

Top Spots for Summer Sips

Now that we’ve established why mocktails make such a great alternative to cocktails, let’s dive into some specific drink ideas perfect for summertime indulging. Celebration Pointe is home to a variety of restaurants and the best bars in Gainesville, FL, that serve up some of the best cocktails and mocktails in the region. From sophisticated lounges to casual eateries, each venue offers its own unique flair and signature drinks. Add these must-visit spots to your list:

• Fat Tuesday: Known for its frozen daiquiris, Fat Tuesday is a popular spot to beat the heat and enjoy some of the best rum-based drinks around. With flavors like strawberry, mango, and piña colada, these slushy cocktails are perfect for those hot summer days. They also have a frozen non-alcoholic blue raspberry drink if you’re looking for a mocktail.
  
• Sensei Asian Bistro: This upscale Asian fusion restaurant not only offers a diverse menu but also has an impressive selection of cocktails. From lychee martinis to green tea mojitos, these refreshing drinks pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for pairing with sushi or other Asian-inspired dishes! Simply ask them to hold the alcohol to turn your drink into a mocktail.
• Spurrier’s Gridiron Griller + Visor’s Rooftop Bar: Located on the rooftop of Spurrier’s Gridiron Griller, Visor’s Rooftop Bar offers stunning views and refreshing drinks. From classic margaritas to inventive cocktails like the “Pig Skin Old Fashioned” featuring bacon fat infused Piggyback 6 Year Rye, maple syrup, and chicory pecan bitters, this spot is a must-visit for any summer outing. As for mocktails, there’s a fantastic lineup of creative fusions like the “Blueberry Blitz”, which features blueberry, lavender, vanilla, lime, and ginger beer.
• The Keys: The Keys opened in Gainesville in 2018 and, since then, has been a go-to spot for live music, and drinks — cocktails and mocktails alike! Featuring a spacious outdoor patio and an indoor/outdoor bar, The Keys Bar and Grill is the ideal spot to unwind with a tropical drink in hand (Caribbean Rum Punch, anyone?). Frozen favorites abound here (with or without alcohol) with options like Piña Coladas, daiquiris, and margaritas.
• Miller’s Ale House: This casual sports bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including their popular “Big Red” cocktail made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka and lemonade. They can also make a variety of mocktails for those looking for an alcohol-free option. Bonus: Gator Talk is back every Thursday night and hosted at Miller’s Ale House! Grab a drink and join in on the lively discussion about all things Florida Gators
  

Are your taste buds tingling yet? If you’re ready to sip on some of the best summer drinks Gainesville has to offer, it’s time to make your way to Celebration Pointe to experience the best bars in Gainesville, FL. Don’t forget to check out happy hour specials and our events calendar to plan the perfect trip. Visit today and discover why “There’s So Much More to The Pointe!”