Turns out that alcohol consumption has gone up during the pandemic. And it certainly makes sense as people are trying to calm their nerves during this stressful time. While the initial sense of relaxation might feel good in the moment, alcohol can actually exacerbate the feelings of anxiety and depression, and disrupt your sleep (among other things if not done in moderation!).

‍

Now is a great time to become more mindful about your drinking habits. Learn to take a few days off a week, limit the number of drinks you have in an evening - or even take a break for a few weeks to reset. However you want to approach it, here are some delicious non-alcoholic mocktail alternatives to help you mix things up.

Blackberry Smash

• Seltzer
• Blackberries
• Basil leaves
• Lemon

‍

Muddle the berries and basil in the bottom of the glass before adding seltzer and a squeeze of lemon

Ginger Sparkler

• Seltzer
• Fresh ginger
• Mint leaves
• Fresh lime

‍

Grate the ginger with a microplane and squeeze the juice into the glass. Add seltzer, mint, and a squeeze of lime

Mock Paloma

• Seltzer
• Grapefruit
• Lime
• Sea salt

‍

Squeeze the juice from about 1/4 of a grapefruit into the glass. Add seltzer, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt. If you're feeling fancy, salt the rim

Make Your Own

Get creative! Seltzer with any of the following can make a great summer mocktail:

‍

• Mint, basil, cilantro or other herbs
• Lemon or lime
• Bitters
• Herbal teas - brew them strong and cool them to add flavor
• Cucumber, jalepeno, ginger
• Berries