Tired of being drunk in the back of the car? This Taylor Swift-
inspired Cruel Summer mocktail is fun, summery, and totally alcohol-
free!
inspiration
It’s hot and sticky season right now in the South. We have the kind of days where you walk outside and the air is touching you. The walk up to my third-floor apartment sends me running to find something cold to drink—and missing Utah soda shops.
If you know me in real life, you know I’m a huge (and OG) Swiftie. I remember the first time I ever heard one of her songs and her debut album. Naturally, her album Lover dominates my summer playlists. “Cruel Summer” is one of my favorites. It’s so fun and splashy and evokes a strong color scheme in my mind: bright pinks, lime greens, the cool blues of a perfect swimming pool. Combine my love for that song and Utah soda shops and this drink was born in a heartbeat.
why i love this recipe
The cruel summer mocktail had to fit the vibes of the song: something pink and summery, a little sweet, a little tart, definitely fizzy.
I already had an unopened bottle of watermelon juice in the fridge (did you know that existed? I didn’t until recently and I love it). It was perfect to hit the pink and sweet notes. 7-up would provide some fizz without overpowering flavor. Mint leaves are always delicious with watermelon, so they were a logical choice. Finally, tart lime would round it all off and balance out the watermelon’s sweetness.
The cruel summer mocktail is fun, summery, and totally alcohol-free. It’s perfectly refreshing, sweet, and a little tart. And the color is gorgeous! Crank up your summer playlist and sip one by the pool.
details
This is a snap to put together. I use short glasses, but you can use bigger ones–that’s why I gave proportions rather than specific amounts. If you use a short glass, one or two lime wedges will suffice. If you decided to go bigger, drop an extra one in. The same goes for the mint leaves. I wouldn’t try to make these ahead, since the soda will go flat; but they’re very easy and quick to make anyway, so there’s not much lost by not being able to make them ahead.
When making a batch of these, I like to go step by step. So I put ice in all of the glasses, then the mint, then the soda, etc. That way the first one isn’t melting while the last one is still cold. If you want to keep them cold even longer, refrigerate or briefly freeze the glasses before you build the drinks. (But don’t freeze any liquids in glass or else the glass will shatter!) These are such a pretty and impressive summer party drink. Taylor Swift parties are popular on Tik Tok right now–these would be a perfect addition to yours!
faq
Where do i find watermelon juice? I used this one from Target.
What are alternatives to 7-up? I think ginger ale would be my first substitute. Sprite would also work, but has a stronger flavor.
cruel summer mocktail
Ingredients
- ice to your preference
- 2 mint leaves
- 1/3 7-up
- 2/3 watermelon juice
- 1-2 lime wedges
Instructions
- To make each drink: put a few ice cubes in the glass, then the mint leaves. Fill 1/3 of the glass with 7-up, then top with 2/3 watermelon juice. Take a lime wedge, squeeze some of the juice into the drink, then drop the wedge in and give it all a stir.