Published on June 13, 2025 by Fatima Ali, Visual Communications Specialist | Evergreen
No matter where you live in Canada, there’s a wide variety of fresh seasonal produce to enjoy throughout the year. In fact, we are fortunate to celebrate four distinct seasons, each bringing its own unique produce and flavours for us to enjoy and appreciate.
Now that summer has arrived, what better time to connect with nature and enjoy the vibrant flavours this season offers! We’re squeezing out some of our favourite nature-inspired mocktail recipes for you to recreate at home with your loved ones.
Peach Lemonade
A classic with a twist! Peaches in Canada are a delicious treat, particularly during the summer months when they are in season. They are grown primarily in southern Ontario and British Columbia.
Bringing subtle yet thirst-quenching flavours, peach lemonade is a summer favourite and an excellent fruit-forward beverage for picnics, road trips and family outings.
Ingredients:
Method:
Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan over low-medium heat, combine peaches, lemon zest, vanilla, sugar and water. Allow the peaches to cook until they are soft enough to easily mash them. Caution not to bring them to a boil.
Step 2: Mash peaches using a masher or wooden spoon and remove from heat to let them cool completely before putting them in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Once cooled, strain the peaches to remove any pulp solids and pour into a jug with lemon juice, cool water and ice. Let your mixture settle before pouring into your tall glasses and finish up with your choice of garnishes. Enjoy!
Optional twist: A Peach Lemonade can be made with a variety of spirits. Common choices include vodka, peach schnapps, or bourbon/whiskey. Peach vodka is also an interesting option to amplify the peach flavor.
Watermelon Basil Mocktail
With over 90% water content, watermelon is an excellent way to stay hydrated. And, while most Canadian watermelons are grown in Ontario, farmers in Nova Scotia and Manitoba also contribute to the crop.
This recipe is a great alternative to the cocktail version of the classic mojito drink, bursting with summer flavours to enjoy on your terrace, backyard or at a park.
Ingerdients:
Method:
Step 1: In a blender, add the watermelon and blitz until smooth — then pass through a sieve to remove any solids.
Step 2: In two tall highball glasses, start with a handful of basil leaves in each, sugar syrup and sea salt. Muddle these together to break the leaves and infuse the flavours.
Step 3: Add the lime juice, fill half of each glass with ice, and top it up with the strained watermelon juice. Mix.
Step 4: To serve, garnish with a small triangle of watermelon, a slice of lime, and some basil leaves. Enjoy!
Optional twist: A Watermelon Basil Mocktail can be spruced up with any lighter liquor such as gin, tequila, or a light rum as these lighter flavors add depth without competing with the delicate flavor of the melon.
Plum Mint Mojito
Canadian plums are known for their hardiness and are cultivated in various regions of Canada, including the Okanagan in British Columbia and in orchards in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Wild plums are a valuable food source for various wildlife, including birds, deer, raccoons and black bears, but are also good for humans! A source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, enjoy this healthy and fortifying beverage under the summer sun.
Ingredients:
Method:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix plums, sugar syrup, lemon juice, lemon slices and mint leaves and muddle gently using a muddler or a lentil churner.
Step 2: Remove the lemon slices and transfer the mixture into 1-2 tall glasses. Add more sugar syrup based on your sweetness tolerance and top it up with soda water.
Step 3: Gently stir, add ice cubes and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Optional twist: A Plum Mint Mojito typically uses white rum as the base alcohol. The combination of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors of the mojito complements the rum giving it that refreshing and satisfying taste.
Strawberry Apple Punch
Among Algonquin, Mohawk, and other Indigenous Peoples across Canada, the wild strawberry is regarded as a medicinal plant. It is the first berry to appear in spring, and they are gathered, eaten, and celebrated to recover from the harsh winter months.
Wild strawberries are significantly smaller than cultivated strawberries but are often more flavorful. They are a good addition to your garden as they attract pollinators.
Visit our Garden Market to learn how you can grow and harvest wild strawberries yourself to enjoy this lip-smacking recipe.
Ingredients:
Method:
Step 1: Place half the strawberries in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve into a punch bowl or serving jug. Finely chop the remaining strawberries and add to the bowl or jug.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice, sparkling water, tea and mint to the bowl or jug and stir to combine.
Step 3: Serve chilled with ice. Enjoy!
Optional twist: Prosecco and vodka will get your strawberries dancing like there’s no tomorrow! This combination will give your Strawberry Apple Punch that luscious flavour you’ll be craving all summer.
Raspberry Elderflower Cooler
A Canadian summer staple! In fact, Abbotsford, British Columbia is known as the “raspberry capital of Canada” where over 80% of commercial red raspberries are grown.
Packed with antioxidants, this summer mocktail looks impressively crafted, but it’s actually super easy to whip up with the simplest of ingredients. Get your sunglasses out because this beverage is definitely one to impress!
Ingredients:
Method:
Step 1: Mash the raspberries in a bowl and pass through a sieve to remove the seeds. Combine the juice with elderflower syrup and honey.
Step 2: Fill glass tumblers with ice and add the raspberry mixture. Top the glasses with sparkling or tonic water.
Step 3: Garnish with more raspberries, mint, and slices of lime. Drink and enjoy!
Optional twist: A common alcohol to add to a Raspberry Elderflower Cooler is gin or if you want to be bold, we suggest adding elderflower liqueur to chilled sparkling wine, like Moscato instead.
Looking to find fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting Canadian farmers and local vendors? Visit the Saturday Farmers Market at Evergreen Brick Works.
Want to take it even further? Team Building at Evergreen Brick Works includes activities like mocktail mixology, where you can craft mocktails using fresh market ingredients and take home your own recipe cards.
Bottom’s up!
