Mrs Crunch shares four refreshing mocktail recipes without a drop of alcohol

THERE is nothing better than ­gathering friends together to soak up the sunshine and enjoy al fresco food and a cocktail. But often someone has to take on the driving duties. So here are some ­fantastic mocktail recipes that everyone will love. They are perfect for summer – refreshing and tasty and without a drop […]

THERE is nothing better than ­gathering friends together to soak up the sunshine and enjoy al fresco food and a cocktail.

But often someone has to take on the driving duties.

So here are some ­fantastic mocktail recipes that everyone will love.

They are perfect for summer – refreshing and tasty and without a drop of alcohol. Cheers.

Strawberry daiquiri

Serves 1 – 96p per ­serving

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

YOU NEED:

• 2 large strawberries, hulled
• 4 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 ice cubes
• 180ml chilled lemonade
• A sprig of mint and a wedge of lime to serve

METHOD: In the container of a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into your favourite fancy glass to serve.

Sparkling Iced Tea

Serves 2 – 50p each

Preparation time: 30 minutes.

YOU NEED:

• 1 fruit or herb tea bag, e.g. camomile, spiced apple, green tea
• 3 ice cubes per glass
• 300ml Shloer White Grape
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 sprigs mint

METHOD: Put the tea bag in a measuring jug and pour over 300ml/½pt boiling water. Leave to stand for 2-3 minutes, then remove the tea bag and leave the tea to go cold.

Add ice cubes to two tall glass cups and divide the tea between them.

Top up with Shloer White Grape, decorate with lemon wedges and mint sprigs and serve immediately.

Virgin Mary

Serves 1 – 32p per person

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

YOU NEED:

• 180ml tomato juice
• ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Couple of dashes of tabasco sauce
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 6 basil leaves
• 1 stick of celery

METHOD: Squeeze half a lemon into a glass. Add salt and pepper. Add a couple of dashes of tabasco sauce. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Tear four basil leaves and add them to the glass. Add ice and tomato juice.

Top the glass with a shaker and shake contents thoroughly. Get a tall glass, add ice and pour the contents of the shaker into the glass through a strainer.

Garnish with a celery stick.

Booze-free sangria

Serves 8 – 70p per serving)

Preparation time: 20 minutes.

YOU NEED:

• 750ml grape juice, 500ml orange juice, 60ml lemon juice, 30ml lime juice
• 1 orange, ends trimmed, sliced into half rounds
• 1 apple, cored and in thin wedges

METHOD: In a two-litre jug, stir the juices together. Stir in orange and apple wedges and refrigerate, covered, for four to 48 hours. Serve in tall glasses, add some of the fruit.