Refreshing Scottish Summer Sips: Non-Alcoholic Delights

Scotland may be known for its whisky, but its culinary landscape offers much more than spirits. As the summer sun graces the Highlands and Lowlands, Scots and visitors alike seek refreshing beverages to cool down and celebrate the season.

This collection of non-alcoholic drinks draws inspiration from Scotland’s rich natural bounty and culinary traditions, offering a delightful way to experience the flavours of Alba without the alcohol. From the heather-covered hills to the berry-laden glens, these five recipes capture the essence of a Scottish summer in every sip.

Whether you’re hosting a ceilidh or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in the garden, these drinks will transport you to the heart of Scotland’s summer splendour.

1. Highland Berry Fizz

This refreshing drink combines Scottish berries with a hint of heather honey.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml Scottish raspberry puree
• 15 ml heather honey syrup
• 10 ml fresh lemon juice
• Sparkling water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Mix raspberry puree, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a glass
2. Add ice and top with sparkling water
3. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of heather if available

2. Atholl Brose Mocktail

A non-alcoholic version of the traditional Scottish drink, Atholl Brose.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml oat milk
• 15 ml heather honey
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker
2. Strain into a glass filled with ice
3. Dust with cinnamon and garnish with an oat cookie

3. Cranachan Cooler

Inspired by the classic Scottish dessert, this drink is perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml raspberry puree
• 30 ml oat milk
• 15 ml honey
• Handful of toasted oats
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Blend raspberry puree, oat milk, and honey with ice
2. Pour into a glass and top with toasted oats
3. Garnish with a fresh raspberry and mint sprig

4. Hebridean Breeze

A refreshing drink with flavours from the Scottish islands.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml apple juice
• 25 ml sea buckthorn juice (or orange juice)
• 10 ml heather honey syrup
• Soda water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Mix juices and honey syrup in a tall glass filled with ice
2. Top with soda water and stir gently
3. Garnish with a slice of apple and a sprig of rosemary

5. Misty Glen Refresher

A cooling drink with a hint of Scottish herbs.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml elderflower cordial
• 15 ml fresh lemon juice
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters (optional)
• Soda water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Place mint leaves in a glass
2. Add elderflower cordial, lemon juice, and bitters if using
3. Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wheel

Slàinte Mhath to Summer!

These Scottish-inspired non-alcoholic beverages offer a refreshing taste of Scotland’s summer bounty. From Highland berries’ sweet tang to heather honey’s soothing notes, each drink captures a unique aspect of Scotland’s natural larder and culinary heritage. 

These recipes not only quench your thirst but also tell a story of Scotland’s landscape and traditions in every glass. So raise your tumbler high and toast to the joys of summer – “Slàinte mhath!” (Cheers to Your Health!) – the Scottish way, alcohol-free.