It’s Dry July, the perfect time to test out some new mocktail recipes. Whether it’s an alcohol-free take on a classic, or something new entirely, sometimes a mocktail can be even better than its alcoholic counterpart.

Strawberry basil sodas

Recipe courtesy of Queensland Strawberries.

Prep: 15 mins, plus refrigerating time

Serves 10-12

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn
• Sparkling water
• Fresh strawberries, to serve

In a large mixing bowl combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or even better, overnight.

To serve, add a heaping spoonful of the strawberries and syrup to a glass. Add a few torn basil leaves and muddle to combine. Add ice, and a shot of gin or vodka, as desired. Top with 200-250ml of sparkling water and garnish with fresh strawberries. Stir and enjoy!

Pina colada mocktail

Recipe courtesy of Nexba.

Prep: 3 mins

Serves 2

• 2 cups frozen pineapple (simply slice a fresh pineapple and freeze for 1-2 hours)
• 1 Tbsp coconut yoghurt, plus extra to serve
• 1 cup coconut and pineapple tepaché
• 1 small handful ice cubes
• Shredded toasted coconut (optional)

Combine ingredients in a high-power blender. Blend until creamy.

Pour into serving glasses and top up with additional coconut yoghurt. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and/or shredded coconut.

Passionfruit and watermelon margarita

Recipe courtesy of Australian Passionfruit.

Serves: 4

• 500g watermelon flesh
• 1/2 cup fresh passionfruit pulp (7-8 fresh passionfruit)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 cup (250ml) sparkling water

To serve

• Ice
• Watermelon
• Lime wedges

Blend watermelon flesh until very smooth. Pass juice through a sieve if desired, discarding any solids.

Add watermelon juice, passionfruit pulp, lime juice, orange juice and sparkling water to a jug with a handful of ice. Stir well.

Divide margarita mixture across four glasses, garnish with watermelon and lime to serve.

Check out the original version of this one here.