Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Summer: How to Elevate Your Next Gathering
Cricket on the lawn, jandals on the deck, and the sound of ice clinking - not every Kiwi summer needs to revolve around booze. This season, “non alcoholic summer drinks” are taking centre stage at gatherings from the bach to the barbecue. More than ever, Kiwis are embracing drinks that bring the good times without the next-day regrets.
The Rise of Non-Alc Summer Sips
It’s not just a trend - it’s a movement. Alcohol free drinks are booming, with sales up and social media full of sun-drenched serves. Stats show that 1 in 5 Kiwis now want better non-alc options at every party (NZ Health Survey, 2023). It’s about having a choice, keeping your edge, and making every moment more memorable.
What Makes a Great Non-Alc Summer Drink?
Flavour:
Crisp, bright, and never cloying. Think lemon, yuzu, berries, herbs, or a touch of ginger. A good non-alc drink should be refreshing and complex—not just sugary fizz.Function:
Want to keep the energy up? Choose a blend with uplifting terpenes (like InZone’s citrus and pinene). Want to help everyone unwind? Look for calming notes like those in UnWind (blueberry, mango, linalool).Vibe:
The ritual matters. Choose eye-catching bottles or cans, bold colours, and drinks with a story - your guests will want to snap and share them.
Gathering Tips: Make it Memorable
1. DIY Mocktail Bar:
Set out Terps & Co spirits (Gin-Like, Tequila-Style, Rum-Like), premium mixers (ginger beer, tonic, soda), loads of ice, fresh citrus, herbs (mint, basil), sliced fruit, and edible flowers.
Print or frame a few easy recipes - like our Summer Fruit Spritz (keep scrolling) or a classic G&T - for inspiration.
2. Bring Your Own Terps:
Invite friends to bring their favourite Terps & Co flavour. Make a tasting game out of it: “Guess the dominant terpene” or rate each blend for social, chill, or focus vibes.
3. Curate a Playlist:
Music is half the experience. Build a “Summer Vibes” playlist with a mix of classics, kiwi anthems, and a few trippy slow jams.
Pro tip: Match drink rounds to playlist changes for an evolving party mood.
4. Cooler, Actually Cool:
Level up your chilly bin - ditch the usual crate of beer for a curated spread:
Chilled Terps & Co cans and bottles
Slices of lemon, cucumber, and sprigs of rosemary or mint
Seasonal fruit (strawberries, watermelon, citrus wedges)
Wildcards like kombucha or coconut water
Edible flowers for the wow factor
5. Games & Rituals:
Host a “first sip” toast or gratitude round
Set up a “best mocktail creation” challenge
Share the best summer story or most creative garnish
Terpenes: The Secret Ingredient
Most soft drinks offer nothing more than sugar and fizz. Terps & Co adds functional plant terpenes - organic plant compounds that can support mood, clarity, or relaxation, depending on the blend.
Want to lock in? Reach for citrus-forward InZone. Looking to help the crew relax as the sun sets? Pass around UnWind or Gin-Like with a splash of soda and lime.
The Terps & Co Summer Checklist
Essential:
Terps & Co spirits or RTDs (at least three flavours)
Ice (lots)
Fresh fruit—lemons, limes, oranges, berries
Aromatic herbs—mint, basil, rosemary
Edible flowers (for the ‘gram)
Good glasses, reusable straws
Nice to Have:
Printed or hand-written recipe cards
Mocktail shaker or stirrers
Chilly bin/cooler with plenty of room
Bluetooth speaker + playlists ready
Sun hats, silly sunglasses, sunscreen
Mocktail recipe: Summer Fruit Spritz
Ingredients:
1 ripe peach or nectarine, sliced
2 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
60ml fresh orange juice
80ml soda water or alcohol-free tonic
Squeeze of lemon
Ice
Mint sprig (for garnish)
How to Make It:
Add peach/nectarine and strawberry slices to a tall glass.
Fill the glass with ice.
Pour in Gin-Like Spirit and orange juice.
Squeeze in a little fresh lemon.
Top with soda water or tonic and stir gently.
Garnish with a mint sprig and extra fruit slices.
From sun-up to sundown, “best non alcoholic drinks for parties” now means drinks that lift your spirits - without the hangover. Whether you’re the host, the DJ, or just along for the ride, you can bring full flavour, good energy, and memorable moments to every gathering.