Summer Mocktails & Cocktails with a Dried Fruit Twist

When the sun is out and the ice clinks in the glass, it can only mean one thing: summer sips are in season! In our family, we love bringing dried fruit into just about everything - and yes, that includes your favorite poolside drink.

Hosting brunch, relaxing on the patio, or mixing something refreshing for your next backyard BBQ? These dried fruit drinks bring just the right balance of sweet and bright - with real fruit flavor you already love. Alcohol is completely optional. Refreshment guaranteed.

Here are a few of our favorite summer sips (mocktail or cocktail—you pick!) made even better with dried fruit you probably already love.

Tropical Mango Mojito

What you'll need:

  • 4-5 pieces of chopped Mariani Dried Mango

  • 6 fresh mint leaves

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Sparkling water or club soda

  • Ice

  • Optional: 1.5 oz light rum

  • Optional: a tiny pinch of sea salt

How to make it: Add the chopped dried mango, mint leaves, and sugar to a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently to release the mint oils and start softening the mango. Add lime juice, ice, and (if using) rum. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and give it a quick stir. Garnish with extra mint and a dried mango slice.

Serving tip: Bright, refreshing, and not too sweet, this one’s made for poolside afternoons or a backyard taco night.

Pineapple Mango Colada (Our Favorite!)

What you'll need:

How to make it: Soak the mango and pineapple in cold water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Add to a blender along with coconut milk, soaking water, and ice. Blend until smooth. Add rum if using and blend again briefly.

Serving tip: This creamy tropical blend is pure vacation vibes. Serve in chilled glasses with a pineapple wedge and a paper umbrella for full summer effect. Crowd-pleaser guaranteed.

Naturally Sweet Date Spritz

What you'll need:

  • 2 Mariani Dates, chopped

  • Juice of half an orange

  • Juice of half a lemon

  • ½ teaspoon honey (optional)

  • Sparkling water

  • Ice

  • (Optional: splash of bourbon or vodka)

How to make it: Add the chopped dates, citrus juice, and honey to a shaker. Muddle well until the dates are mostly broken down.Really take your time with that - the more flavor and sweetness you'll extract, the less pulp you'll be straining out.

Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass with ice and top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with a thin orange slice.

Serving tip: Light, tangy, and naturally sweet, perfect for a relaxed Sunday brunch or happy hour with friends.

Berries & Cherries Cooler Punch

What you'll need:

How to make it: Soak the dried berries and cherries in cherry juice for at least 15-20 minutes. Pour the entire soaked mixture (fruit and juice) into a pitcher. Stir in the white grape juice and your choice of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Fill individual glasses generously with ice. Pour the punch over the ice. If you're adding alcohol, stir 1.5 oz of vodka or liqueur into each glass before serving.

Serving tip: This one’s a crowd-friendly pitcher drink, perfect for BBQs or casual get-togethers. Toss in a few orange slices for color.

Zesty Apricot Refresher

What you'll need:

How to make it: Muddle chopped apricots with lemon juice and sweetener. Add ice and shake or stir well. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lemon twist for an elegant touch and added citrus aroma.

Serving tip: Crisp, slightly tart, and packed with apricot flavor - this one’s perfect for porch swings, book clubs, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

So there you have it. 5 fruity drinks that are just as fun to mix as they are to sip. Whether you're blending up our tropical favorite (hi, Pina Colada!) or trying something new with dates or apricots, dried fruit brings a flavorful twist to summer sips.

Which one will you try first?

In our family, the tropical mango and pineapple colada is always on repeat - it just tastes like summer. But honestly, we love how each drink brings something special to the table. Dried fruit makes it easy to mix things up (literally) with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. From low-key afternoons to backyard celebrations, there’s a drink here for every moment worth sipping slowly.

Grab your shaker, fire up your blender, or just reach for your favorite glass. Let dried fruit add a pop of flavor and fun to your next summer drink.

Cheers to fruity sips and sunny days ahead!

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