Mocktail and Cocktail Mason Jar Lemonade

(Used in this project: Circle Labels, Small Diamond Tags, and Heart Shaped Tags in Royal Suite Style.)

It’s not just the kids who enjoy a fun and fruity beverage in a pretty container with a bendy straw! I learned this first hand at a recent BBQ where we had a mix of big and little kids, and a variety of tastes to cater to.

I like to make one welcome drink for my guests when they arrive, something seasonal and tasty that sets the tone for the event. For my summer season kick off BBQ, flavored lemonade seemed to be the perfect fit.

As the house and garden were filled to the brim with people of all ages, I made up a large batch of lemonade, flavoured it two ways, and spiked half of it. The best way to ensure that everyone got the kind that they wanted was to pre-fill mason jars and add a snap lid.

Using a regular hole punch and a bit of muscle, the perfect straw hole was made in the top of each lid. They were then given a tag to differentiate the cocktails from the mocktails and everyone was able to help themselves leaving me free to enjoy my time with friends.

Serving the jars in a big bucket full of ice ensured that everyone could choose their perfect beverage. I also provided markers so that guests could write their name on their jar and keep filling it up again all night.

This fun idea was a hit at the party, and saved a whole bunch of red party cups from the landfill. A stylish solution that I can feel really good about.

Blackberry Watermelon Lemonade

Makes 10-12 cups

• 1/2 large watermelon
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
Optional: blackberry vodka

Cut the sweet flesh from the watermelon into cubes and pulse in a blender. When it is liquefied add blackberries and puree until thoroughly mixed. Dissolve sugar in lemon juice and water then add to the watermelon black berry mixture. Serve as is for the mocktail version. Add 1 oz blackberry vodka to each 1/2 pint mason jar and top with mixture for the cocktail version.

Ginger Peach Lemonade

Makes 11-12 cups

• 4 cups peach juice or 2 cups peach juice and 2 cups pureed peaches
• 1 cup ginger syrup (recipe follows)
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
Optional: vodka and peach schnapps

Dissolve sugar in lemon juice and water then add peach juice and ginger syrup. Serve as is for the mocktail version. Add 1/2 oz vodka and 1/2 oz peach schnapps to each 1/2 pint mason jar and top with mixture for the cocktail version.

Ginger Syrup

From Epicurious
• 1/4 pound ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
Bring ginger, sugar, and water to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then gently simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve and reserve ginger for another use, then cool to room temperature.

Used In This Project:

Circle Labels • I chose the “Royal Suite” style in Hot Pink and Tangerine.

Small Diamond Tags • I chose the “Royal Suite” style in Hot Pink and Tangerine.

Heart Shape Tags • I chose the “Royal Suite” style in Hot Pink and Tangerine.