There’s something about summer that makes you want a drink in your hand—not just any drink, but something light, refreshing, and just a little bit fun. While cocktails often get the spotlight, mocktails have been stepping up in recent years, offering all the creativity and flair without the alcohol. And when the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than a tall glass of something cool, sparkling, and beautiful.
For me, mocktails have become a summer ritual. Whether I’m hosting friends on the porch, sitting out in the garden at dusk, or simply making dinner feel a bit more festive, I love having a go-to recipe that feels special but isn’t fussy. Recently, I discovered just the thing: The Rosy Cheeks Mocktail, courtesy of one of my favorite local spots, Au Comptoir.
The Charm of a Good Mocktail
Mocktails are more than “drinks without the buzz.” Done right, they capture the artistry of mixology—the balance of sweet, sour, and sparkling—while staying approachable and versatile. They’re inclusive, too, which makes them perfect for gatherings where not everyone is drinking alcohol. Plus, they give you the satisfaction of having something more exciting than plain water or soda in your glass.
The Rosy Cheeks is everything you want in a summer sip: light, crisp, floral, and just the right amount of tart. It’s also gorgeous to look at, with its rosy hue and jewel-like cranberries bobbing in the glass. It looks like it belongs at a garden party, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a Tuesday night.
Au Comptoir’s Secret (and How to Recreate It)
One of the things that makes Au Comptoir’s drinks so special is that they craft their own syrups and juices in-house. It’s that extra attention to detail that elevates the experience. But you don’t need a professional bar setup to bring the Rosy Cheeks into your own kitchen.
The one ingredient that gives this mocktail its unique charm is rose syrup. You can find bottles of it at most specialty beverage shops or liquor stores. Or, if you’re in the mood for a little DIY project, it’s easy to make your own at home (just simmer equal parts sugar and water with dried culinary rose petals until fragrant, then strain). Either way, that delicate floral note is what makes this drink feel extra special.
Rosy Cheeks Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz rose syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 6 frozen cranberries
- Soda water
- Ice
- Rose petals for garnish (optional, but beautiful)
Directions
- In a shaker, combine rose syrup, lemon juice, cranberries, and ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a glass—something sturdy like a double old-fashioned works perfectly.
- Top with soda water and, if you’re feeling fancy, a single rose petal as garnish.
Why You’ll Love It
The Rosy Cheeks hits all the right notes: the floral sweetness of the rose, the bright tartness of lemon, the playful pop of frozen cranberries (which also double as natural ice cubes), and the crisp fizz of soda water tying it all together. It’s the kind of drink that feels elegant but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
It also pairs beautifully with summer food. Think grilled fish or chicken, fresh garden salads, or a charcuterie board piled high with cheese and fruit. Because it’s alcohol-free, it also works wonderfully as a midday refresher—something you can sip while working from home or lounging with a good book in the backyard.
Hosting with Rosy Cheeks
If you’re entertaining, this mocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can prep the base (rose syrup and lemon juice) ahead of time in a pitcher, then just add cranberries, ice, and soda water when guests arrive. For larger gatherings, set up a little DIY mocktail bar with all the ingredients laid out so people can shake and pour their own—it’s interactive, fun, and takes the pressure off the host.
And here’s a tip: keep a bag of frozen cranberries in the freezer all summer long. They’re not only pretty but practical—keeping drinks cold without watering them down.
A Toast to Summer
At the end of the day, summer is about savoring the little things—sunset dinners, evenings spent outdoors, laughter with friends, and yes, a glass of something refreshing in hand. The Rosy Cheeks mocktail is more than a drink; it’s a reminder that simple pleasures can be every bit as memorable as the big ones.
So the next time you’re looking for a way to elevate an ordinary evening—or impress a table full of guests—skip the bottled soda and try this floral, fizzy, jewel-toned beauty. It’s summer in a glass, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile (and maybe even rosy cheeks) to everyone who takes a sip.
