6 Alcohol-Free French Summer Drinks and how to prepare them
Chic, refreshing, and timeless: These typical French summer drinks are made for golden sunny days and unforgettable summer nights. From a morning café glacé to a sunset mocktail, here are 11 ways to sip the season in style—no alcohol needed.
1: Citron Pressé - Bright and zesty
In France, Citron Pressé is as much a ritual as it is a drink. Unlike pre-mixed lemonade, this refreshing drink is all about personal preference. Served with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and ice, it allows you to mix your perfect balance of sweet and tart.
How to Prepare It
In a tall glass, pour the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon. Add a small jug of chilled water, sugar on the side, and plenty of ice cubes. Stir to your desired sweetness and strength.
Pair citron pressé with a light snack like madeleines, buttery croissants, or a simple cheese tartine.
2: Orangina - Sparkling and Citrusy
A true French classic, Orangina has been a favorite since the 1930s. With its distinctively shaped bottle, gentle fizz, and real orange pulp, this drink is synonymous with relaxed summer afternoons on the Riviera. Often enjoyed straight from the bottle or poured over ice, it’s a nostalgic yet timeless refreshment that instantly evokes the charm of a French seaside café.
Orangina goes well with a fresh baguette sandwich or cheese with a simple but satisfying snack.
How to drink it
Serve Orangina well-chilled in a glass over ice. Orangina is widely available in France at supermarkets, cafés, and convenience stores. Outside of France, you can often find it in international grocery stores or through online retailers. As an alternative, you can use San Pellegrino Aranciata, Blood Orange soda, or freshly squeezed orange juice with a splash of sparkling water.
3: Thé Glacé (Iced Tea) - Cool and fragrant
Popular in French homes and cafés, this drink is often homemade with a delicate balance of light sweetness and citrus or fruit infusions. Whether sipped on a picnic or enjoyed on a sun-drenched balcony, thé glacé is a light yet flavorful way to stay cool.
How to Prepare It
Brew a pot of tea (black or green works well) and allow it to cool. Pour the tea over ice and add a splash of lemon juice or peach syrup to taste. Add some sugar for sweetness. Garnish with a slice of lemon or fresh peach.
Pair iced tea with a crisp summer salad, quiche Lorraine, or buttery pastries like palmiers or croissants.
4: Grenadine Syrup with Water - Sweet and nostalgic
Simple, sweet, and beautifully looking, grenadine syrup with water is a non-alcoholic classic French refreshment for all ages. A beloved childhood favorite in France, grenadine with water is simple, sweet, and undeniably refreshing. Its vibrant red hue and fruity flavor make it a fun and easy choice for hot summer days.
How to drink it
Pour one part grenadine syrup into a glass, then slowly add five parts chilled water. Stir gently and add ice cubes for a refreshing touch. When buying Grenadine, look for brands like Teisseire or Monin for an authentic French touch. If you live outside France, pomegranate syrup or raspberry syrup diluted with water can offer a similar fruity and refreshing taste.
Serve with fresh fruit, shortbread cookies, or a savory tartine for a balanced snack.
5: Perrier or Badoit Water with Lime - Crisp and elegant
A light and fizzy favorite, sparkling mineral water with lime is a chic and refreshing drink for any occasion.
How to Prepare It
Fill a glass with ice and add chilled Perrier or Badoit. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint.
Pair this drink with light, salty snacks like olives, mixed nuts, or a small charcuterie board.
6: Café Glacé - Bold and smooth
For coffee lovers, a chilled café glacé is the perfect way to stay cool while enjoying your caffeine fix. This French summer classic is low in calories and ideal for mid-morning breaks or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Prepare It
Brew strong coffee and let it cool completely. Pour over ice and add a splash of milk to taste with a dash of simple syrup. For an elevated touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Pair café glacé with buttery viennoiseries like pain au chocolat, almond croissants, or a slice of tarte tropézienne for the ultimate French treat.
Final words
Whether you’re recreating these iconic recipes at home or enjoying them on a sunny terrace in the South of France, these drinks are an invitation to savor the season with elegance and joy. So, pour yourself a glass, pair it with your favorite dish, and let these drinks transport you to golden summer days on the French Riviera. Santé!