Non-Alcoholic Ipanema Cocktail

If you are in search of a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, you need to try this Ipanema cocktail. Made with fresh lime juice, ginger ale, and passion fruit, this drink is easy to make and can easily be scaled into a big-batch drink.

about this non-alcoholic ipanema cocktail

You’re about to meet your new favorite non-alcoholic drink – the Ipanema. Think of the most refreshing combo ever: zesty lime, spicy ginger, and sweet-tart passion fruit, all topped with bubbly ginger ale.

It’s like a vacation in a glass, minus the alcohol. You almost get the sensations of the sand between your toes and sun on your face…

Don’t worry about tracking down special ingredients or tools. This breezy drink comes together in minutes with ingredients you can find at any grocery store. And trust me – once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s Brazil’s favorite alcohol-free sipper (almost as popular as a Caipirinha made with cachaça). It hits that sweet spot between sophisticated and playful.

Make a big batch for your next gathering (I’ve included instructions for that too!). A garnish of fresh mint and lime makes it totally Instagram-worthy, but it’s the bright, bold flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.

ingredients

lime. You will need a whole lime for this non-alcoholic ipanema cocktail.

sugar. Cane sugar is preferred, but you can also use light brown sugar. You could also use simple syrup, if preferred.

ginger ale. Use regular or diet ginger ale to add a splash of sweet bubbles to the drink.

passion fruit nectar. You can use passion fruit nectar or passion fruit juice in this recipe. Make sure that it is 100% juice and not a juice cocktail of some sort.

ice. I like to use crushed ice for this drink, but ice cubes also works!

garnish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.

this recipe’s must-haves

You will need a cocktail shaker and a muddler to make this drink recipe.

I like to serve the drink in rocks glasses or double old fashioned glasses. You can honestly use whatever glasses are your favorite.

here’s how to make an ipanema

muddle

Cut the lime into eight wedges and add to the bottom of an empty shaker. Add cane sugar and use a muddler to muddle the lime until the juice is released.

shake

Fill the shaker halfway with ice over the muddled limes. Pour in passion fruit nectar or passionfruit juice. Close and shake well until chilled through.

strain

Strain into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger and give it one final stir to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wheel.

More delicious mocktail recipes to try: Mango Mojito | Sparkling Rosemary Peach Mocktail | Mixed Berry Frozen Mocktail | Sparkling Cider Peach Bellini Mocktail

what if I can’t find passion fruit nectar or juice?

If you can’t find the nectar or juice at your local store, you can use fresh passion fruit pulp instead. However, if you can’t find any passion fruit, you can use fresh orange juice instead.

can I make this in a big batch?

Yes, you can easily make this non-alcoholic ipanema cocktail in a big batch! Here are the measurements you will need to serve 6 people:

• 6 limes
• 4 Tbsp cane sugar
• 1 1/3 cup fresh passion fruit nectar or juice
• 30 ounces ginger ale
• Ice

Cut all of the limes into 8 pieces each. Muddle the lime pieces with cane sugar in the base of a pitcher. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice, then add passion fruit nectar and ginger ale. Stir to combine the liquids. Garnish glasses filled with ice with mint and lime wheels.

what to serve with an ipanema cocktail

This is a crisp and lime-forward drink that pairs well with grilled meats, grilled seafood, fresh shrimp ceviche, and other fresh fruit dishes.

Try pairing this drink with grilled chipotle bbq chicken skewers, grilled full chicken, or grilled new york strip steak.

more mocktails to sip on

Tropical mimosa mocktail is a tropical twist on the classic mimosa, but non-alcoholic!

A bubbly ginger beer mocktail is an alcohol-free drink that’s got a spicy kick. Plus there are tons of variations you can make.

Our sparkling arnold palmer combines homemade lemonade and iced tea concentrates with sparkling water for an easy refresher. It’s a recipe that really stands the test of time.

Finally, if you make this ipanema cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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