Get involved with Dry July

Simply Central is a home and lifestyle series for your Sundays. We take a look at what’s hot, what’s not, and everything lifestyle.

Dry July is coming up - but what are the options if you still want an enjoyable drink, something that’s a bit special?

Move in the mocktail. Here at The Central App we are working with CODA to make your Dry July a whole lot of fun, without the alcohol.

The good folks at CODA are also offering a Benger goodie basket to the best mocktail recipe sent in to us. 

Read on for a couple of our favourites just to get you inspired, and details of how to enter to win.

The Mock Mojito and the Piña Mock-lada

The Mock Mojito - an oldie but a goodie.

Muddle 1 tablespoon of sugar with leaves from a bunch of fresh mint using a mortar and pestle, or use a small bowl and the end of a rolling pin.

Put a handful of crushed ice into 2 tall glasses. Divide the lime juice between the glasses with the mint mix. Add a straw and top up with soda water.

The Piña Mock-lada - packs a tropical punch.

Start by making a mock rum syrup. Put 100g of dark brown muscovado sugar and 200 mls of water into a saucepan. Stir well and heat gently until the sugar is dissolved. Add a few strips of skin from a pineapple, add 5 black peppercorns, 5 cloves and a cinnamon stick, then bring to the boil.

Turn off the heat and leave until cold, so the flavours can infuse.

Strain into a jug and keep in the fridge until you need it. The mock rum syrup will keep up to three days in the fridge.

Pour 150 mls of pineapple juice into a tall glass. Add 50 mls of coconut milk and 25 mls of freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently.

Fill up the glass with a handful of ice, then slowly add 25 mls of the mock rum syrup so it sinks to the bottom.

Finish by garnishing with pineapple leaves and fresh or marinated cherries.

ENTER TO WIN

Email us your favourite mocktail recipe at [email protected] for the chance to win a goodie basket to help you get through Dry July. Entries close at midnight on Friday 18th and the winner will be announced on Sunday 20th June.

We will publish some of the best recipes throughout July, as selected by our discerning mocktail testers aka The Central App team, so watch out for more inspiration and Dry July news.

Also, keep a regular eye on The Central App Facebook page for Dry July updates and fun.