The Power of Alcohol-Free
September fruits and vegetables for delicious, ethical mocktails
By Anthony
To begin
September brings pears, grapes and the last of the summer vegetables to markets in France. Their sweet, tart and savoury flavours offer plenty of ways to build an alcohol-free drink. Use this French seasonal guide as inspiration, then check what is being harvested where you live.
Why choose seasonal ingredients?
Choosing produce in season gives you a useful starting point for flavour. The examples here follow the French seasonal calendar; harvest dates vary by region, climate and variety. ADEME’s calendar helps identify what is in season in France. Check origin as well as the month: produce may still have travelled or spent time in storage. Buying from a nearby grower can also help you find out when it was picked and how it was grown.
September fruits: sweetness and colour in your glass
September offers a wide selection of fruits perfect for creating fresh, vitamin-packed drinks. Here are the stars of the month to include in your mocktail recipes.
Pears
Pears are juicy and sweet, and pair beautifully with tart or spicy flavours. They are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to refreshing cocktails like a Cinnamon Pear Punch or for creating a sweet base to which you can add more complex notes, such as ginger. Try the mocktail Cinnamon Pear Punch for a winning combination.
Grapes
Use grape juice or puréed grapes with mint and sparkling water, adjusting the balance to suit the fruit. For a different tart, sparkling drink, try the Cranberry Spritzer: it contains cranberry and lime juice, not grapes.
Apples
Apples are among the fruits to look for in France in September. This versatile fruit can be used in juice, purée, or sliced as a garnish. An Apple Ginger Fizz lets you look forward to autumn flavours while keeping things fresh, refreshing, and slightly spicy.
Cucumber
With its subtle taste and freshness, the cucumber is an ideal ingredient for light, hydrating drinks. Paired with mint and lemon, it creates ultra-refreshing mocktails like a Cucumber Agua Fresca. Try the Cucumber Agua Fresca for a fresh, cucumber-led option for your summer drinks.
Tomato
Tomatoes, often harvested in September, are perfect for flavourful, colourful mocktails. The Virgin Mary is the perfect example of a tomato-based non-alcoholic drink, ideal for those who prefer more complex, balanced, and intense flavours.
Plum
Plum adds a sweet and tangy flavour that livens up your creations. Whether puréed or simply pressed, it can elevate light drinks. For a unique experience, try the mocktail Sunsweet Mule, perfect for a September evening.
Figs
Rich and sweet, the fig is ideal for indulgent mocktails. Its texture and flavour blend well with apple or lemon juice to create a balanced profile. A Fig-Apple Mocktail makes for a lovely, chic, and fruity alternative for autumn evenings.
September vegetables: a creative touch for your mocktails
Even though vegetables are often overlooked when preparing mocktails, they can add interesting depth to your alcohol-free creations. Here are a few suggestions for adding a touch of greenery and originality to your drinks.
Fennel
With its subtle anise flavour, fennel can both surprise and delight in certain blends. It pairs particularly well with citrus fruits like lemon or orange. Fresh fennel juice can elevate a lime-based mocktail, creating a surprisingly refreshing result.
Beetroot
Beetroot is an excellent choice for a splash of intense colour and earthy flavours. It can be juiced to create visually striking mocktails. Try combining it with lemon and ginger for an bright, earthy drink.
Pears, apples, cucumber and tomato each bring a different texture or flavour to a September mocktail. Start with the produce you can find locally, then choose a recipe that makes the most of it.
For a tart sparkling option, try the Cranberry Spritzer. For other flavours, explore the Apple Ginger Fizz or Virgin Mary.