With summer on the horizon, my mixologist husband has started to plan for our annual hot-weather mocktails. He often has a theme in mind. For the last couple of years, he’s been working on functional fizzy drinks that are refreshing and match our wellness goals. This year—maybe because we are at an age where we’re starting to think more about ways to support our remaining brain plasticity and cognitive faculties—he’s focusing on herbs with nootropic properties that support the brain. So far, he has come up with two keepers using brain-friendly herbs that are going to make my patio afternoons delightful this summer.

Psychologist and chemist Corneliu Giurgea coined the term nootropics in 1972. A combination of the Greek words nous (meaning mind/thought/intelligence) and tropein (meaning to monitor or to turn), it describes substances that can support cognition and brain function without side effects. Originally, nootropic was associated with pharmaceuticals, but now also includes natural foods, supplements, etc. that support cognitive function, including herbs, berries, mushrooms, and more. Nootropics can help with things like mental clarity, learning, memory, focus, and concentration.

Some of Our Favorite Nootropic Herbs

Brahmi—Bacopa monnieri’s scientific name translates to “energy of universal consciousness.” Also known as bacopa, brahmi is one of the most beloved nootropic herbs. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support brain function. It contains bacosides and is thought to help brain cells fend off oxidative stress. Studies have shown improvements in verbal learning, word recall, memory acquisition, and more.*

Gotu Kola—Centella asiatica has been utilized for thousands of years in Asian medicine and Ayurveda for its overall support of cognitive health and its positive effect on memory and focus. It was called “the fountain of life” in the Chinese Shennong Herbal (1st-2nd century CE). Gotu Kola is packed with nutrients that support connective tissue health and blood flow to the brain.

Caution: If you are taking sedative medications, speak with your physician before using gotu kola.

Ginkgo Leaf—Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that help support blood flow to the brain and help brain cells protect themselves from oxidative stress. Ginkgo is widely used in Asian medicine to support overall cognitive health, memory, and focus. 

Caution: If you have a coagulation disorder, speak with your physician before using ginkgo leaf.

Lemon Balm—Melissa officinalis has been used for thousands of years. In the 17th century, French Carmelite nuns made Carmelite Water, a lemon balm-infused ‘miracle water’ that was said to lower stress and support memory. Today, we understand that lemon balm is an antioxidant that supports brain cell health, and it also helps to inhibit the effects of acetylcholinesterase that impact memory and cognition.

Bilberries—Accinium myrtillus is in the same family as blueberries, but has a much higher content of anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that have been shown to increase blood flow to brain areas that control memory, language, and attention. 

Schisandra Berries—Schisandra chinensis is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has a long history of traditional use in Korea, China, and Japan. The berries contain polyphenolic compounds called lignans, which are being studied for their potential positive effects on neurodegeneration.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing a child, speak with your physician before using Schisandra berries.

Holy Basil, Rama—Ocimum tenuiflorum is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known as “the incomparable one” and described as a pillar of holistic herbal medicine. Holy basil contains brain-supporting magnesium and flavonoids and can also assist in managing cortisol levels, which in turn improves mental clarity. 

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing a child, speak with your physician before using holy basil.

Nootropic Mocktail Recipes

Lemon Love Berry Mocktail

Makes about 1 cup herb-infused syrup, enough for four 8-10 oz. drinks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey, or to taste
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped organic rosebuds or rose petals (Chop or grind before measuring. Don’t turn into powder.)
• 2 1/2 tsp. organic gotu kola
• 1 1/2 tsp. organic lemon balm
• 1 tsp. organic Schisandra Berries, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp. organic bilberries or dried blueberries, coarsely chopped
• Sparkling water
• Fresh lemons
• Fresh berries for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar, and herbs in a pot over low heat. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar, for 10 minutes. Keep heat at about 180°F. Don’t boil.
2. Take off the heat, put on a lid, and set aside for 10 minutes. 
3. Strain through cheesecloth to remove herbs.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thoroughly chill. Store this low-sugar simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.
5. When ready to make mocktails, fill an 8-10 oz. tumbler with ice.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup chilled herbal simple syrup over the ice.
7. Top off the glass with sparkling water.
8. Cut a lemon in half. Squeeze one half on top and gently stir in.
9. Cut the remaining lemon half into slices. Garnish with a lemon slice and optional berries.

Brain Rain Mocktail 

Makes about 1 cup herb-infused syrup, enough for four 8-10 oz. drinks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup organic sugar or honey, or to taste
• 1 TB. finely chopped organic butterfly pea flower (Chop or grind before measuring. Don’t turn into powder.)
• 1 1/2 tsp. organic ginkgo leaf
• 1 1/2 tsp. organic spearmint
• 1 tsp. organic brahmi
• 1 tsp. organic holy basil (we’re using Rama here, but choose your favorite)
• Sparkling water
• Fresh organic lime
• Fresh organic mint leaves for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar, and herbs in a pot over low heat. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar, for 10 minutes. Keep heat at about 180°F. Don’t boil.
2. Take off the heat, put on a lid, and set aside for 10 minutes.
3. Strain through cheesecloth to remove herbs.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thoroughly chill. Store this low-sugar simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.
5. When ready to make mocktails, fill an 8-10 oz. tumbler with ice.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup chilled herbal simple syrup over the ice.
7. Top off the glass with sparkling water.
8. Cut the lime into quarters. Squeeze 1/4 lime on top and gently stir. 
9. Garnish with 1/4 ice and optional mint leaves.

Want to set yourself up for easy mocktail making?

Learn how to Build a Home Mocktail Bar (with Recipes)!

You may also enjoy:

• Berry Summer Mocktail Recipe with Cooling Herbs
• Minty Lemongrass Oxymelt & Summer Mocktail Recipe 
• Tulsi Sipping Vinegar Recipe