Have you ever wanted the taste of a finely crafted cocktail, but not the alcohol? There’s a big difference between ordering a virgin margarita or Shirley Temple at a bar and ordering a high-quality non-alcoholic cocktail. An alcohol-free cocktail can often taste as good as one loaded with booze. And it’s usually better for you.
“It’s healthier and refreshing,” says Jeff Mahin, Chef and Co-owner of Stella Barra in Chicago. “If you want the flavors of a cocktail but you either can’t or don’t want to have the effects of alcohol, then this is a great way to go.”
“The basic idea is that you want it to taste good,” says Mahin, who also owns restaurants in Bethesda, Santa Monica and Hollywood. “A cocktail can taste great but sometimes the alcohol can take away from enjoying the flavors.” Without the alcohol, the flavors from the fresh ingredients stand out more. “Also, you can do a tasting menu with a non-alcoholic beverage pairing that can really enhance the meal and not make you felt as weighed down afterwards.”
Ingredients that work well include fresh citrus, kale and other greens (used sparingly), and any seasonal, local fruit.
Here are a few outstanding alcohol-free cocktails that are worth a try:
Second Wind
From Lucy Restaurant & Bar in Yountville, California
Ingredients
- .5 oz pineapple juice
- 1.5 oz orange juice
- .5 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz coconut water
- 2 drops of vitamin b12
Directions: Shake the juices, simple syrup and vitamin b12. Strain into a Collins glass and top with coconut water.
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