Many of us are opting out of traditional cocktails in favor of mocktails. It’s the fastest-growing sector in the beverage industry.
But, sometimes there’s a stigma associated with these drinks. People may think you’re no fun or other issues with alcohol. Or maybe, she might be pregnant.
Jen Tosatto, mixologist at Penny’s in Prairie Village, says move over mocktails, there’s a new drink in town.
“There’s a difference between mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails, or n/a cocktails. Mocktails are like some sort of juice plus club soda. A lime if you’re lucky. We need to think of them as n/a cocktails.”
Penny’s has taken the n/a cocktail to the next level.
“I am so excited we have a curated n/a cocktail list just as we have a regular cocktail list.” Jen said. The owners of Penny’s and Bamboo Penny’s have taken notice of what their customers are drinking. She says it’s more than just not pouring in the booze.
“We use non-alcoholic spirits; specially made syrups and many times they are topped off with n/a bubbles.”
Non/alc spirits have their own flavor so these cocktails are truly curated. Plus, they offer non-alcoholic wine by the bottle and by the glass.
Read on for tips on how to level up our non-alcoholic game at home. The biggest key is to make your non-alcoholic cocktails more than an afterthought.
Tips for Making N/A Cocktails at Home
- Look into the n/a spirits. They are sold at liquor stores and online.
- Be a juice snob. Don’t be afraid of those large, plastic bottles you see in the supermarket. Most of those are single press, which is ideal.
- Make a simple syrup at home. It’s just equal parts sugar and water. You can add in a cinnamon stick, mint, lavender, rosemary. Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’re making your own, try pomegranate juice instead of water and you’ve made your own grenadine.
- Remember, we eat and drink with our eyes first. Think about what you’re doing with garnish. It’s more than just a maraschino cherry and an umbrella. Think citrus peel, mint, fresh berries. Put blackberries on a stick of rosemary. Don’t forget about edible flowers and some refrigerators make specially shaped ice.
- Keep your eyes out for unique juices. You’ll see them with the bubbly sodas, sometimes in smaller cans. Check at your farmer’s markets.
Non-alcoholic cocktails are becoming more the rage in restaurants and bars. Ask your bartender if they have their own n/a cocktail menus.
Also, keep your eyes out for canned non-alcoholic cocktails. Local favorite Boulevard Brewing Company has added a non-alcoholic line including an IPA and Quirk.
Note: most non-alcoholic pre-made drinks do have a trace of alcohol, so keep your eyes on that.
