We are halfways through the month and it is time to start getting creative with our Non-alcoholic cocktails for Dry July - Before you roll your eyes and expect another round of Shirley Temples and Virgin Mojitos, let me assure you, this is a whole different ballgame. We're diving into some innovative winter sips that might just keep you hooked well beyond July. Think of it as your new favourite way to stay on the wagon while still enjoying a splash of creativity and flavour. So, buckle up because these mocktails are here to prove that zero-proof doesn't mean zero fun. From fruity concoctions to spicy delights, these recipes will tantalize your taste buds and make you the life of any (sober) party. So, get ready to enjoy some seriously tasty and exciting non-alcoholic beverages. Let's get into it!
Limoncello Sunrise
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 30mL Non-Alc Limoncello
- 90mL fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Splash of Grenadine
- Fresh orange slice for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the Limoncello and orange juice.
- Add a splash of Grenadine.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Serve immediately.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
- 60mL Non-Alc vodka (orange vodka works too)
- 60mL cranberry juice
- 15mL fresh lime juice
- Pebbled or lightly crushed ice
- 120mL Ginger Ale
- 2 tablespoons frozen cranberries
- Lime and orange wedges
Instructions:
- Mix the Non-Alc vodka, Cranberry juice, lime juice, and cracked ice in a shaker.
- Shake until the shaker is frosty.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Squeeze a bit of orange juice into the glass.
- Add ginger beer.
- Garnish with cranberries and lime wedges.
A Winter Snowflake
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120mL skim milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 60mL Non-Alc Irish Cream
- Optional: whipped cream and ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
- Stir the chocolate, caramel, vanilla, milk, and Baileys together in a microwave-safe mug.
- Heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until hot.
- Stir to melt the chocolate and caramel completely.
- Top with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2-4 finely chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
- 60mL Non-Alc vodka
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- Juice from 1/2 small grapefruit
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1-2 jalapeño slices
- Ginger Ale for topping
- Pomegranate arils for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine sugar and mint on a shallow plate. Rim your glass in the mixture, then fill with ice.
- In a shaker, mix vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and jalapeños with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with pomegranate arils and mint.
Lyre's Lombardia Rossa
Ingredients:
- 45mL Lyre's White Cane Spirit
- 15mL Amaretti
- 15mL lime juice
- 30mL cranberry juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Mango Matcha Fresca
Ingredients:
- 60 ml mango juice
- 30 ml white cane spirit (non-alcoholic)
- 1/2 tsp matcha powder + 1 tbsp hot water
- 20 ml lime juice
- 60 ml sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Mango slices and mint leaves for garnish
- Optional: 1 tsp Sweetener of choice
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, add matcha powder and hot water, whisking until smooth. Set aside.
- In a shaker, combine mango juice, white cane spirit, lime juice and a sweetener of your choice. Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with prepared matcha followed by sparkling water, to create three layers for visual aethetics.
- Garnish with a mango slices mint.
There you have it – a lineup of mocktails that will make you forget you're even in Dry July. Each one is a testament to the art of mixology, proving that you don't need alcohol to have a good time. Try these out, and who knows, they might just become your new go-to drinks all year round. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a quiet night in, these drinks will keep things exciting and delicious. So next time you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, skip the boring soda and reach for one of these gems. Cheers to enjoying life with a little more flavour and a lot more fun!