The World of Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Crafting Sophisticated Mocktails

From non-alcoholic wine to booze–free beer, non-alcoholic beverages are more popular than ever. More and more people are choosing mocktails at gatherings to experience the taste without the alcohol by volume (ABV). In fact, Forbes says that “no/low” is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry today, with an increase of 96 percent over the past year.

Here are some sophisticated mocktails you can try this fall to introduce you to the world of non-alcoholic spirits.

Sparkling Tangawizi

Taking inspiration from Stoney Tangawizi, a spicy ginger beer found in East Africa, this refreshing sparkling ginger soda has notes of salt and lime juice to balance the sweet heat of fresh ginger.

You will need:

• 8 ginger, coarsely chopped
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 24 chilled sparkling water
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Crush the ginger with a mortar and pestle.
2. Combine ginger, sugar, kosher salt, and ¾ cup water in a medium skillet, bringing to a boil.
3. Cook until sugar is dissolved and the syrup has been slightly reduced (three minutes).
4. Remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes.
5. Strain syrup into measuring glass, discarding any solids.
6. Stir in the lime juice.
7. Add mixture to glasses, adding ice and topping each glass with 6 oz. sparkling water.
8. Garnish with the lime wedges.

Apple Ginger Fizz

This easy to make drink is a nice blend of crisp apple and hearty ginger, offset by mint, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar for a little kick.

You will need:

• Apple cider
• Lime juice
• Mint
• Apple cider vinegar
• Powdered cinnamon
• Cinnamon stick
• Ginger ale

Directions:

1. Add the apple cider, lime juice, cinnamon, mint leaves, apple cider vinegar and ice to a shaker.
2. Shake for 30 seconds until combined.
3. Add a cinnamon stick, mint or citrus wheel for garnish and serve.

Maple Roasted Pear and Apple Mocktail

This autumn-inspired mocktail is infused with fall spices offset by sweet roasted pears and apples topped with fizzy ginger beer.

You will need:

• 2 medium pears
• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 olive oil
• 1 cinnamon
• 1/2 nutmeg
• 1/4 allspice
• 1 fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups filtered water

For topping:

• Crushed ice
• Ginger beer
• Apple slices
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Directions:

Prepare the fruit:

1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Halve two pears lengthwise. Halve, core, and slice two apples, placing all fruit in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the syrup, one tablespoon olive oil, one teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice; toss until coated.
3. Place on baking sheet in a single layer, baking until golden brown (20 minutes).
4. Place one cup apple slices in a medium bowl, adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice, crushing everything together with muddler.
5. Add two cups water and two tablespoons syrup, stirring until combined.

Make the mocktail:

1. Fill a tall glass halfway with crushed ice, adding 1/2 cup of the apple mixture.
2. Garnish with one halved pear, apple slice, and rosemary sprig.
3. Top off with ginger beer.

Get Your Mocktail Supplies at Beverage Universe

From sodas to juices to non-alcoholic wine and beer, we have all the ingredients you need to craft the most sophisticated mocktails for your autumn celebrations. Check out our website and then give us a call to place an order.