Photography by Annaleah De Masi
An ever-growing number of consumers are seeking spirit-free options at the bar, and their reasons for skipping the spike are just as numerous.
From health-conscious consumers looking to stay on track, social media savvy patrons contributing to the latest “dry challenge,” expecting mothers-to-be, or teetotalers looking to enjoy the party without becoming the party, one thing these folks all have in common is the desire for a cocktail prepared with the same level of craft and creativity as the rest of your menu.
Drinking is often a communal experience – a celebration, a toast, a bonding moment. A syrupy “mocktail” or watered-down “virgin” version of existing menu items can leave customers feeling excluded or called out, and they deserve better options.
We turned to our Breakthru IL Beverage Specialist Adam Halyckyj for three recipes that will elevate the spirit-free section of your menu.
Mango Lassi
2 oz. mango syrup
.5 cup full fat Greek yogurt
1.5 oz. whole milk
.5 oz. lemon juice
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1 pinch of salt
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin and fill with crushed ice. Shake hard for 6 seconds. Open tin and dump contents into glass. Top with ice.
The Color of Royalty
2 oz. Chamomile tea
.75 oz. Butterfly Pea flower syrup
.75 oz. lemon juice
1 egg white
1 oz. soda water
Method: Combine all ingredients except for soda water in a shaker tin and dry shake for 6 seconds. Add ice to tin and shake again for 6 seconds. Double strain into glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with equal parts mixture of orange flower water and butterfly pea flower concentrate.
Cucumber Strawberry Tonic
3 oz. tonic water
2 oz. cucumber juice
.5 oz. strawberry syrup (2:1 strawberry syrup to water)
.5 oz. lime juice
Method: Combine all ingredients in a Collins glass. Garnish with strawberry slices and cucumber ribbon.