YMMV, but one thing I quickly learned in alcohol-free life was that my palate really preferred drinks that didn’t pretend to be cocktails. Maybe because my two favorites, dirty martinis and lemon drops, were both ethanol-heavy, and replicating that flavor without alcohol didn’t work. (I have receipts for many middle-to-high-shelf non-alcoholic spirits to prove it.)
Instead, one of my go-to beverages these days is sparkling water from my Sodastream Terra, flavor-boosted with one of my favorite bitters. Note that not all bitters are 100% alcohol-free, so if you are committed to zero ethanol, not even a drop, try out All The Bitter, made with glycerine instead.
I also enjoy a number of carbonated alcohol-free options.
Someday I may get more elaborate, and use my bartender tools to make mocktails, but until then, here are some suggestions for those of you who want zeroproof life to be carefree, from a preparation standpoint.
All the Bitters
Some of my favorites from this company are the short-run options, like No. 4 Chocolate Mole Bitters and No. 8 Fig and Black Walnut Bitters. Both were out of stock when I published this post, but follow the company to learn when those are coming back, or others are offered. Sign up on their home page for notifications.
Until then, try some of their other options. Aromatic Bitters, New Orleans Bitters and Orange Bitters are available individually, or as part of the Travel Pack, the Classic Trio or the Bitter Bundle (which also includes Lavender Bitters).
Other bitters
Almost anything from The Bitter Housewife has been great, but my palate especially loves their Cardamom Cocktail Bitters. If you’re not sure you’d love that flavor profile, try out one of their sampler sets. Note that this brand does include a bit of alcohol.
Bubbly drinks
Lolo Sparkling Hops were one of the first booze-free options that I loved: I discovered them before even becoming alcohol-free: I tasted-tested their wares when they were set up across from me at Unique Markets. Even though the name mentions hops, there is no alcohol, and these are super-refreshing, especially on hot summer days (like the ones forecast next week). Aurora Exilirs also makes CBD-infused, but non-psychoactive, beverages with interesting flavor profiles, including Lavender Orange, Rosemary Grapefruit, Blackcurrant Spruce and Cayenne Citron. Undecided? Get the Hemp Multipack.
Stay tuned for more suggestions!
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