Mocktails are alcohol-free and were originally created as virgin versions of traditional cocktails. As artisan foods and craft beverages have developed a niche in the food world, mixologists have sharpened their skills creating mocktails that earn high praise and are no longer relegated to a class of innocuous imitations of drinks from another era.
When you opt for mocktails, you’re also likely to be opting for a drink that’s lower in calories. Alcohol can be dehydrating and increase your calorie intake a lot. One 12-oz. beer has about 150 calories, and for every 1 -1/2-oz. shot of alcohol, you can count on adding 100 calories. Whether you’re entertaining or simply stocking up on beverages, look for low-and no-calorie options such as low-calorie fruit and vegetable juices, club soda, carbonated water, flavoured water, and diet soda.
Tips for creating your own signature mock tail: Whether you’re planning to make your own or rely on a recipe, make sure you stock up on colourful paper umbrellas-what’s a summer drink without an umbrella garnish? Here are some of Mocktails you can make at home:
Lemonade Nojito
· Cup 4 oz Minute Maid Lemonade
· Cup 4 oz Sprite Zero
· 2 tablespoons 1 oz mint mojito syrup*
· 1 mint sprig
Fill a 16-oz glass half full of ice. Add combined ingredients; stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Makes 1 serving.You can purchase bottled mint syrup or do-it-yourself by adding mint leaves to simple syrup steep after the sugar is dissolved. Remove the leaves before storing.
Spicy Mango mock tail
· in a tin, add 1 oz mango puree
· oz lime juice
· oz orange juice
· oz honey and a pinch of chipotle seasoning
· mango orange fruit water
Shake hard with ice and strain into a tall glass with ice, top with mango orange fruit water, garnish with an orange wheel sprinkled with chipotle seasoning.
Cran-Dandy Cooler
· In a gallon pitcher combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice and lemon juice.
· Just before serving, slowly add ginger ale; stir to blend.
· Serve over ice in cups or glasses.
· Garnish with cherry and orange slices.
Staying hydrated is not limited to water. It can include an array of beverages. However, to keep calories in check, opt for drinks with low- or no-calorie sweeteners. When garnishing your cocktails, use fresh fruits which match the flavours of the fruits you used when making your cocktail base – try freezing fresh raspberries in ice cubes to add to the drink and use orange wheels as a garnish on your frosted glasses. Fresh fruits add colour and perfume to the drink and when your cocktails are presented, light a few scented candles and place them around the bar to set the scene.
