The new year is here and like us you may have overindulged over the holiday season or 2020 in general, but who’s keeping track? If you’re kicking off the new year by cutting back or cutting out alcohol, we’ve got a few non-alcoholic cocktails for you to try.
Dry January started formally in 2014 by a charity in the UK that was looking to change people’s relationship with alcohol. Since then, it has been gaining momentum and has become sort of a tradition for millions of people around the globe to limit their alcohol consumption for the first 31 days of the year.
So, if you’re starting off 2021 with a resolution to drink less, we’ve got four easy and delicious non-alcoholic recipes for you to try this dry January!
London to Moscow
This cocktail requires just a little prep, but it is well worth it. Earl Grey simple syrup is a fantastic addition to anyone’s bar cart (though it should be stored in the fridge!), it’s incredibly versatile and great in nearly any cocktail you would use regular simple syrup in.
For the Non-Alcoholic Cocktail:
10 drops Lavender bitters, we like the Whyte Lavender from Token Bitters
Ginger beer or kombucha, we recommend the ginger beer from Annex Soda
Earl Grey Simple Syrup Recipe:
1 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves, we like the cream Earl Grey from Totalitea
1 cup White Sugar
1 cup Water
Garnish: Lime wedges
For the simple syrup, add the tea, either loose or in a steeper, sugar and water to a small pot. Bring this to a simmer, stirring to ensure all the sugar is dissolved. Once simmering, let it continue for 5 minutes before removing from the heat and straining if you left your tea loose. Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Once your syrup is cooled you can start mixing! Start with 1.5oz of the syrup and 10 drops of bitters in a rocks glass with ice. Top with ginger beer or kombucha and garnish with lime.
Salted Sage & Meyer Lemon Smash
January not only brings dry January, but It also brings citrus season! Meyer lemons are sweeter than a regular lemon and have no acidic bite to them. If you can’t find Meyer lemons you can absolutely use regular lemons instead, just add an ounce or two more of simple syrup.
10-12 Fresh Sage Leaves
½ cup Simple Syrup
½ tsp. Kosher Salt
1 can Eau Claire Tonic Water, for this either Original or Elderflower Tonic Water will work
2 quartered Meyer lemons (cut into quarters)
Muddle lemons, sage, salt and simple syrup in a pitcher. Add ice and tonic water before serving.
Virgin Saskatoon Berry Maple Mojito
The mojito is one of the most ordered and classic cocktails. Mint and lime are a refreshing combination, but this fruity twist is sure to make its way into your everyday menu.
1 spoonful of Preserved Saskatoon Berry Gin Jam
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 tablespoon Lime Juice
1-2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
A can of Club Soda
Start by muddling your mint leaves in a glass. Add jam, lime juice, maple syrup and ice to your glass. Top with club soda.
Did you know? Muddling is the action or process of mixing a drink or stirring pr combining an ingredient into a drink.
Shirley Ginger
The Shirley Temple isn’t just for kids anymore. This version of the childhood classic is not nearly as sweet, and the ginger beer adds a slight kick of spice.
½ oz Grenadine
Juice of ¼ of a Lime
3 oz Club Soda
3 oz Ginger Beer
Add grenadine and the juice of ¼ of a lime then top with equal parts ginger beer and club soda.
Be sure to share your dry January non-alcoholic cocktail creations with us by using #ShareEauClaire and tagging us @eauclairecraft on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
