No-Buzz Cocktails for Sober January
Happy New Year! We know that for many people, January is a time to recover from holiday indulgences (or over-indulgence!). For everyone partaking in sober January, we have some tips on how to design delicious alcohol-free cocktails that will allow you to continue your celebrations!
The trick to finding a "mocktail" that suits your taste is knowing how to replicate the key flavors in your usual favorite drinks. Some swaps are easy— if you like a gin and tonic, for instance, try mixing a non-alcoholic gin (like this Monday gin) with your favorite tonic. Copying other mixes can be a little trickier. Here are a few swaps for your favorite drinks:
Margarita
Nothing drives away the January chill like a margarita! The non-alcoholic version of this classic drink has the benefit of lots of fresh citrus juice for an added boost of vitamin C.
Salt the rim of your favorite margarita glass by running a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and then dipping the glass rim in salt.
In a shaker, combine 2 oz. lime juice with a squirt of lemon juice, a splash of orange juice, and approximately 2 tsp. of your favorite sweetener (we like agave nectar or simple syrup).
Pour over ice and add sparkling water to taste.
Bonus: If you like a fruitier flavor, blend other fruit, like strawberry, mango, or pineapple, into your mixture!
Cosmopolitan
Recreating a sexy cosmopolitan is a breeze! If you prefer a less sweet version, opt for low-sugar cranberry juice.
Mix 3 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz. lime juice, and 2 oz. sparkling water into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake gently.
Pour into a martini glass.
Add a splash of orange juice.
Manhattan
A soothing Manhattan is an ideal drink for a fireside chat with a loved one. Get your warm and cozy vibes on with this version:
Mix 2 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz. orange juice, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. maraschino cherry juice, and 2 dashes of bitters into a cocktail shaker and add ice.
Shake well and pour into a glass.
Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Don't forget about presentation
Half the fun of a drink is its visual appeal. Instead of pouring the mixture into a regular glass, try experimenting with martini glasses or rocks glasses in different shapes and sizes. Adding inventive garnishes and rim mixtures is a fun way to elevate both the look of the drink and the flavor of the drink. To add a little sparkle to your mocktails, toss in a dash of edible glitter!
Don't forget about the no-buzz cocktail menu at The Leaf! We have a variety of alcohol-free beverages, and our expert bartenders will be happy to create the perfect drink for you.
The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster, offers a vast menu, making breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our culinary team creates amazing dishes that are sure to delight. Bring a friend or dine solo for a relaxing meal away from home.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest specials and new menu items. Make your reservations at OpenTable or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.