Celebrating special moments with your closest friends and family is a privilege. It is also a great responsibility when you are the host. Catering for everyone’s taste and requirements can be tricky at times and during such moments, mocktail or zero-proof mixology can become your ally. That’s why we’ve knocked up a short list of our Top Ten favourite non-alcoholic cocktails that are inclusive and suited to all occasions—simple to create and ideal for dazzling your guests to guarantee an unforgettable time (in more ways than one!)
What is mixology?
Mixing the right amount of alcohol with the exact amount of refresher to make a drink delicious is one thing. But ensuring the alcohol doesn’t lose its sharp features while the flavours of the other ingredients also remain intact is nothing short of an art. The latter is mixology. It enhances your special occasions with beautifully made Negronis to complex cocktails like "The Commonwealth" with 71 ingredients.
What goes into mixology and cocktails?
The essence of mixology can be easily explained in one sentence, “Bartenders serve customers, mixologists serve drinks”. It is their love for molecular mixology and invention that fuels the craft. Usually, there are four types of mixology - stirring, shaking, muddling and blending.
You must know the drink of choice for the deadliest spy in the world, “a martini, shaken, not stirred”, right? Now, whether it’s an alcoholic cocktail or a non-alcoholic alternative, these techniques are used to infuse the flavours of different ingredients together.
Is mixology only for alcohol?
Mixology is the science behind creating the most complex and flavourful drinks, whether alcoholic or alcohol-free. And zero-proof mixology is your classic example.
The perfect companion to the rising sober-curious movement and the adult alcohol-free beverage industry is zero-proof or mindful mixology. Zero-proof cocktails are gaining momentum in the industry - mixologists are taking a keen interest in making unique and creative drinks using molecular mixology.
Consumers are increasingly voting on alcohol as “out of fashion”. They’re all about inclusivity and responsible choices. Everyone is asking for a non-alcoholic alternative to their favourite drink. So, to cater to the unique shift in consumer taste, mixologists worldwide are giving a dry spin to classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a G&T.
What is zero-proof or mindful mixology?
Zero-proof mixology creates the most delicious cocktails using non-alcoholic or 0% ABV beverages. These often, aren’t anything like the mocktails you’re used to.
Traditional mocktails are often associated with overly sweet beverages that lack sophistication. Additionally, having more than one or two in an evening might not be feasible due to their typical sugary nature. But zero-proof mixology is dedicated to using specially engineered no-alcoholic beverages to craft cocktail alternatives.
Zero-proof mixology essentials
If you’re interested in mixology as a hobby, the amount of information on equipment and tools can be overwhelming. But if you observe a professional mixologist in action, you’ll see that you can make an elegant and stylish cocktail with just a few.
A cocktail shaker is a must-have — choose between the two-piece or three-piece. A bar spoon is essential for stirring, a strainer separates minute ice bits from shaken drinks, and a jigger or measuring cups for accurate pours. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also spring for finer accessories like the Julep strainer, Hawthorne strainer, muddlers, nutmeg grater, mixing glass, etc.
If you want to impress your peers with your mixology skills rather than buying different tools, invest in some quality alcohol-free alternatives. Opting for a premium sparkling wine over cheap grape juice significantly enhances the taste of your cocktails.
10 Best Zero-Proof Cocktail Recipes
1. The Perfect Dirty Martini
What makes a dirty martini perfect - the alcohol, olive brine or dry vermouth? Neither. It’s the secret ingredient that lets you enjoy as many as possible and still wake up without a hangover.
What’s that secret ingredient? It’s a non-alcoholic Spirit alternative. Try Pentire Adrift for a guilt-free and vegan option. If you’re tired of typical mocktails either at home or at bars, this drink is for you.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pentire Adrift
- 3 Nocellara olives in brine
- 5ml maple syrup
- 5ml olive brine
- 3 black peppercorns
- Wedge of fresh grapefruit
Method:
Remove the stones from the olives, add to a cocktail shaker with Pentire and gently muddle the two. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and squeeze the grapefruit peel outside out to release the essential oils. Fill the ⅔ of the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the potion into a chilled glass, garnish with the remaining olives and serve.
2. Classic Gin and Tonic with Feragaia
The classic G&T is a lifesaver. Back in the 19th century, it saved the lives of hundreds of British East India Company soldiers from malaria. And today, the alcohol-free twist can save your guests from a morning of hangover.
This simple, classic and elegant drink has only two ingredients - gin and tonic water. But our latest twist replaces the gin with Feragaia’s Scottish non-alcoholic spirit. Let’s find out how it's made.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Feragaia
- 100 ml tonic water
Method:
Given its simplicity and elegance, the choice of glassware, serving temperature, and accompaniments often hog the spotlight. A highball glass is ideal for the occasion. Pour the Feragaia into it and add the tonic water, gently stirring to preserve the drink's punch. Serve with lime wedges as a garnish for your guests. Strong-flavoured cheeses such as Manchego, Stilton, or goat cheese make excellent pairings for the Feragaia G&T.
3. Non-alcoholic Twist on a Whiskey Sour
A Whiskey Sour is a classic drink dating back to the 1800’s. If this is your choice of drink, it often indicates you’re a person of complex and superior taste. You’re incredibly adaptable in social situations and often saddled with the responsibility to order for the table. Did we get that right? ;-p
The non-alcoholic twist to this classic drink only elevates the flavour and the experience. Our recipe for an alcohol-free Whiskey Sour is easy to make at your home and surprise your guests.
Ingredients:
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 50ml Feragaia Non-alcoholic spirit
- 10ml Aquafaba (egg white alternative)
- Sugar syrup to taste (optional)
- 10ml cloudy apple juice
- 10ml ginger syrup
Method:
The classic Whiskey Sour can be complex for a beginner. But a vegan, non-alcoholic Whiskey Sour is fairly simple. Mix the lemon juice, Feragaia, apple juice, sugar syrup and ginger syrup into a cocktail shaker and add a handful of ice. If you want a sugar-free, skinny Sour then skip the sugar syrup. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. Next, pour the drink into a glass over ice and elegantly garnish it with a fresh slice of lemon before serving.
4. The Perfect Gimlet
The perfect Gimlet appreciated for its clean, crisp and tangy characters, is always a hit with the guests. The drink has a humble beginning, dating back to the 19th century in the British navy. Originally, it was made with only 3-4 ingredients, the main one being dry gin. But we’ve given it an exciting twist to make it more contemporary.
The rhubarb, with its subtle fruity, tangy, and earthy notes, not only substitutes the sharpness of lime but also enriches the overall flavour. Moreover, the herbaceous undertones of Pentire beautifully harmonise with the distinctive taste of rhubarb, creating a well-balanced and flavourful blend.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pentire Adrift
- 25ml rhubarb, lemon & rosemary syrup
- Sprig of Rosemary
Method:
Combine the Pentire and syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until the exterior is notably cold, then carefully strain it into a pre-chilled glass. For an added touch of elegance, when you're hosting, consider garnishing the glass with a sprig of rosemary or a basil leaf.
5. A New Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned is a traditional and classic drink preferred by people with a mature taste and an affinity toward risk and challenge. If that describes your personality perfectly, consider serving the new Old Fashioned at your next dinner party.
The new twist to the classic Old Fashioned replaces the whiskey with a non-alcoholic alternative. We suggest the Feragaia Scottish alcohol-free spirit. Its complex and warm finish perfectly replaces the sweet and smoky taste of a bourbon. If you want to impress your guests with your mixology skills, this is the drink of your choice.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Feragaia
- 15 ml lapsang souchong tea
- 10 ml ginger syrup
- 5 ml fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters
- 1 orange slice
Method:
Place the orange slice and bitters in a glass, then gently muddle. Add the lapsang souchong tea, ginger syrup, fresh lime juice and Feragaia to the glass and stir to gradually unfold the aroma and taste. Garnish with an orange twist and surprise your unsuspecting guests.
6. Not So Boozy Citrus Fizz
Imagine, you’re at a party, and everyone around is drinking, while you’re nursing a glass of lemonade or grape juice. It's anything but festive and fun. So, the non-alcoholic Citrus fizz is just the drink for you. And if you’re entertaining, serve this non-alcoholic variant of a Gin Fizz to surprise your guests.
The best part of this cocktail is it requires no preparation time nor any complex tools or methods. Replace the gin with a premium non-alcoholic sparkling wine champagne or, bitter aperitif. And voila, the perfect potion is ready!
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay
- 40 ml cranberry juice
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 40 ml sparkling elderflower
Method:
Gather all the ingredients and pour them into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously till the outside of the shaker is visibly cold, then strain it into a sparkling wine stemware. Garnish with an orange twist before serving them to your guests. This Citrus Fizz is the perfect drink to show off your mocktail mixology skills at your next soirée.
7. Zero Proof Negroni
Dating back to the early 1900s, a Negroni is the drink of choice for the practical thinker in you. The bitters and gin in the drink, imply a balance between good and bad things in life.
The zero-proof Negroni is a trendy twist to the classic Italian cocktail. Another marvel of mocktail mixology is simple to create at home or the bar. Replace the gin and vermouth with an alcohol-free alternative and enjoy the perfect zero-proof negroni.
Ingredients:
- 100 ml Wilfred’s Aperitif
- 15 ml Grapefruit
- 3 dashes of alcohol-free bitters
Method:
Wilfred’s Aperitif is the perfect non-alcoholic Spritz for this drink. The notes of rosemary, clove, rhubarb and bitter orange perfectly replace the complexity and finish of it’s alcoholic counterparts (namely gin, vermouth & Campari). Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass along with ice and stir well till it's chilled. Then, strain the potion into an Old Fashioned glass and serve with an orange peel twirl.
8. Shot of Penicillin: Hold the Alcohol
Unlike the other names on this list, Penicillin is a rather new invention. Created by Sam Ross, a New York-based bartender in the early 2000s, this drink was named after its cure-all properties. From blended scotch to single malt scotch and ginger syrup, this drink uses several complex ingredients.
In the contemporary twist of this modern classic, a non-alcoholic spirit replaces the smooth scotch. Feragaia’s Scottish non-alcoholic spirit is the perfect choice for this drink. This amber liquid opens with a sharp taste of kaffir lime, blackcurrant leaves and lemon verbena. The warm finish of the beverage comes from pink peppercorns, cayenne pepper and serrated wrack. The perfect replacement for a rye or bourbon in the classic Penicillin.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Feragaia
- 20 ml ginger-honey syrup
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Method:
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake heartily till the exterior of the shaker is cold. Next, strain the mixture into a rocks glass containing one large ice cube. To add a touch of sophistication and surprise your guests, consider garnishing the drink with a piece of candied ginger.
9. Spiced Negroni Sbagliato
Sbagliato means “mistake’ or “wrong” in Italian; as origin stories go, Spagliato’s story is the most fun. An Italian bartender mistakenly grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of the gin for a Negroni. But the concoction quickly gained popularity as a fun and bubbly variation of the classic.
Our take on the classic Spagliato, the Spiced Spagliato, is a unique twist that includes PENTIRE Coastal Spritz and Thomson & Scott’s Noughty Chardonnay. For an autumnal touch, we introduce a hint of cinnamon and alcohol-free bitters. Discover the recipe to craft this exceptional non-alcoholic cocktail and leave your guests impressed with a perfect blend of flavours.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml PENTIRE Coastal Spritz
- 5 ml Cinnamon Syrup
- Thomson & Scott Noughty Chardonnay
- 2 dashes of Non-alcoholic Bitters
- Orange Peel and Cinnamon Stick
Method:
Take a rocks glass or a wine stemware and add the bitter Coastal Spritz, cinnamon syrup and bitters. Lastly, top it up with the sparkling Chardonnay. Now, gently stir with a bar spoon to release the flavours. Before serving, garnish with an orange peel twist and a cinnamon stick. If you want to take it up a notch, char the cinnamon stick using a blow torch to give it the autumnal kick.
10. Bottomless Mimosas, minus the Alcohol
A brunch with our girlfriends is incomplete without mimosas and mischief. But how do you celebrate when toasting a friend's sobriety or the exhilarating news of your best friend's pregnancy? Do you skip the mimosa or, do you hand them a glass of orange juice and let them pretend?
No, you create the most heavenly concoction of an alcohol-free mimosa. Even though the French are quite adamant when it comes to their beloved invention, we believe they’ll forgive you when they taste this new variant.
Ingredients:
- Orange juice
- Thomson & Scott Noughty Chardonnay
- Fresh orange slice (optional)
Method:
The OJ is the hero in this story. If you want the best taste, swap the storebought with a pitcher of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. Pour it into a champagne flute till they’re half full, then add the Noughty sparkling wine. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a slice of orange and serve them chilled. Thomson & Scott also make their beverages low in sugar and rich in flavours. So, don’t worry about the calories and enjoy bottomless, skinny, and alcohol-free mimosas.
Tips for Hosting a Successful Non-Alcoholic Gathering
When it comes to organising an alcohol-free party, there are two cardinal rules you need to remember. First is never push your friends who are choosing not to drink. And secondly, entertainment is the most important factor of an alcohol-free party. Whether it's games, movies, a mocktail mixology station or a live DJ, make sure the entertainment is – just like the non-alcoholic drinks on offer - making everyone feel like part of the party.
You can also organise a theme party and serve foods that complement the theme. Serve a variety of starters, main courses, and desserts that complement the drinks you're offering, all while maintaining the overall theme.
For example, at an autumnal gathering, infuse your menu with spices, pumpkin flavours, apples, and alcohol-free apple cider, aligning the foods and drinks with the season's essence. Keep the flavours in harmony, all centred around your chosen theme.
Non-alcoholic Entertaining with VE Refinery
The world of adult non-alcoholic beverages is changing. 0% ABV wines, spirits and aperitifs aren’t replacements anymore - they ARE the party. Zero-proof and mindful mixology is changing the game, with mixologists crafting intricate and stylish non-alcoholic cocktails daily.
We’ve shared their favourite concoctions and secret recipes with you today. Now that you know how easy they are to make, your next party's drink menu is sorted. And if you want to create more buzz around your special occasion, organise a cocktail-making class for your friends, family and peers. Contact us here for more event suggestions. When you’re raising a glass, raise the bar with creative, zero-proof mixology.
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