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There is an under-appreciated drink in the world of libations, and that’s the refreshing, non-alcoholic mocktail. I made a Cranberry-Ginger Mocktail on a Top Chef episode because I wanted to cater to other people, who, like me, take a pass on alcoholic drinks. Why should the booze-less choice be between just soda or water? A mocktail can be good enough that even those indulging in alcohol will beg for a sip. The drinks are a cinch to make—just follow these guidelines to craft them at home.
Simple Syrup This is just a fancy name for heated equal parts of sugar and water. Just add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water into a saucepot. Cook until the mixture has reached a boil and the sugar has dissolved, then take it off the heat to cool. Simple, right? But the real fun comes with adding ingredients into the simple syrup mix. For the Cranberry-Ginger Mocktail, all it took was a ginger-infused simple syrup, made by adding 1 cup of peeled and sliced ginger to the sugar and water before bringing to a boil. Other options can include using basil, mint, rosemary, citrus zest or vanilla in place of the ginger. Let your imagination go wild!
Fruit Juice Watermelon, mangos and strawberries, oh my. Whether it’s fresh and in season or frozen, just add it to the blender and whirl into a purée. Fruit concentrate also works for a mocktail, just be aware that it contains extra sugar, so cut back on the simple syrup. Also, take advantage of the plethora of freshly squeezed juices on the market, from pomegranate to carrot to pineapple. Make sure the label boasts 100% juice.
Citrus Splash A splash of freshly squeezed lemon or limejuice adds a touch of tartness and gives a pop to the drink. Stir in a little zest to boost the flavor even further. I personally love a good pucker.
Sparkling Water Unflavored sparking water works best to add a little fizzy fun to the drink.
Creative Garnishes A twist of lime or a dunk of cherry adds extra pizzazz to any drink. Use the ingredients in the drink as inspiration for a matching garnish. Even add a sprig of mint or slice of cucumber for an added refreshing feature. If time is on your side, consider making fruit juice ice cubes for the mocktails.
Using the Equation Now that the basics are covered, use the ratio of 3/4 cup simple syrup + 1/4 freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice + 1/2 cup fruit puree or juice concentrate. Top it all off with 3 cups of sparkling water, garnish and serve.
Here are some delicious recipes to try:
Cranberry-Ginger Mocktail Yield: Approximately 5 cups
3/4 cup ginger simple syrup
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup cranberry juice concentrate
3 cups sparkling water, to taste
In a large pitcher, add ingredients and mix. Pour over ice cubes and serve.
Cucumber-Lime Mocktail Yield: Approximately 5 cups
3/4 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup cucumber puree
3 cups sparkling water, to taste
In a large pitcher, add ingredients and mix. Pour over ice cubes and serve.
Cherry-Vanilla Mocktail Yield: Approximately 5 cups
3/4 cup vanilla simple syrup
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup cherry puree
3 cups sparkling water, to taste
In a large pitcher, add ingredients and mix. Pour over ice cubes and serve.
Cantaloupe Mocktail Yield: Approximately 5 cups
3/4 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup cantaloupe purée
3 cups sparkling water, to taste
In a large pitcher, add ingredients and mix. Pour over ice cubes and serve.
Until next time,
Cook with Love
Carla
Carla Hall was a finalist on Top Chef: Season 5 and runs Alchemy Caterers in Washington, D.C.
What’s your go-to non-alcoholic drink? Chime in below!
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