With the ‘mindful drinking‘ movement making momentum and so many delicious alcohol-free alternatives now available, it’s fair to say Mocktails are having a moment. A firm virtual Christmas party favourite amongst our clients, our Cocktail & Mocktail masterclasses offer alcoholic and alcohol-free versions of festive cocktails. Here, our expert mixologists and cocktail makers, Nelson + Pops share their favourite mocktail recipes, one perfect to enjoy before dinner and the other perfect for a deliciously sweet dessert.
Basil ‘Gin’ Collins
(*Pictured above) A deliciously refreshing cocktail with delicate aromas of basil, complemented by refreshing lime and a gentle fizz to cleanse the palette. The perfect aperitif to stimulate the taste buds before dinner.
Ingredients (makes one cocktail)
Nona No-Alcohol Gin (or an alternative) – 50ml
Fever Tree Soda – 50ml
Basil leaves x 3
Juice of one lime
Simple syrup – 30ml
Thinly cut cucumber slices x 2
Plenty of ice
To serve: Gin Goblet Glass or tall tumbler.
Method:
Top tip: Before you get started on anything else, rub the basil leaf around the rim of your glass a few times. Trust us, this will create a sensory experience with every sip.
1. Squeeze the juice of one lime into a large Goblet Glass or Tumbler then add the basil leaves, Nona Gin and 30ml of simple syrup.
2. Muddle ingredients lightly to infuse the flavours
3. Top with ice and soda water.
4. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber slices
Add more sugar syrup if desired
No-alcohol French Martini
The all-time favourite French Martini without the alcohol, yet just as delicious. Perfect for after dinner to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients (makes one cocktail)
Raspberry jam – 1 dessert spoon
Pineapple juice – 70ml
Juice of half a lemon
Simple Syrup – 15ml
Drop of Vanilla Extract
Handful of ice
Raspberry puree to garnish
To serve: A classic Martini cocktail glass
You will need: A Boston Cocktail Shaker with a double strainer.
Method:
Add the ice, pineapple juice, juice of the lemon (don’t worry about the pips we will be straining) then add the simple syrup and jam with a drop of vanilla extract.
Pop the glass into the tin Boston Shaker – making sure it is secure and shake for at least 20 seconds – check the cocktail through the glass, if it doesn’t look creamy and foamy, keep going until it does!
When the ingredients are mixed well and the liquid looks delicious, pop the glass out of the Boston Shaker and use a Hawthorne Strainer over the tin (securing with your hand) grab your mesh strainer and use your other hand to hover this over the glass. Now your double strainers are set-up, pour the liquid into your glass and watch the gorgeous creamy consistency create a top on your cocktail.
Garnish with a raspberry or drizzle raspberry garnish over the creamy top.
To find out more about our Virtual Cocktail Classes for your virtual office Christmas party, click here.
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