If you follow me on social, you’ll know that I love a beautifully crafted cocktail….everything from a classic Manhattan to a zingy Mojito. Really anything but tequila so unfortunately you won’t find any virgin Margaritas here. You will find a list of my three favourite mocktails…mostly discovered when I was pregnant with my second child a couple of years ago. But now enjoyed often instead of a regular cocktail. After all, sobriety, mocktails and general wellness are becoming more and more important to many. Some of these are very simple, with ingredients you may have right in your fridge or cupboard. Others require a bit more planning or non-alcoholic spirits.
1. Barb’s Citrus Ginger Weeknight Favourite:
This was a simple drink I poured myself most nights when pregnant. Refreshing and easy to throw together, pretty to look at and easy to drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of Fever Tree ginger beer (my favourite)
- 1 large grapefruit, halved
- 1 lime
- 1 sprig of fresh mint
Method:
- Juice 1 grapefruit half and a whole lime and put into the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add the ginger beer and stir.
- Fill glass with ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice or wedge of fresh grapefruit.
OPTIONAL – Muddle the mint in the citrus juices rather than using as a garnish.
2. Sicilian Citrus Sour
If you aren’t aware, Ottawa has its very own mixology specialist…Yvonne, from Taste & Tipple. Every year, my father and I follow her Cocktail Advent Calendar and for the past few years she has include some amazing mocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Ceder’s Classic or other non-alcoholic gin
- 1 oz Luscombe Sicilian Citrus Crush, or I find Pellegrino’s Aranciata works as well
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 ox Split Tree Rhubarb & Elderflower Cordial
- Garnish lime twist
Method
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake very briefly. The Citrus Crush is carbonated so have a firm hold on your shaker lid.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime twist.
3. Peach Thyme Smash:
This one is purely for the summer! When peaches are at their very best.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh peach slices
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 to 2 tbsp of peach jam
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- Fever Tree ginger beer
- Basil leaves
Method:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the peach slices, thyme and lemon juice. Add the peach jam and apple cider and stir or shake to combine.
- Pour into prepared glass and top with ginger beer. Add basil leave or thyme sprigs for garnish.
So there you have it….three very different mocktails for year round mindful consumption! Enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you try any of these or if you have any recommendations for us!