I am not a massive drinker but when I do drink, I drink one type of cocktail. I get pretty sick and tired of all things alcoholic by the time the holiday season starts to wind down. And by mid-December, my strategy often involves sticking to one alcoholic beverage before switching to a much-lighter alternative—the zero-proof cocktail. So I’m always deeply appreciative of considerate hosts who think to offer spirit-free drinks for their non-imbibing guests. So with New Year’s Eve right around the corner, I am sharing some of my favorite tried-and-true zero-proof cocktails.
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The Pom Bomb
The Pom Bomb is a festive cocktail served in the form of a giant ice sphere. Topped with ginger beer, it melts as you drink it and never gets watered down. It’s a beautiful and delicious mocktail that’s great for impressing friends.
Ingredients:
4 oz. pomegranate juice
4 oz. mango juice
2 oz. fresh lemon juice
Ginger beer, topper
Pomegranate arils, garnish
Method: In a pitcher or mixing glass, add the pomegranate, mango, and lemon juices. Stir to combine. Pour the juice mixture into sphere ice molds and until completely solid. To serve, place the frozen spheres into coupe glasses or wine glasses. Top with ginger beer and garnish with pomegranate arils.
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The Art Basil
The Art Basil is probably one of the most creative cocktails out there. With green tea as the base, it’s slightly earthy in flavor. But the addition of the basil syrup is a nice surprise, while the lemon juice adds brightness.
Ingredients:
1 egg white (optional)
2 oz. freshly brewed green tea
0.75 oz. lemon juice
0.5 oz. pineapple juice
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup basil leaves
basil leaf, for garnish
Basil Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup basil leaves and bring to a low boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat and let simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let steep, covered, for 30 minutes. Using a strainer, strain the mixture into a resealable container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. of the basil syrup, egg white (if using), green tea, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe and garnish with a basil leaf.
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The Tonic Rickey
The Tonic Rickey is the mocktail I serve when I want to convince people that alcohol-free drinks can be as tasty and complex as cocktails. And it gets the job done every time! Though the ingredients on their own might sound a bit basic, when they join forces, they make for a sparkling refresher fit for any celebration.
Ingredients:
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
1.5 oz. tonic water
1.5 oz. seltzer water
3 dashes aromatic bitters
Method: In a glass filled with ice, add the lime juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Slowly stir in the tonic water and seltzer water. Top with the bitters and serve.
What are you mixing together for your cocktails this New Year’s Eve? As always, thank y’all for stopping by and reading. I will see y’all back here next time.
