Mocktail vs. Cocktail: Recipes You Can Customize Either Way
Whether you’re embracing Sober January, looking to mix up your drink options, or simply wanting to offer something for everyone at your next gathering, customizable drinks are the perfect solution. By starting with a flavorful base and adding or skipping the alcohol, you can cater to all preferences without sacrificing taste or creativity.
Here’s a selection of versatile recipes that shine as both mocktails and cocktails, along with a spotlight on Bar 27 at Sweetbriar, where you can explore their inventive “Low to No” Mocktail Menu and keep an eye out for upcoming Sober January events.
Why Customizable Drinks Are a Game-Changer
Inclusive: They allow both drinkers and non-drinkers to share the same beverage experience.
Flavor First: Thoughtfully crafted bases ensure that mocktails feel just as elevated as their spirited counterparts.
Flexible: Perfect for parties, these drinks let your guests decide how they want to sip.
Mocktail vs. Cocktail: Customizable Recipes
1. Blood Orange Spritzer
Mocktail:
2 oz fresh blood orange juice
1 oz simple syrup
3 oz sparkling water
Orange wheel for garnish
Cocktail:
Replace 1 oz sparkling water with 1 oz vodka or prosecco.
Instructions:
Combine blood orange juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into a glass with ice.
Top with sparkling water (or vodka/prosecco) and garnish with an orange wheel.
2. Lavender Lemonade Cooler
Mocktail:
2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz lavender syrup
4 oz soda water
Lemon twist for garnish
Cocktail:
Add 1.5 oz gin or vodka.
Instructions:
Mix lemon juice and lavender syrup in a glass.
Add ice and soda water (or gin/vodka with soda water).
Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Ginger Apple Mule
Mocktail:
4 oz fresh apple cider
2 oz ginger beer
1/2 oz lime juice
Apple slice for garnish
Cocktail:
Add 1.5 oz bourbon or dark rum.
Instructions:
Combine apple cider, lime juice, and ginger beer in a glass with ice.
Add bourbon/rum for the cocktail version.
Stir and garnish with an apple slice.
4. Tropical Coconut Lime Smash
Mocktail:
2 oz coconut water
1 oz pineapple juice
0.5 oz lime juice
Splash of soda water
Mint sprig for garnish
Cocktail:
Add 1.5 oz white rum.
Instructions:
Combine coconut water, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
Top with soda water (or rum with soda water) and garnish with mint.
Visit Bar 27 at Sweetbriar for “Low to No” Mocktails
If these recipes have inspired you, Bar 27 at Sweetbriar is the perfect next step. Their “Low to No” Mocktail Menu offers a range of thoughtfully crafted, non-alcoholic beverages that are every bit as delicious and innovative as their spirited counterparts. Using seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, the mixologists at Bar 27 create drinks that redefine what mocktails can be.
Featured Mocktail: Try the “Rosemary Sparkle,” a refreshing mix of rosemary syrup, grapefruit, and soda water that can easily be transformed into a gin-based cocktail upon request.
Sober January at Sweetbriar: Events Coming Soon
As part of Sober January, Sweetbriar will be hosting exclusive events designed to celebrate mindful drinking and creativity in mixology. Keep an eye out for:
Mocktail Workshops: Learn the secrets of crafting elevated non-alcoholic drinks at home.
Special Low-ABV Tasting Nights: Explore unique cocktails with lower alcohol content for a balanced night out.
Stay tuned for announcements, and don’t miss the chance to experience these innovative offerings in January.
Elevate Your Drinking Experience
Whether you’re shaking up mocktails for Sober January or crafting cocktails to impress your friends, customizable drinks offer endless opportunities to experiment and enjoy. Visit Bar 27 at Sweetbriar to experience mocktail perfection and mark your calendar for upcoming Sober January events that celebrate the art of mindful sipping.
Cheers to drinks that bring everyone together, no matter their preference.
