The secret to mastering non-alcoholic cocktails revealed
If you’re trying to avoid alcohol, here are the secrets to making a mouth-watering mocktail that will get the party started.
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If you’ve decided life would be better without hangovers, or you’ve sworn off alcohol, it’s about time you learned how to make a killer mocktail.
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Before you become proficient in the art of mocktail making this holiday season, you’re going to need some essentials. Load up your cart, then read on to learn what the experts recommend for delicious mocktails.
TIME-SAVING GADGETS
When it comes to incorporating fresh juices, ingredients and even fizz into your mocktails, there are plenty of home appliances to do the job. Fever-Tree mixologist Trish Brew says a Nutribullet is a great place to start. “One of my favourite pieces of equipment for making drinks is the Nutribullet. It’s so easy to perfectly combine fresh ingredients and whip up syrups quickly,” she told news.com.au.
Nutribullet Select 1200w Series Blender, Amazon, $216.79
The Nutribullet Select 1200w Series Blender is the latest from the brand that has now become synonymous with next generation blenders. Designed for optimal nutrient extraction - a high-performance, BPA-free plastic construction, 1200w motor base and redesigned easy-twist extractor blade - this compact blender features an in-built pulsing feature that will churn through the hardest ingredients of your morning smoothie.
Currently sitting just shy of a five-star review on Amazon with over one hundred ratings, users love how much quieter it is than previous generations, and that it turns off automatically when its contents have been blended to the perfect consistency. Purchase comes with the 1200w power base, extractor blade, vessel grip, 900ml colossal cup with handle, two flip top lids, 900ml colossal cup, two comfort lip rings - and a recipe book to boot.
Nutri Ninja Nutrient Extractor, Amazon, $149
This one-touch, easily operated Nutri Ninja Blender is quick to extract nutrients from your ingredients, its 1000 watt motor and patented Pro Extractor Blades working together to pulse, pause and blend. Purchase comes with two sip and seal lids, so you can blend and go. Most importantly for a busy household, cleaning up is a cinch, as all parts are dishwasher safe.
Sodastream Source Element Sparkling Water Maker – White, The Good Guys, $129
Just one SodaStream gas carbonator makes up to 60 litres of sparkling soda, saving you ample storage space, money - and is better for the environment to boot. Slim and compact, you won’t mind this drink maker taking up space on your kitchen counter - and thanks to a specially-designed cap, the litre bottle will keep its contents fizzy until you need it.
One of the most beloved features of the Sodastream - as told by verified The Good Guys users - is that it “lets you carbonate drink to preference”, as indicated by lights on the minimalist interface.
“It’s very easy to use, looks good on the bench and now we never run out of bubbly water.”
Breville The Kinetix Twist Blender, Harvey Norman, $159
By far, the biggest draw of this blender are its patented Kinetix Blades, designed to pull ingredients downwards, while whipping and thoroughly aerating them. Paired with a powerful 546 watt high torque motor and the option of four electronic speed settings, each smoothie is personalised to your tastes. Our favourite feature? The unique citrus cone that allows for the seamless juicing and mixing of citrus into your smoothie.
NON-ALCOHOLIC ESSENTIALS
The non-alcoholic spirits market has exploded with some delicious options. Pick flavours that will complement the cocktail recipes you’re keen to recreate, and don’t underestimate the power of tiny finishing touches. “A great garnish, like fresh citrus, dehydrated fruit or plump mint can be a stunning addition to the experience,” says Jeremy.
Seedlip Spice 94 Non-Alcoholic Spirit 700ml, First Choice Liquor Market, $49.95
No matter your reason, if you plan on abstaining from alcohol, Seedlip have developed a range of non-alcoholic spirits that will get you in the party spirit. Their Spice 94 blend combines warm citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit peel with hints of cardamom and Allspice berries. To serve, simply top the spirit with your favourite tonic water with a handful of ice and add a few citrus slices for garnish.
Blue Nun 0.5% Low Alcohol Red Wine, BWS, $17
With about one-twentieth the amount of alcohol than a standard red wine, this red wine will still give you the taste and feel of a generous pour without the wine hangover. It’s made with full-ripened grapes and has a light and fruity palette which lends itself to both a long catchup over a cheese plate or a rich Bolognese or steak dinner.
Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, BWS, $50
If you love a celebratory gin and tonic, this alcohol-less take on cocktail face will have you none the wiser. It’s filled with a lovely floral and herbal bouquet of spearmint, rosemary and thyme and it’s produced with hand-picked peas and hay from the founder’s family farm. If you want to venture away from the humble G&T, consider mixing it with some sparkling water (or lemonade) and swirl in some elderflower syrup for extra colour, flavour and acidity.
Spiced Cane Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Lyre’s, $44.99
From ‘spicing’ up a milkshake to pouring over a scoop of ice cream or rich dessert, the sumptuous notes of caramel, molasses and toasted nuts make this a non-alcoholic spirit you may even prefer to the real thing. For some inspiration, the spiced cane spirit lends itself perfectly to an espresso martini, zingy mojito or add it to a half and half blend of your favourite juice or mixer for a refreshing summer beverage.
BAR BASICS
Jeremy recommends setting yourself up with the fundamentals of non-alcoholic cocktail making. “Bar basics like a shaker set, bar spoon, a jigger and some quality glassware are always a great investment,” he says.
Cocktail Kit Copper Julep Strainer, Myer, $21.95
A fixture on every bar cart, the Julep strainer is perfect for keeping ice from cocktail mixers from overpopulating drinking vessels. This one is 80mm in diameter - perfect for the most common glasses - and is clad in a stylish copper finish.
Waterford Lismore Pitcher, Myer, $399
Clad in the world’s bestselling crystal pattern, this Lismore Pitcher from renowned brand, Waterford, is a beautiful piece worthy of any bar cart. Its signature diamond and wedge cuts show the crystal at its very best - and at a capacity of 1.8 litres, is the perfect thing to serve all your guests with this Christmas.
Hiware Stainless Pattern Cocktail Barspoon, Amazon, $17.69
Constructed from premium, polished stainless steel for unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance, this bar spoon is ideal for mixing drinks in every and any drinking vessel. In addition to its long and thin silhouette, its middle has been thoughtfully designed for better grip and control.
BarCart Cocktail Shaker 700ml, Myer, $19.95
If you’re looking to cut down on equipment - but not flavour - this recipe-marked acrylic cocktail shaker is for you. Designed with a 700ml capacity, its markings include the recipes for Martini Dry, Rob Roy, Red Lion, Manhattan, Bronx and Vodka Dry - no need for shot glasses.
Amalfi Rocca Drinks Trolley, Victoria’s Basement, $299
This stylish, gold-toned drinks trolley will seamlessly fit into every interior aesthetic, providing chic storage and display space for your drink essentials. Featuring three mirrored tiers and wheels, it's the talking piece for every break in dinner conversation you never knew you needed.
Cellar Premium 2 Piece Martini Glass Set 210ml, House, $19.99 (RPP$39.99)
If you’ve been getting by with using you waterglasses for various cocktails and their non-alcoholic alternatives, now is the time to rectify the situation before Christmas. These two classic martini glasses are the epitome of elegance - and now, an incredible 50 per cent off. Each offers a capacity of 210ml and is dishwasher-safe.
WHAT’S THE TRICK TO MAKING A DELICIOUS MOCKTAIL?
While alcohol-free cocktails don’t have the same flavour of, say, a tequila-filled margarita, there’s a trick to ensuring they come close.
According to mixologist Jeremy Shipley, who is the global brand ambassador for Lyre’s, a company founded in Sydney that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, it’s all down to “keeping it simple”.
“Stick to familiar drinks such as the classics. Drinks such as a Negroni, Americano or Old Fashioned have stood the test of time – simply swapping out an alcoholic flavour for a non-alcoholic version means that reducing your alcohol consumption isn’t a compromise to the flavours you know and love,” Jeremy told news.com.au.
WHAT OTHER NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CAN ONE CELEBRATE WITH?
In addition to mocktails, those who want to go alcohol free these holidays - but not skimp on cheer - can give their tastebuds a go of the wide range of non-alcoholic beers now on the market. Increasingly, the most popular beer brands, including Heineken, Carlton and Holsten, have made an effort to release non-alcoholic varieties of their bestselling brew.
For those of your company hoping for an alcoholic beverage with Christmas lunch, discover the perfect wine bundle to go with seafood and the personalised wine box the Best Of team has tried and loves.
Ensure you’re picking up your purchases at the best price possible by checking out news.com.au Coupons, for deals on leading brands, including Bonds, Amazon, Harvey Norman and more.
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