The way we interact with alcohol has changed substantially in the last decade. Many responsible drinkers like the occasional glass, but several have moved to non-alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks, like soft drinks and mocktails, contain no alcohol.
A recent Pew Research study reported that around 43% of people link health problems to alcohol consumption. At the same time, over 50% of the respondents connect drinking to higher enjoyment from meals and socializing.
The current world is a study in contrasts. More non-alcoholic wines and beers are entering the market, but so are new offerings from premium liquor brands. Still, there’s no denying that zero-alcohol or low-alcohol offerings have made the drinks market more inclusive.
Adding Zero Alcohol Drinks to the Menu: Why You Should Consider It
The prime driving factor is the rising regard for health, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. More of us now realize how sensitive our bodies are and how urgent the need to protect against excess. Low-alcohol alternatives let people enjoy social occasions without losing control or facing a devastating hangover the next day.
Moreover, too many accidents have connections with drinking. In December last year, a car in St. Louis crashed into two pedestrians. One was killed, and the other injured. The authorities could smell the liquor even though the driver refused a breathalyzer test. A St. Louis car accident attorney would quickly connect the dots and build a strong case based on drunken driving.
The scenario works both ways. According to TorHoerman Law, your compensation may differ based on your level of fault. Suffice it to say that strong cocktails may not be a good idea for parties without designated drivers. Not picking that zero-alcohol wine may become one of your persistent laments.
Yet another bonus of faux-boozy drinks is that they are much cheaper. While a zero-alcohol beer or spirit is usually expensive, homemade drinks with alternate ingredients can be pocket-friendly.
3 Zero-Alcohol Drinks That Taste Boozy
Here are three quick recipes for your next house party or when you need a pick-me-up. Moderation is unnecessary as long as you watch the sugar!
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Strawberry Shrub and Soda
Have you ever tasted shrubs? They started as a preservation method to extend the lifespan of delicious summer fruits. Many ancient settlers in North America allegedly preserved berries by converting them into shrubs.
The boozy feel of shrubs comes from the apple cider and white wine vinegar that go into the preservation. You can use the technique for any fruit, but it is most popular for cranberries and strawberries. It is also excellent for preserving passion fruits, letting you enjoy them for up to a year with refrigeration.
Recipe:
- Mix two cups of fresh strawberries (or other fruit of choice) with a cup of sugar. Next, add a cup of apple cider or strong white vinegar. A mixture of both also works well. Blend it until smooth and consistent. Keep the container in a cool spot for 24 hours. Finally, strain the mixture into a bottle. There’s your shrub.
- Start making the drink by pouring one ounce of the shrub into an ice-packed glass. Top with classic club soda. Add a few strawberries and mint leaves for a stunning dash of color.
2. Ginger Root and Fruit Juice
- Ginger has a long association with alcoholic drinks. Its strong, spicy kick pairs beautifully with many classics like the Moscow Mule and the Ginger Julep. You can use ginger to add a potent boozy appeal to non-alcoholic beverages.
- The secret lies in the subtle way ginger can stimulate pain nerves, much like ethanol. The resulting burning sensation can release endorphins, making you feel relaxed. You can create a similar effect with some other spices, like chilies.
Recipe:
- Make fresh ginger syrup by grating a root and combining it with water and sugar. Let everything come to a steady boil. Keep going for around 10 to 15 minutes to release the juices. Once done, filter the syrup and store it.
- Now, let’s get the drink ready. Pour ginger ale and the syrup into a glass filled with ice. You may top it up with fragrant lime. Sugaring the rim is a lovely idea to elevate the taste. You can also use salt if you’d prefer to focus on the margarita-like aspects of the beverage!
3. Sparkling Hibiscus Tea
Tea has been a mass favorite for years, lifting people in the afternoons and relaxing them before bed. A key constituent that makes tea so wonderful is tannins. This chemical compound has a characteristic astringent, bitter taste. It gives tea a delightful punch, which you can utilize for a boozy-ish mocktail.
Moreover, tea-based cocktails have grown in prominence lately. The alluring colors are primarily responsible. Think of the bright red hibiscus and the blue butterfly-pea teas. Sitting on your deck with one of these beautiful drinks as the sun goes down can be quite an experience.
Making a sparkling drink has an additional advantage: the bubbles add to the sensory experience. They also resemble spritzers and other carbonated cocktails.
Recipe:
- Start by brewing your tea. You can pick a hibiscus-rooibos blend for its rich colors.Vogue notes that tea can contain polyphenol antioxidants, which protect your liver and immunity. That’s an excellent benefit for anyone seeking to consume less alcohol but not let go of the fun associated with it.
- Combine the cooled tea with honey or agave syrup. Pour it over ice and top your glass with a lime wedge. Adding a few hibiscus flowers is also a good, Instagram-worthy idea for stylish parties.
Now that summer is almost here, it’s worth preparing for the season’s gatherings and festivities. The zero-alcohol counter at the party has the potential to become an unmissable draw for health-conscious people stubbornly following their New Year resolutions. It will also make for some fantastic conversations.
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