The Market
According to Statistics Canada, in 2021, twenty per cent of Canadians were drinking less than they had before the pandemic. While non-alcoholic beer dominates, increasing by more than 50% between 2013 and 2018 according to the Conference Board of Canada, non-alcoholic wine and spirits are becoming more prevalent.
Mocktail 101
Approach a mocktail just as you would a cocktail. The foundation is the same: blending disparate ingredients into a one harmonious drink. Think about the fundamentals of taste: sweet, sour, bitter, umami and salty.
The Formula
Unlike cocktails which generally follow a ratio of 2 parts spirit to 1 part sweet and 1 part sour, mocktails require more nuance. CSL’s formula? Pick two or three tastes to highlight in your mocktail. Essentially, the bulk of your mocktail will balance sweet and sour, then add a dash of one of the other tastes to add depth and interest.
CSL’s Mocktail Formula = 1 part sweet + 1 part sour + dash of bitter, salty and/or umami
The Technique
Layer flavour: What flavours do you want linger on the finish? Is there a top note?
Aqua Faba: If you want to keep your mocktail vegan, aqua faba is a great alternative to egg whites.
Bitters: There are a range of bitters on the market which give depth to your mocktail.
Chill: Chill your glass and add plenty of ice.
Blend: Use all the same blending actions as with a cocktail: shake, stir, muddle, strain.
The Mixer
Fresh juice is essential. As is an infused simple syrup: If you want to add other flavours like chili, spices, or herbs into your mocktail, the easiest way is to simmer the following and strain:
1 part water
1 part granulated sugar
¼ part flavouring
The Garnish
Not just for the look, herbs, candied fruit and salt all make excellent flavour enhancers. In fact, a premixed mocktail from a can will taste even better with just some mint muddled into the glass and plenty of ice. Some of CSL’s favourite shortcuts to added flavour, include:
Amarena Cherries
Tajin
Peppercorns
Herbs
Recipe Basics
Master a few basic recipes and put your own spin on them with the tips above.
Agua Fresca
16 oz simple syrup
16 oz fresh fruit juice
0.5 oz lime juice
¼ cup mint leaves
Ice cubes or crushed ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pour mixture through a strainer. Serve over ice.
Mule
Combine fruit puree, simple syrup and lime juice and shake with ice vigorously. Strain into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer and stir.
Fizz
1.75 oz distilled non-alcoholic drink
0.75 oz flavoured simple syrup
Sparkling water, to top
Combine non-alcoholic drink and simple syrup in a champagne flute and top with chilled sparkling water.
Spritzer
1.5 oz distilled non-alcoholic drink
1 oz fruit syrup
1 oz lime juice
2 dashes bitters
Fruit carbonated beverage (soda pop)
Combine all the ingredients except carbonated beverage in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into glass and top with carbonated beverage.
Get More Inspiration
from City Style and Living
This original article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
Don’t Forget to Follow City Style and Living on Social Channels: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
