Looking for an alcohol-free libation? Whether you're toasting during Dry January or any time of year, here's an alcohol-free cocktail to celebrate.
If you’re joining the legions trying Dry January, you don’t have to give up celebrating special occasions. In addition to tasting great, fresh cocktails leave a pretty light impact on the Earth.Â
The term Dry January was coined in 2013 by a London-based charity as part of a public health campaign. The idea of abstaining from alcohol as a reset after holiday excess has since expanded into Sober February, and morphed into variations like Damp January, which simply involves reducing your alcohol consumption.
My husband liked the concept, so we joined in a few years ago. We weren’t alone. Some one in five Americans have said they’re giving Dry January a try. As a recipe developer and passionate craft cocktail lover, I began creating zero-proof cocktails (they are generally no longer referred to as mocktails) as a way to relax or to just have something special for festive occasions.
To make this non-cocktail a little more sustainable, I did a couple things:
First, I developed the raw honey syrup recipe (really just honey and water) you see below. It’s much better for you than the white sugar syrups, and you don’t even need to boil it like simple syrups. When using fruit, I always choose organic — it’s especially important to use organic raspberries as they can contain high levels of pesticides. And I turned to great seasonal winter citrus like grapefruit and limes (here’s a recipe for a Grapefruit Ginger Fizz). Finally, I always use the SodaStream to make sparkling water. It helps you cut back on all the single-use cans and plastic, especially when you want to practice a lot, like me.
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Mojito Magic
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
We’re making the most of organic winter citrus, floral fresh herbs, and a touch of honey-based simple syrup to usher in Dry January, but it would taste great anytime. The addition of cilantro gives this rum-free mojito an unusual twist — try not to skip it. I prefer the subtle but wonderful flavor of the raw honey I get at my farmers market — the beekeepers place hives in the six surrounding towns and the honey tastes slightly different depending on what plants the bees visit! If you like making these non-alcoholic cocktails at home like I do, I also suggest getting a sparkling water maker so you can ditch the single-use soda cans and bottles, while you improve your own health.Â
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 sprig tips of mint, using at least 10 leaves, still attached to stems
- 2 sprigs fresh cilantro
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (save 1/2 juiced lime, and a lime wedge for the glass)
- 1 ounce raw honey syrup (see note)
- Soda water
- Mint sprig, to garnish
Instructions
- In a tall glass, add the mint and cilantro and top with 1/2 of the juiced lime, sliced into 2 or 3 pieces. Using a muddler (or just the bottom of a sturdy wooden spoon), gently crush or bruise the herbs and lime pieces. The idea is to release the flavor but keep the herb leaves intact so that bits of herb are not floating around in the glass.Â
- Add the lime juice and honey syrup to the glass. Fill the glass with ice. Top with the soda water. With a spoon, mix well so that the flavors of the herbs and lime are well integrated. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!
Notes
Note on choosing honey and making honey syrup: If you have the choice between raw honey versus regular honey, I suggest raw honey, as it is a better choice for taste, bees, and the environment. Combine equal amounts of raw honey and water in a small bowl or mason jar. Use a whisk to blend. There’s no need to heat. Store mason jar in the fridge. Raw honey, with its immune-boosting properties and antioxidant compounds is better for your health than the sugar typically used to make simple syrup.
