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3 Mocktail Recipes that Will Have You Rethinking Alcohol
We love a good mocktail.
It’s the ideal way to feel festive, fun, or fancy – without any of the regrettable after effects. Plus, non-alcoholic ingredients are the base that makes the drinks themselves so delicious. From mangos to figs and everywhere in between, you can make an incredible mocktail just by opening up your fridge.
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We chatted with Marina Ferreira, co-founder of the RoseWater Cocktail Co in New York, about her favorite concoctions and libations.
Start by telling us about the brains behind these delicious recipes.
Hi, My name is Marina! I’ve had the unique pleasure of living in many places across the globe. I grew up in Brazil before moving to California in my teens, and then I eventually moved to New York City as an adult. What I’ve loved most about these moves is the difference in food, culture, and communication… which naturally brought me into the restaurant world! I started hosting at 18 years old and eventually began bartending and serving at 21. About two years ago my friend Ariana and I started a cocktail company in New York City, that is now named RoseWater Cocktail Co.
What made you create RoseWater Cocktail Co?
Our mission is to give our students and followers the power to make professional-tasting cocktails at home (without the intimidation factor). We believe in using seasonally available ingredients and enjoying all fruits and herbs at their peak of flavor. We have since moved to San Diego, CA, and have the opportunity to use a lot of in-season ingredients, which allows us to play constantly. But even if you’re not in California, you can make these drinks just as easily at home. With a little effort, you’ll have a delicious mocktail in no time.
What’s your secret to creating a delicious drink?
In my decade in the service industry, I’ve had the pleasure of serving every type of beverage, from beer to wine, and classic cocktails to mocktails. The thing all these delicious beverages have in common is the love that goes into them, and the way they make us feel. Regardless of if something has alcohol in it or not, we always make sure it is balanced.
I often get asked: “why don’t my cocktails taste as good as when a bartender makes them?” The answer is simple. Balance.
To make any drink delicious, we must make sure that it’s equal parts sweet and sour. By this, we mean that we must carefully measure the ingredients in our drinks. It’s more than just adding one lime or one splash of juice. Stay tuned, we’ll share our secrets in the recipes below.
Now, how about that presentation?
Glassware and garnishes are very important parts of making a mocktail feel elegant. Something as simple as putting your drink into a martini or a wine glass, or adding nice rocks can really take it to the next level.
I’m also a huge proponent of garnishing. Add a simple edible flower, a mint sprig, or a citrus peel to make your drink look as good as it tastes.
And, now for the recipes…
Simple Syrup
To make a simple syrup, all you have to do is add equal parts sugar to hot water and stir until dissolved. If adding any flavors, such as cinnamon, just add a few dashes and now you’re cooking with fire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetener
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- If you’d like to make a lavender, rose, or mint simple syrup, add about 1 – 1 ½ tablespoon of herb to boiling water, allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Bring the “tea” back to boiling and add sugar. Stir until well dissolved.
- Turn off the heat and allow to cool fully before straining. Put the mixture in the fridge.
The Lazy Afternoon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 ½ oz lavender simple syrup (honey recommended)
Instructions
- Shake with ice the lemon juice and lavender simple syrup with ice.
- Pour into a large wine glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with lavender buds and lemon wheels.
The Harvest Moon
Ingredients
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 2 oz water (sparkling or flat)
- ¾ oz lime
- ½ oz pomegranate juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Muddle the rosemary sprig.
- Shake the pomegranate juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and muddled rosemary with ice. If using sparkling water, add after shaking. If using flat water, add while shaking.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and enjoy!
Tropical Tundra
Ingredients
- 5 leaves of fresh mint
- 3 quarter-size pieces of ginger
- 1 ½ oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup or cinnamon simple
Instructions
- Muddle the fresh mint leaves and ginger.
- Shake the pineapple and lime juice with simple syrup and ice.
- Strain over ice and top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger beer if desired.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Cheers!
Share your RoseWater Mocktails with us on Instagram @casadesuna.
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