Appetites: For holiday spirit, try a cocktail without the spirits
Maybe you volunteered to be the designated driver for the next holiday party. Or maybe you don't drink alcohol or are trying to cut back. That doesn't mean you should miss out on a great tasting mixed drink.
Erik Eastman, director of sales at Minnesota Ice, offered MPR News a few options for "mocktails" this year. He said more restaurants are offering spirits-free choices.
"There's a lot of innovation in regards to creating layers of flavor without adding the booze," Eastman said.
If you tend to host rather than go out, consider picking up a bottle of Seedlip, a non-alcoholic distilled spirit. Eastman said it has flavor notes similar to gin.
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"If you want to make a real simple Tom Collins, use that," he said. "But what I really like to do with it is make gimlets with it. Gimlet is one of my favorite cocktails. It's gin, it's lime and it's sugar. Swap out the gin for the Seedlip. It's a really nice non-alcoholic cocktail."
Or, try making a gimlet with a high-quality strong batch of tea — chill it and use it in your gimlet.
Click on the audio player above to hear more suggestions on non-alcoholic cocktails.
Mix up a Tea Gimlet
2 ounces tea*
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup**
Very small dash La Guinelle Red Wine Vinegar (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake with clean, clear ice until well-chilled; fine strain into a coupe or other cocktail glass.
* Make a strong batch of tea with bay leaves and rose hips (or other herbs and spices that are compelling to you). The tea should be strong enough that the flavors are pronounced but not so strong as to be cloying. Chill and reserve for non-alcoholic cocktails.
** Gently heat equal parts by weight cane sugar and water, stirring to dissolve. Chill completely before using in non-alcoholic cocktails. Keeps several weeks in the refrigerator.