10 Fabulous Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Mix up a bevy of virgin beverages with recipes from top bar chefs and cookbook authors. Virgin Hibiscus Cosmo or Frozen Hot Chocolate, anyone?
By Rose Kennedy
Zero alcohol doesn't have to mean zero personality. "Virgin" cocktails can be just as creative as the ones with spirits, says Debbie Gold, chef and co-owner of 40 Sardines in Leawood, Kan. "Our non-alcoholic cocktails are still very festive and flavorful, they just aren't made with alcohol," she says.
And restaurants and party hosts alike should always keep a couple of special "zero-proof" drinks in their repertoire. "I created nonalcoholic beverages because we get quite a few requests for them from guests," says Gold. "I see a trend of restaurants offering drinks that don't have alcohol, especially with today's focus on healthy living."
Want to mix up a bevvy of virgin beverages for a brunch or shower, or do you just need one option for underage, pregnant or teetotalling guests at your next gathering?
Either way, FineLiving.com's got the recipes you'll need. From a tangy Hibiscus Virgin Cosmo apertiff to a sophisticated Turkish-Style Mocha to serve after dinner, we've rifled the recipes files of top bar chefs and trendy cookbook authors to find alcohol-free drinks with flavor and zip.
Blueberry Smash? Geisha Tea? An Applenog only a fifth-generaton bartender could come up with? All of them go down easy so go ahead . . . make up a batch and make your designated driver's day.
First Alcohol-Free Cocktail: Melon Lime Cooler
Special thanks to the Northshore Brasserie (www.northshorebrasserie.com) in Knoxville, Tenn., which hosted the photo shoot for the 10 Fabulous Alcohol-Free Cocktails
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