Light tonic water is a better option for this gin and tonic mocktail.Sarah Kate/The Globe and Mail
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when swapping their cocktails for mocktails is replacing the alcoholic spirits in the recipe with a non-alcoholic option in a 1:1 swap. More often than not, it ends up being disappointing.
A recipe for a Mimosarita mocktail
Here are some tips to help you make a great mocktail with non-alcoholic (zero proof) spirits, plus a classic low-sugar G&T recipe to try.
- Chill your zero proof spirit in the fridge.
- Use large ice cubes if you can for less dilution.
- Add about 50 per cent more “spirit”. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 oz of gin, use 1.5 oz or even 2 oz depending on the product.
- Citrus is a strong flavour and works well with alcohol, but less is more in a mocktail where you want the zero proof spirit to shine!
The Classic G&T Mocktail
Ingredients
3 oz non-alcoholic gin
3 oz light tonic water *a better option for mocktails than regular tonic water
One lime wedge
Preparation:
Fill a highball glass with ice, and add the gin and tonic water. Gently stir. Give the lime wedge a squeeze before dropping it into the glass.
Recommended non-alcoholic gins: Sobrii-0 Gin (Canadian), Free Spirits Spirit of Gin (U.S.), ISH London Gin (Denmark)
Sarah Kate is an alcohol-free sommelier, writer and founding editor of the publication Some Good Clean Fun, which accepts advertising. She was previously affiliated with the Zeronimo wines brand in Canada and currently has no role as a brand ambassador for any non-alcoholic beverage brands.