Whether you’re looking to stop drinking completely, participating in Dry January or Sober October, or just want to back off on your alcohol intake after a particularly festive holiday season, taking a break from alcohol helps create awareness about the impact alcohol has on your body.
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If eliminating alcohol altogether doesn’t sound appealing to you, another option is to cut back on alcohol by reducing the amount of alcohol in your cocktails.
Removing or reducing the amount of alcohol in a drink doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have lots of flavor and garnish. Pretty glassware and bar tools should still be involved, along with the fun, social aspects of having a cocktail or serving drinks from your home bar while entertaining.
Everyone deserves a delicious drink - alcoholic or not! Below are five ideas for how you can reduce or eliminate alcohol in your drinks while still maintaining fantastic flavor.
5 Ideas to Help You Drink Less Alcohol
1. Make Mocktails
Create a non-alcoholic mocktail (What is a Mocktail?) version of your favorite cocktails using fresh ingredients, homemade syrups, and alcohol-free spirits. There are so many non-alcoholic alternatives on the market, including zero-proof spirits that mimic the taste of the original spirit or have a new flavor all their own.
Some cocktails can become mocktails simply by leaving out the liquor. Try this with a Mojito Mocktail, which still captures the refreshing flavors of mint and lime without the rum.
2. Use More Mixers
Increase the volume of your cocktail with non-alcoholic mixers such as club soda, tonic water, or ginger beer. This not only dilutes the alcohol content but also adds interesting flavors and effervescence. Experiment with different amounts and types of mixers until you find the perfect balance for your taste.
3. Use Simple Syrup Instead of Liqueurs
An easy way to reduce the alcohol in your drinks is to replace the sweet liqueurs in some of your favorite cocktails with simple syrups in similar flavors. Orange Simple Syrup is a delicious alternative to Triple Sec and other orange liqueurs. Two-Ingredient Coffee Syrup is a great swap for coffee liqueur in an Espresso Martini or Espresso Martini Mocktail.
4. Try Infused Waters and Fresh Juices
Incorporate infused waters, flavored sparkling water, or fresh fruit juices to enhance the flavor profile of your drinks without relying solely on alcohol. Fresh citrus juices are a must in any drink. Or try making your own watermelon juice with just a blender and some fresh watermelon.
You can also infuse cold water with herbs or slices of your favorite fruits (try mint, strawberry, and/or cucumber) for 24 hours, then use it in your drinks.
5. Pay Attention to Ice and Garnishes
Utilize larger clear ice cubes to slow down the dilution process, keeping your drink colder for longer without sacrificing flavor. You can also freeze juices in ice cube trays to add both flavor and chill to your drinks.
Experiment with bold garnishes like big citrus twists, leaves of fresh herbs, or aromatic fruits to enhance your drink experience. These elements contribute to the overall enjoyment of the cocktail, allowing you to savor the flavors without relying solely on alcohol.
Don't forget to adapt these ideas based on your personal preferences and goals or the specific drink you're working with. The key is to strike a balance that satisfies your tastes while reducing the overall alcohol amount in your drink. Experimenting is one of the most fun aspects of mixology so make it your own!
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