Start 2024 off on the right foot with these zero-proof “cocktails.” After another season of decadence, January is the perfect time to imbibe some zero-proof concoctions. These alcohol-free drinks bring all the flavor, and the fun of cocktails, minus a headache the next day. Each of these libations has bright, interesting flavor combinations, created to awaken your palette while maintaining healthful benefits from the fresh ingredients.
Here at Fort Collins City Lifestyle, we love everything to do with food and drink. While creating these drinks, it was all about finding fresh ingredients that pack a punch when it comes to health benefits, vitamins, and minerals. When you use fresh ingredients and fresh herbs, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you get, without adding a ton of sugar. Two of the drinks have carbonation added, so you get the effervescence you crave from a soda, without all the chemicals and added ingredients that can be harmful to your health. Each drink has health benefits, and is as fun to drink as it is to make!
Thai Style Refresher
Because it’s blended, the Thai Style Refresher tastes decadent. With the addition of mint and basil, you get so much flavor and brightness without the addition of extra sugar. Coconut milk is rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins C and E, which are great for your hair and skin. Mango adds a burst of fresh tropical flavor, with a host of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, beta-carotene, folate, and magnesium.
Ingredients:
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Lime
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Mint
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Basil
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Mango puree
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Coconut milk
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Lemongrass (for garnish)
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Coconut flakes
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Honey
Directions:
In a blender combine juice of half a lime, mint leaves, basil leaves, 2 cups of coconut milk, and about 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth. Rim a glass with honey and then coconut flakes. Inside the glass, swirl mango puree around the sides. Pour in the mixture from the blender. Add a stalk of lemongrass for garnish.
Cheery Cherry
Using some of the best Northern Colorado has to offer, the Colorado Cherry Company’s tart cherry juice gives this drink a great base. Pineapple juice brightens up the tart cherry, and the vanilla hints from the syrup bring all of the flavors together. This drink gives you a healthy dose of potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamins C and B6, all of which can give your immune system a much-needed boost this time of year.
Ingredients:
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Pineapple juice
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Tart cherry juice
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Pineapple and vanilla simple syrup (recipe below)
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Club soda
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Pineapple wedge for garnish
Directions:
In a mixing glass combine ¼ cup of pineapple juice, ¼ cup of tart cherry juice, and ½ oz pineapple vanilla simple syrup. Stir until all ingredients are mixed well. Pour over ice and top with club soda. Garnish the glass with a wedge of pineapple.
For the pineapple vanilla simple syrup- In a saucepan combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Add about a cup of fresh-cut pineapple, and the inside of 1 vanilla bean. Vanilla extract will work also if you don’t have a vanilla bean, but the flavor is best with a fresh bean. Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes. Let cool on the stove, then pour into a container. Store in the refrigerator.
Winter Thyme
The tart pink grapefruit pairs perfectly with the rich pomegranate in this drink to create a powerhouse of vitamin C. Floral notes from the elderflower tonic balance the flavors, while adding a hint of the elderflower, which is such a unique flavor. Thyme is used not only to look beautiful on the glass but as an aromatic. As you take a sip, and smell the thyme, the delicate nuances of the elderflower pop out. The pomegranate seeds (nature's sprinkles) add a nice crunch, as well as heart-healthy fiber.
Ingredients:
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Pomegranate juice
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Fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice
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Elderflower tonic (Fever Tree brand)
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Thyme sprig for garnish
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Pomegranate seeds for garnish
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Lime and lemon wedges
Directions:
In a mixing glass, combine ⅓ cup of pomegranate juice, ¼ cup of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, a squeeze of both lemon and lime and a cup of ice. Stir to combine. Pour into a glass over ice and top with Fever Tree elderflower tonic. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh thyme.
"These alcohol-free drinks bring all the flavor, and the fun of cocktails, minus a headache the next day."