There’s never been a better time to hold the alcohol because some of the best bars and restaurants in the country are putting as much effort into creating refreshing mocktails as they do with the hard stuff.
Better yet, we spoke with two of our favorites — Austin’s renowned Yard Bar, and Nashville’s Chauhan Ale & Masala House, home to James Beard winner (and “Iron Chef” judge) Maneet Chauhan — to get their recipes, so you can make them yourself at home. Enjoy responsibly …
The Sober Sage from Chauhan Ale & Masala House
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce homemade sage pomegranate syrup
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- 1 ounce lime
- 1 ounce green mango juice
- Soda water
- Mint, to garnish
Directions
Pour sage pomegranate syrup, ginger beer and mango juice into a glass with ice, top with soda water and add mint and a lime wheel to garnish.
The Moni & The Mule from Chauhan Ale & Masala House
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce ginger beer
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- Pinch of cayenne
- 2 dashes of lavender bitters
- 11/2 ounce tamarind soda
- Fresh mint
Directions
Add all ingredients except tamarind soda to cocktail shaker and shake for 5 seconds. Double-strain into tall glass. Top with tamarind soda. Garnish with mint sprig.
The Afternoon Delight From Yard Bar
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- 3/4 ounce cucumber and mint simple syrup*
- Sparkling water
Directions
Combine grapefruit juice and cucumber-mint syrup in a 12-ounce glass. Shake to combine; top with with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh mint sprig or cucumber slice.
The Boom! Berries From Yard Bar
(Build in a 12 ounce cup)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce raspberry simple syrup
- Sparkling water
Directions
Combine ingredients in a 12-ounce glass. Shake and top with with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge
*Yard Bar’s simple syrup recipes:
Cucumber and Mint
Ingredients
- 1/2 of an English cucumber
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups of sugar (substitute 16 ounces of agave nectar for a healthier option)
- 2 cups of water
Raspberry Simple Syrup
- 8 ounces raspberries
- 2 cups of sugar (substitute 16 ounces of agave nectar for a healthier option)
- 2 cups of water
Making simple syrups with fresh ingredients is fun and, just like the name, simple. Hot water will help dissolve the sugars, however you want to be cautious not to cook the infusing berries, herbs or cucumber. I recommend using room temperature water and a hand blender to mix ingredients together. After blending all ingredients together let sit and strain when the flavors are extracted to your liking. You can always use more cucumber, mint or berries for a stronger flavor. Have fun!
