Hello seasoned readers! In this issue:

• Zero-Proof Mixology: the Latest Trend

• Mocktails and festive drinks

• Easy apps to pair

The Magic of Zero-Proof Mixology

Ring in 2025 with the hottest, healthiest new cocktail trend

New Year’s is one of the most widely celebrated holidays on the planet. That means millions of revelers will begin their first day of 2025 feeling partied out. Blotto. Wasted. Not exactly an auspicious start!

But why risk that when there’s a hot new trend that lets you celebrate like you’re twenty (give or take a decade or so)… and wake up feeling that way, too. It’s the spirit-free revolution, with non-alcoholic liquors that mimic the real deals, but with fewer calories and more health benefits. And if you’re on medications that don’t mix well with alcohol, this is a satisfying alternative!

Surprisingly enough, this sober-curious movement began with Gen Z’s preference to drink less alcohol but still wanted something to sip at social gatherings. Pair that trend with the focus on wellness, and bam! Alcohol-free options were born…and perfected.

Mocktails and festive drinks

Add a twist of fun with these mocktail recipes. Some use the new alternatives, while others blend juices, herbs, and other everyday ingredients. You can also mix the zero-proof alternatives with alcohol for a bit of a kick (think half-caff). Cheers!

First, meet the liquor alternatives

Spirit-free liquor measures 1:1, so you can make your favorite adult beverages without changing a thing. Some of the higher-rated brands include:

Ritual Zero-Proof offers highly-rated tequila, rum, gin, whiskey, and aperitif alternatives.

Spiritless is an award-winning maker of Kentucky bourbon alternatives, pre-made mocktails, and mixers.

Lyre’s collection includes an impressive array of spirit-free alternatives to champagne, Triple Sec, Apero, coffee liqueur, and amaretto, along with a wide variety of pre-mixed mocktails.

The Dry Good Beverage Company is a resource for many non-alcoholic brands and herbal elixirs. Definitely worth browsing!

Mocktail recipes using alternative “liquors”

Mocktail recipes not using alternative “liquors”

“Appie” New Year!

Easy recipes to make any gathering a party

Gather your friends and family for appetizers and perfectly paired mocktails, and/or their alcoholic counterparts. And save yourself some time by purchasing frozen appetizers (or try the easy bonus recipe below).

For instance, if you’re serving Tex/Mex appetizers, make a batch of your favorite tequila-based cocktails like a Winter Margarita using a spirit-free alternative. Going for the basic nuts, crackers, and cheese board? Try whipping up some mock Old Fashioneds. These alternatives are almost indistinguishable from regular spirits, but without the dreaded morning after.

There are endless appetizer recipes online that come together in minutes that pair well with cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine. You probably have a few of your own. Some of our favorites are:

• Crispy Cheese Twists

• Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

• Creamy Crab Dip

• Air-fried gochujang Maple Cauliflower Bites

Here’s an addictive, super easy appetizer for your next gathering:

Apple Brie Tartlets

Serve with sparkling beverages like champagne/Prosecco, Aperol spritz, and/or a light white wine. All available in non-alcoholic alternatives.

Makes 30, 5 mins of prep and 10-12 mins of baking

Ingredients:

• 2 packages frozen mini phyllo cups

• 1 can Comstock apple pie filling

• Wedge of brie, cut into thin ½” pieces

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°.

• Dice the canned apples. Mix in about ¼ of the sauce from the can.

• Transfer phyllo cups to a baking sheet.Using a small spoon, fill each cup with the apple mixture. Top with brie.

• Bake for 10-12 minutes. Serve immediately.

Additional Resources

• 50 Easy Appetizer Recipes

• 31 Easy Appetizer Recipes Ready in 15 Minutes Max

• New Year’s Charcuterie Board and another..

• New Year Charcuterie Board

• Ritual Zero Proof Recipes

• Lyre’s Cocktail Recipes

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We’re taking next week off

We’re out for the holidays next week so you won’t be hearing from us until after the new year. But we have some exciting January topics ready to go!

How will you feel waking up on January 1?