Having Their Moment

Good drinks are a large part of any perfectly planned occasion. Just like food, what we drink is important, and sets the stage for creating the atmosphere and mood at a gathering. The foodie team at Bex Kitchen can tell you that mocktails are having their moment in the limelight. Mocktails are cocktails minus the alcohol and are experiencing a growing demand as they are an extension of the bougie craft cocktail movement popular now. Not only do mocktails cater to a more health-conscious crowd, they also help provide for a more inclusive gathering making them widely appealing to private and corporate events.

These usually healthy, tasty, and socially-acceptable alternatives to cocktails also cater to the eco-conscious and ethically-conscious millennial consumer. The challenges of growing grapes, hops, and barley are more evident in today’s varying agricultural landscape which this audience is tapped into. Not to mention that brewing beer is less earth-friendly using numerous gallons of water for every gallon of beer produced. Mocktail companies have honed in on these attributes, producing specially-crafted alternatives to beer, wine and traditional cocktails. These companies focus on fresh, simple ingredients to showcase their trade. Ingredients such as fresh-squeezed juices, floral infusions and botanical extracts highlight their healthier side while also imparting advantageous benefits.

Not all mocktails are created equal. Our Bex team suggests making your own fun mocktails at your next gathering this winter. The virgin Bloody Mary, mock mulled wine, or a faux Bellini are jovial-looking and flavorful-tasting drinks appropriate for this time of year. A good eggnog or a hot cocoa bar is a fun way to enjoy a creamy version of these wintry drinks. Our virgin Bloody starts with a puree of tomatoes and beets for a healthy and earthy version, and is then mixed with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish– sure to warm you up this time of year. The colorful glass of red with the addition of green celery garnish add a festive touch to any gathering. Mock mulled wine starts out with apple cider warmed on the stove with the flavors of the season including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, coriander, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. The aroma fills your home with wonderful scents while you are preparing this drink, adding to your festive spirit. The famous Bellini cocktail gets a remake using sparkling white grape juice instead of champagne and a spark of decorative red from a splash of frozen raspberries or cranberries for a final cheery touch.