Each year many of us put forth our resolutions for a new year. They often include “eat better, exercise more, drink less,” helping us to make different decisions by doing less or more of something in the new year. In my industry, I see people put away the wine glass and opt for something else for the month of January, and beyond. “Dry January” has become synonymous with the start of a new year. Yet, we do not have to give up the fun activities of pairing our favorite food with wine or pretending to be a master cocktail mixologist. Today, there are a plethora of available nonalcoholic options that can carry us through our time of restraint.
Try pairing your favorite meal or creating a mocktail with one of these nonalcoholic wine and spirit options.
Luminara Alcohol-Removed Red Blend, Napa Valley, Calif.
From the renowned Napa Valley, this red blend provides us with a full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. Deep, luscious notes of black cherry and plum jump from the glass and coat the palate. The end finish is smooth with just a hint of spice and vanilla from its time aging in oak barrels. It is a marriage of pinot noir and zinfandel. Pairs best with red meat dishes such as prime rib, burgers with blue cheese and caramelized onions, meatloaf and vegetarian dishes with weight, such as tofu chili.
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Rose, Germany
I have never met a bubbly I did not like, including this nonalcoholic sparkling rose from Germany. Made from the pinot noir grape, it gives an off-dry palate full of fine bubbles and Bing cherry, raspberry and strawberry notes. Stainless steel fermented, it is vivacious with present-yet-rounded acidity, making it an easy sipper on its own, as well as a match for food. Pairs best with salads – shaved Brussels sprout Caesar salad, risotto with grilled asparagus, vegetarian pizza and roasted turkey atop fresh cranberry sauce. Also, it would work well as a spritz – sparkling rose over ice and topped with club soda in a wine glass.
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GOING DRY: Nonalcoholic choices allow people to maintain their new year’s resolution.
COURTESY JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO[/caption]
Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Seedlip came to market early with its premium line of nonalcoholic spirits and is one of the companies that changed how the industry views nonalcoholic drinks. Seedlip provides high-quality, hand-crafted options made from botanicals and spices, such as lemon, spearmint, blood orange and ginger, and other natural ingredients that the company gets from its own farm and other farmers. The options are without calories and sugar, two things that we often try to cut back on in the new year.
Blended and bottled in England, Seedlip produces three assorted flavors – Garden 108, Grove 42 and Spice 94. My favorite is Garden 108, which incorporates peas, spearmint, hops, rosemary and thyme. Enjoy over ice topped with light tonic water or club soda, and a fresh mint sprig. Pairs best with spaghetti with green peas, roasted chicken with rosemary and oysters.
Clean Co. Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
Through its nonalcoholic spirit choices, Clean Co. shows us that we do not have to compromise taste when enjoying a nonalcoholic beverage. Based in the United Kingdom, Clean Co. produces nonalcoholic alternatives for gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey, all made without sugar. I’ve sampled the entire Clean Co. line and the one that stood out was the Clean T tequila alternative. Made in a blanco (white) style, it is bright with fresh flavors of agave nectar, white pepper and cantaloupe melon. Enjoy it on its own, neat or as a margarita mixed with fresh lime juice and agave syrup. Pairs best with Mexican-style dishes – chicken fajitas, guacamole and chips, or shrimp tacos.
Jessica Granatiero is the founder of The Savory Grape, a wine, beer and spirits shop in East Greenwich. She can be reached through her website, www.jessicagranatiero.com.
