The start of the new year often brings about new resolutions for the coming months and year – eating better, exercising and reading more, imbibing less. At the start of the new year, many prefer to engage in what we call “dry January” when an alcoholic beverage is replaced with a nonalcoholic option. Many years ago, there were only a small number of nonalcoholic options; today, however, there are many.
Here are some nonalcoholic options that include new, as well as tried-and-true selections.
Spritz del Conte Non-Alcoholic, Italy This is a nonalcoholic take on the Italian spritz, which is traditionally Italian sparkling wine and aperol, an aromatic Italian bitter liqueur. This nonalcoholic version is made from a blend of aromatic herbs and gives us the same beautiful orange hue with vibrant acidity and citrus notes of the original Italian spritz. A great addition to your mocktail list, this option allows you to simply open and pour over ice. Then you can garnish with an orange slice. Pairs best with hard Italian cheese and charcuterie boards or pizza.
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BEVERAGE RESOLUTION: Five nonalcoholic alternatives that will help keep January dry.
COURTESY JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO[/caption]
Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, England Seedlip was one of the early adopters of nonalcoholic spirits and provides high-quality, handcrafted options made from botanicals and spices – including lemon, spearmint, blood orange and ginger, and other natural ingredients that the company sources. The options are without calories and sugar. Blended and bottled in England, Seedlip produces four flavors, and one of my favorites is Garden 108, which incorporates peas, spearmint, hops, rosemary and thyme. This combination gives a fresh vibrant green herb flavor profile. Enjoy over ice topped with a light tonic water, club soda or ginger ale. Then garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Pairs best with spaghetti with green peas with olive oil and parmesan cheese, roasted chicken with rosemary, or grilled or raw oysters.
Töst Non-Alcoholic Rosé, Vermont Töst is a nonalcoholic sparkling rosé made with white tea, ginger and elderberry. It has a slight effervescence, so it is just slightly bubbly. The aromas reveal light red fruits and floral notes while the palate gives us notes of raspberry, strawberry and citrus fruits. The finish is slightly sweet and smooth. Pairs best with turkey burgers, grilled vegetables, spinach salad with bacon and goat cheese or also desserts such as biscotti.
Wölffer Estate Spring in a Bottle, Long Island, N.Y. Wölffer is known for its iconic and coveted alcoholic rosé, Summer in a Bottle. You can spot this selection quickly on any wine shelf because the bottle is covered with floral artwork that allows the pink color of the wine to shine through. Now lovers of this selection can still enjoy its fresh fruity floral notes with the nonalcoholic version, Spring in a Bottle. It has great minerality that jumps from the glass upon the first sip. It is a blend of four grapes – pinot noir, pinot meunier, Saint Laurent and dornfelder. Organically grown, it displays a mouthful of peach and citrus notes with a fresh minerality. Pairs best with roasted turkey and Brie cheese sandwiches, lamb chops or pork tenderloin atop couscous.
Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative, U.S. Gin is a popular spirit on the market today and can be used to make a variety of cocktails. Ritual Zero Proof Gin allows you to enjoy these cocktails as a mocktail. Its gin botanical flavor profile includes juniper and cucumber. Use it to make a nonalcoholic version of a gin and tonic or pour over ice with lime juice. You can even use it to make a gin alternative cosmopolitan. Pairs best with grilled chicken kebobs, hummus or grilled eggplant.
Jessica Norris 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, or by email at jessica@thesavorygrape.com.