Sip on a spirited selection of zero-proof cocktails from some of Durham’s most creative mixologists
Mocktails are having a moment, with local bartenders crafting thoughtful, booze-free options that don’t skimp on flavor or presentation. These three drinks offer all the fun – without the alcohol – in playful twists on classic favorites, just in time for Dry January.
Arcana’s head bartender and manager Whitney Guerrero mixes up her favorite variation of a nonalcoholic mojito. This fresh and vibrant take – infused with bright pineapple, zesty lime and the herbal notes of Seedlip Garden 108 – offers a tropical escape in every sip.
PINING FOR YOU
.75 oz. pineapple juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
0.5 oz. lime juice
1 oz. Seedlip Garden 108
Muddle two limes and several mint leaves. Add ice and all other ingredients. Shake together, then add the mixture to a rocks or Collins glass (do not strain). Add a lime and/or fresh mint for garnish.
SHE IS THE MOMENT
1.5 oz. Lyre’s Pink London Spirit
.5 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
4 to 6 blackberries, muddled
Mint
Lime
Add Lyre’s Pink London Spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup and muddled blackberries to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a pink parfait glass over crushed ice. Garnish with mint and a lime wheel.
At The Velvet Hippo, Leslie Matista‘s She Is the Moment is a modern, berry-forward twist on the classic bramble “for guests who might want to skip the alcohol one night, but not the whimsy!” she says. Bright, juicy and delightful, this drink truly captures “everything we aim to be,” Leslie adds. “She’ll be on the menu all year!”
Aaktun’s Planet Escape mocktail is inspired by the classic Tiki-influenced Saturn cocktail, which has roots dating back to the ’60s. Beverage director Jessica Hale infused her own unique twist into the mocktail, embodying the Tulum-inspired hot spot’s dedication to originality and remix culture. The drink is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate, with layers of tangy apple cider, spiced falernum and almondy orgeat syrup.
PLANET ESCAPE
3oz. Seedlip Garden 108
1 oz. Tippleman’s Double Spiced Falernum syrup
1 oz. orgeat syrup
2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1.5 oz. apple cider
1 oz. grenadine (floater)
1 cherry
Dehydrated apple and lemon wheels*
Add nonalcoholic gin, falernum syrup, orgeat syrup, lemon juice and apple cider to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain over ice into a 16 oz. goblet glass. Top with grenadine floater, garnish with a cherry and dehydrated apple and lemon wheels, and finish with a tiki straw.
*Aaktun also adds edible flowers for garnish in-house.
