If resolution was less alcohol - Zero proof, shrub and soda etc (tried some recipes)

[LuvOrlando]

I just discovered a bar that offers zero proof shrub and soda mixologist drinks from the 17th century but I don't have any recipes...yet. Anyone enjoy these and have good recipes that aren't super sweet? I love the treat but alcohol causes so many migraines & sometimes I'm just not into booze but I still want an upscale inventive drink. I'd love something for the holiday table that is pretty, exotic and still zero proof.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Hmmmm, not a big thing, ok

 

[NotUrsula]

No Shrub-based drink is going to be super-sweet, because shrub is vinegar.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

My personal recommendation for unsweet, non-alcoholic bevs is pretty uninspired — I drink diet tonic with a splash of limeade or grapefruit juice. Fortunately, my Google-fu is strong and this link has quite a few delicious looking holiday-festive drinks that are unsweet and non-alcoholic. I might be trying a few myself…after I throw some booze in there.

https://www.countryliving.com/food-...15Hkoh7liYCu4IGM6trkskcPyFP43k40aAjLsEALw_wcB

 

[nw6675]

Kind of related - V&A has a zero proof pairing option. I had never heard of that. We got wine lol, but the table next to us did it and it seemed really cool!

 

[Lord Manhammer]

Kind of related - V&A has a zero proof pairing option. I had never heard of that. We got wine lol, but the table next to us did it and it seemed really cool!

My local co-op has a ton of zero proof spirits, gin, vodka, tequila.

I have no idea how they taste as I just get the real stuff. I suppose that the Victoria and Albert's option makes sense as there are people out there who want a fancy meal but are teetotallers. I can't imagine what that's like.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I was hoping there would be more recipes, I am no good at inventing

 

[NotUrsula]

Here are plenty of recipes; they have a standing column that showcases alcohol-free recipes: https://imbibemagazine.com/category/recipes/alcohol-free-recipes/

(Personally, I'm not sure how many of those I'd want, because so many seem to include tea in some form. I'm not a fan of tea.)

 

[GAN]

Hmmmm, not a big thing, ok

I can’t say I’m familiar with shrub cocktails, but now that you mention it I have a Blueberry Shrub drink(alcoholic) in the fridge …

 

[NYCgrrl]

I had a shrub when we visited Colonial Williamsburg and they used to have a recipe on the website. Maybe they still do? As a previous poster stated it’s made with vinegar but quite refreshing. I’d try a google search for more recipes. I know nothing about zero drinks- thought you were talking about Zero Coke, LOL.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Here are plenty of recipes; they have a standing column that showcases alcohol-free recipes: https://imbibemagazine.com/category/recipes/alcohol-free-recipes/

(Personally, I'm not sure how many of those I'd want, because so many seem to include tea in some form. I'm not a fan of tea.)

Thank you!

A recovering alcoholic friend shared some wine with me & it was so awful, I suspect the zero versions of spirits might be the same. It is like wanting Pepsi and getting a diet one, it is not the same thing and unless you have made the effort and trained yourself to like it, you will not.

Having nice flavor blends was much nicer, the shrubs and soda concoctions I had were not pretending to be anything, they were just cool drinks that tasted great. They had the same look and all but weren't icky sweet.

So many people are on medications and have health issues that prohibit alcohol, I just sort of thought this had become very mainstream. How much soda can a person have LOL?

 

[tzolkin]

I think it's becoming more the norm to offer non-alcoholic cocktails, so you may be able to find ideas from looking at menus online from places that offer them. Most don't post the actual recipe, but will list out the ingredients so you would just have to adjust the amounts to taste.

Our house has a mid-century modern tiki vibe and we have a collection of glasses and accessories so we mostly make tiki drinks. I can share some non-alcoholic recipes but some may be too sweet for your liking. We are picking out cocktails for our Christmas gathering and I just started on a new batch of falernum to use in the drinks. That is our favorite thing to make and keep on hand because it adds a lot of flavor to various drinks.

 

[LuvOrlando]

For those out there seeking less alcohol in their 2024 I just had some of yesterdays home made shrubs and they are delicious!

DH made me some that even has the slightly tingly effect many spirits give, which stands out from fruit juice and feels more adult than the sprite I normally end up having.

This one:
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/273396/strawberry-shrub/

This one:
https://www.liquor.com/pineapple-shrub-recipe-5077965

I liked it lighter than the recipe, to me it needed to be toned down a bit so more club soda and a tablespoon of the mashed fruit.

 

[NYCgrrl]

For those out there seeking less alcohol in their 2024 I just had some of yesterdays home made shrubs and they are delicious!

DH made me some that even has the slightly tingly effect many spirits give, which stands out from fruit juice and feels more adult than the sprite I normally end up having.

This one:
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/273396/strawberry-shrub/

This one:
https://www.liquor.com/pineapple-shrub-recipe-5077965

I liked it lighter than the recipe, to me it needed to be toned down a bit so more club soda and a tablespoon of the mashed fruit.

Which recipe do you want to tone down? Strawberry or spiced pineapple?

 

[LuvOrlando]

Which recipe do you want to tone down? Strawberry or spiced pineapple?

The liquid part was a touch too tart so I preferred a bit more club soda for both and a scoop of the mashed fruit in the drink, although after a meal with the palate is less fresh it might be just right as is.