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Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week,” a series dedicated to showcasing unique, user-friendly, and personally cherished cookbooks. While online recipes offer convenience, there’s an undeniable charm in exploring a beautifully crafted cookbook.
Even though Dry January is halfway through, a mocktail recipe book remains a perfect choice. Beyond the annual detox enthusiasts, many avoid alcohol year-round, making The Mocktail Club an ideal pick for this week.
While I occasionally enjoy a drink, there are countless social settings where cocktails feel unappealing. The rise of mocktails has been a game-changer, and I’ve eagerly embraced this refreshing trend.
A brief introduction to the book
There’s a persistent notion, whether strong or subtle, that social gatherings demand alcoholic beverages. While this suits some, it often leaves others feeling excluded when alternatives are scarce. Enter the mocktail: a non-alcoholic drink blending multiple ingredients, offering a creative twist on traditional cocktails.
The Mocktail Club is the brainchild of Derick Santiago, a certified mixologist who has channeled his expertise into crafting sophisticated, alcohol-free beverages. Published in 2024, this compact hardcover features 75 recipes, including innovative takes on classics like the piña colada and B&T (botanicals and tonic).
An ideal choice for those seeking more than just juice
One of the early hurdles with mocktails was the reliance on alcohol-based ingredients like liqueurs, bitters, and vermouth. Without these, drinks often lacked depth, resembling little more than dressed-up juices. In the past, abstaining from alcohol meant limited options, leaving many to settle for repetitive choices like Diet Coke or water at social events.
In recent times, the variety has expanded significantly. Numerous brands and businesses have entered the alcohol-free market, crafting non-alcoholic versions of tequilas, whiskeys, bitters, and more. The Mocktail Club leverages this extensive range, ensuring you no longer have to default to soda or juice. You can create intricate, refined beverages that stand on their own merit, offering a sophisticated drinking experience without the need for alcohol.
This book is tailored for enthusiasts eager to explore the realm of non-alcoholic mocktails with enthusiasm. It’s not intended for those seeking quick, simple mocktails using everyday fridge items. Instead, it requires specific supplies, non-alcoholic spirits, and some preparatory work with syrups and shrubs to achieve the desired results.
The recipes you can anticipate
One of the key reasons I decided to highlight The Mocktail Club is its comprehensive introductory section, which precedes the main recipes. Santiago provides a concise yet informative overview of what mocktails are, essential terminology, the process behind crafting non-alcoholic spirits, and the flavors they aim to replicate.
Santiago dedicates an entire section to recipes for simple syrups, shrubs, and garnishes that elevate the drinks to the next level. You’ll also discover various shaking techniques, including one that substitutes alcoholic bitters with a simple orange peel twist.
The recipes are categorized by the primary non-alcoholic spirit used, with chapters such as Gin-inspired Mocktails or Rum-inspired Mocktails taking the lead. The book concludes with sections on Aperitifs and entirely Spirit-free Mocktails.
Every recipe includes a headnote that briefly describes the drink’s flavor profile and how the ingredients complement each other. Most measurements are for single or double servings, which might make scaling up for a party a bit math-intensive, though certainly doable.
The drink I prepared this week
This week, I prepared the General Giuseppe mocktail. With dreams of a future trip to Italy on my mind, this vibrant orange drink perfectly matched my mood. Initially, I was frustrated because I didn’t have all the necessary ingredients on hand. However, I soon realized that crafting a quality mocktail requires some effort. The ingredients must differ from my usual stock since my home bar is strictly alcohol-focused.
Fortunately, sourcing a “non-alcoholic Italian red aperitif” turned out to be easier than expected. You can purchase it online (it’s quite enjoyable on its own) or explore local Italian specialty stores. Some Italian restaurants even sell these items. I found my bottle at a nearby Italian sandwich shop. The same applies to non-alcoholic or zero-proof orange bitters—check out mixer suppliers, upscale liquor stores, or order them online.
The drink required just three ingredients and was simple to prepare—a dry shake before adding ice. The result was a stunning, brightly colored beverage that exceeded my expectations. I had concerns it might be overly sweet, too fruity, or simply dull, but it was none of those. The orange juice’s sweetness balanced beautifully with the bitter aperitif, while a hint of orange bitters added a sophisticated, cocktail-like aroma.
Additionally, for once, I didn’t have to discard it. When I make alcoholic cocktails for work, it’s often around 11 a.m., which isn’t ideal for me.
How to purchase it
The Mocktail Club can be found both online and in select Barnes & Noble bookstores across the country. Don’t forget, you can also support your local independent bookshops by requesting they order a copy if it’s not already on their shelves. Although I haven’t experimented with preparing any of the mocktails in bulk from the book yet, I’m planning to do so for my next social gathering. If you give it a try before I do, feel free to share your experience, and have a fantastic Dry Whatever-month!
