Buzz
For many, the new year brings the tradition of "Dry January," a month-long effort to cut out all alcohol after the indulgence of the holiday season. With a rising interest in low- and non-alcoholic drinks throughout 2020, it seems some are opting to reduce their alcohol intake well beyond the first 31 days of the year.
Whether you’re giving up alcohol for a month or making a lasting change, writer, editor, and podcaster Julia Bainbridge's new book, *Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You're Not Drinking for Whatever Reason*, offers a variety of options for delightful zero-proof drinks.
According to the press release, the book was inspired by one simple question: can a non-alcoholic drink be truly remarkable?
"Julia spent a summer traveling across the U.S., visiting bars, restaurants, and everything in between in search of the answer, and she found it: an enthusiastic 'yes.' Many enthusiastic yeses, in fact, like blackberry-infused cold brew with almond milk and coconut cream. Smoky tea paired with tart cherry juice. A bittersweet, herbal twist on the Pimm’s Cup. As curiosity and interest in alcohol-free cocktails grow, these full-flavored, balanced beverages tap into this newfound energy and acceptance."
The book brings together recipes from bartenders nationwide, each offering a unique perspective on non-alcoholic drinks or "mocktails." *Good Drinks* organizes each recipe by the time of day it’s best suited for and provides a guide to the difficulty and "commitment level" for each one. The book opens with standard tips, tools, and techniques, and includes sections on glassware, ice, syrups, and pantry essentials.
You can purchase the book on Amazon for $21 or on bookshop.org for $22. Below is a recipe for the Verjus Spritz from Adam Chase, lead bartender at Corvino Supper Club in Kansas City, Missouri.
Serves 1
2 ounces white verjus 2 ounces soda water 2 ounces tonic water 1 lemon twist, for garnish
In a wine or spritz glass filled with ice, combine the verjus, soda water, and tonic water. Garnish with the twist of lemon.
Reprinted with permission from Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason by Julia Bainbridge, copyright © 2020. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
