Brief Summary
This video explores the growing trend of non-alcoholic cocktails, driven by health-conscious consumers and the desire for sophisticated, adult-like drinks without alcohol. It discusses the evolution of non-alcoholic options, from simple soft drink mixes to complex spirit alternatives. The video also features three non-alcoholic cocktail recipes: an Espresso MartiNO, a No Fashioned, and a NoGroni Sbagliato, using products from Seedlip, Spiritless, and Liars. It also touches on the philosophical question of why we drink cocktails and what role alcohol plays in that experience.
- The non-alcoholic cocktail industry is rapidly expanding, offering alternatives to traditional spirits.
- Two main methods for creating non-alcoholic spirits: distillation and botanical blending.
- Featured recipes include an Espresso MartiNO, a No Fashioned, and a NoGroni Sbagliato.
Brave new world
The host introduces the topic of non-alcoholic cocktails, motivated by the desire to incorporate healthier options into regular drinking habits rather than restricting it to events like "Dry January". He notes the rapid growth and innovation in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, driven by health-conscious consumers. While bars are traditionally associated with alcohol, they also serve as community hubs, and non-alcoholic options are needed to make everyone feel included. Early attempts at non-alcoholic cocktails were often just elaborate soft drinks, but the emergence of companies like Seedlip in 2014 marked a turning point by offering complex, non-alcoholic alternatives to spirits. Now, there's a thriving industry of spirit replacements. There are two common methods for making non-alcoholic spirits: distilling a spirit and then removing the alcohol, or blending botanicals, spices, and extracts to mimic the flavors of various spirits.
Espresso MartiNO
The first cocktail demonstrated is the Espresso MartiNO, a non-alcoholic version of the Espresso Martini, using Seedlip's Spice 94. The recipe includes half an ounce of simple syrup, one ounce of espresso, and two ounces of Seedlip Spice 94. Before mixing, the host tastes the Seedlip Spice 94, noting its warming spices and citrus notes. He emphasizes viewing it as an alternative to spirits rather than a direct replacement.
Tasting
The host tastes the finished Espresso MartiNO, expressing satisfaction that the delicate spice notes of the Seedlip are not overwhelmed by the coffee. He describes the warming spices, such as cardamom and nutmeg, that complement the coffee's bitterness, balanced by the simple syrup. He concludes that it's a good alternative and enjoyable.
Recipe
Recipe for Espresso MartiNO is: 0.5 oz simple syrup, 1 oz espresso, 2 oz Seedlip Spice 94.
No Fashioned
The next cocktail is a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned, named "No Fashioned," made with Spiritless's Kentucky 74 spiced cinnamon whiskey. The host notes that Kentucky 74 closely mimics bourbon with flavors of caramel, vanilla, smoke, and pepper, the latter attempting to replicate the ethanol flavor. This product has a shelf life of 12 months and doesn't require refrigeration. It's made by distilling a spirit and then removing the alcohol, blending in some of the heads and tails from the initial distillation, resulting in a 0.5% alcohol content.
Tasting
The host tastes the "No Fashioned," acknowledging that while it doesn't replace bourbon, it's a good alternative when one can't drink alcohol. He notes the presence of angostura bitters, which contributes to the overall flavor profile, and appreciates the complex flavor it offers.
Recipe
Recipe for No Fashioned is: 4 dashes of angostura bitters, 0.25 oz of Demerara syrup, 2 oz of the Kentucky 74 spice.
NoGroni Sbagliato
The final cocktail is a non-alcoholic Negroni Sbagliato, or "NoGroni Sbagliato," using products from Liars, an Australian brand founded in 2019. Liars products are made from a blend of distillates, natural essences, and extracts, and they contain natural sugars to mimic the mouthfeel of alcohol. These products should be refrigerated after opening and have a shelf life of around 12 weeks.
How to open a bottle of bubbly
The host demonstrates the proper way to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine. This involves removing the foil, loosening the cage while keeping a thumb on top to prevent the cork from popping out, and then twisting the bottle from the bottom to ease the cork out slowly and quietly.
Tasting
The host tastes the "NoGroni Sbagliato," finding it dry and hitting all the right notes without alcohol. He appreciates the combination of the bitter orange and aperitif flavors, complemented by the dry, bubbly element.
Recipe
Recipe for NoGroni Sbagliato is: 1 oz of the Liar's bitter orange, 1 oz of the apertifroso, top up with non-alcoholic bubbly.
Why do we drink cocktails?
The host reflects on the purpose of non-alcoholic spirits, questioning whether the point of drinking cocktails is the alcohol itself or the desire for a nuanced, adult beverage. He expresses his intention to explore this question further on the channel.
Pro Tip time!
The pro tip is about how to properly cut an orange wheel for garnishing cocktails. The host advises cutting the orange from pole to pole (navel to opposite end) rather than across the middle to achieve the best appearance with intact juice cells.
