Photo: Chris Emeott
There’s a whole new world of delicious options available for people looking to enjoy an alcohol-free holiday bash. Alexandra Zauner of Lucille’s Alcohol-Free Social Experiences of knows exploring options can be overwhelming. “We can help guide what you need, whether it’s for a celebration or just something to take home,” she says.
“Bubbles on New Year’s Eve is huge,” Zauner says, noting one of her favorite options is Copenhagen Sparkling Tea BLÅ, which is like a prosecco. Other favorites include Prima Pavé Grand Cuvée, similar to a crisp, sparkling white, and Oddbird Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, a de-alcoholized chardonnay. You’ll still have all the celebratory bubbles, without imbibing.
To offer a fun twist when hosting an alcohol-free event, Zauner suggests having a signature mocktail and sending guests home with recipe cards.
She encourages people to look at alcohol-free events as an opportunity to be present, connect and learn something new about yourself and the people you’re with. “Anyone willing to host an alcohol-free event for friends and family is doing everyone a favor by giving them an opportunity to have fun in a different way,” Zauner says. “It’s a gift that’s easy to overlook.”
Zauner shares three of her favorite winter mocktail recipes to add to your holiday celebrations.
Spiced Cran Fizz
- 2 oz. Three Spirit Social
- 3 oz. cranberry juice
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. sparkling water
- rosemary sprig, for garnish
Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice. Pour in Three Spirit Social, then add cranberry juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir gently for 5 to 10 seconds to combine. Top with sparkling water, and give one final stir. Slap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release oils, then add it to the top of your drink for a fragrant garnish that will infuse the cocktail.
Winter Garden Spritz
- 2 oz. Abstinence Cape Floral
- 1 oz. elderflower cordial
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz. tonic water
- cucumber ribbon, for garnish
Fill a wine glass or large copa glass with ice. Add Abstinence Cape Floral, elderflower cordial and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and top with tonic water. Stir again. Using a vegetable peeler, create a cucumber ribbon by peeling a washed a dried cucumber lengthwise. Once you have a long, thin ribbon strip (about seven inches long), curl and thread onto a cocktail pick to garnish.
Pom-loma
- 2 oz. ISH Tequila
- 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz. pomegranate juice
- ½ oz. fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz. agave nectar
- 2 oz. sparkling grapefruit soda
- pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add ISH Tequila, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice and agave nectar. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a highball glass with fresh ice. Top with sparkling grapefruit soda and stir once to combine. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top to garnish, and serve with a straw.
Lucille’s Alcohol-Free Social Experiences
Instagram: @lucillesbottleshop
