Mocktail to Cocktail Options
Referred to as Dry January, this is a time of year where many choose to take a break from consuming alcohol. Besides this month-long campaign, there are other occasions where someone may want to pass on alcohol. For example, when someone volunteers to be a designated driver. There are also moments where you may be hosting a gathering with guests that drink alcohol, and guests that don’t. For all of these various occasions, non-alcoholic drink options or mocktails have been created.
While we are a distiller of craft spirits, we appreciate the need for options. That is why we carry several products at our Burlington Tasting Room that we recommend as excellent mocktails but also that incorporate well as an ingredient in a cocktail! Here are just some of the non-alcoholic brands we carry that we invite you to check out.
SWITCHEL
If you aren’t familiar with Vermont-crafted Switchel, this beverage combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of apple cider vinegar, along with lemon, ginger and molasses. It is known for its natural ingredients, with healthful properties. This non-alcoholic drink can be enjoyed on its own, or in cocktails such as our Switchel in the Rye recipe.
SHRUBS
A shrub is made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and fruit. You may not want to drink it entirely on its own, but it’s a great way to add sweetness, flavor, and complexity to a mixed drink (whether mocktail or cocktail) with just one ingredient. If you’re curious to read more about shrubs, and want some cocktail ideas, we have a blog post dedicated to them here.
WOLFPEACH
Another Vermont product, Wolfpeach’s Nectar of the Gods is a special elixir made from sea buckthorn, barrel-aged wild and heirloom apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. You can drink this by itself, in a cocktail, or even drizzle it on a dessert! We have previously featured this in a spritz mocktail combined with macadamia syrup, lemon juice and soda.
GHIA
Ghia carries several non-alcoholic drink options, including their spritzed non-alcoholic aperitifs, their Strawberry and Orange Le Fizz beverage, and their original apéritif made with potent plants, heady herbals, and botanicals for a bright and bitter flavor. These are all intended to taste just like a cocktail, without actually including any alcohol. Similar to an Italian amaro, this works well into cocktails as well, such as our Ghia Daiquiri recipe.
As a very smooth and versatile spirit, our Rum 44 would be a great choice for combining with any of the products above. While all of these items are currently available at our Burlington Tasting Room, and are often integrated into mocktails featured on our menu, we’re always trying and bringing in new products. Be sure to stop in and see what options we have! If you’re looking for a product featured here but did not find it in our retail space, be sure to visit their websites for more information. Cheers!
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on January 6, 2025.
