| TIPS FROM THE PROS |

BY MELISSA DOWLING

Abstaining from alcohol is extending beyond events such as “ Drynuary ” or “ Sober October ” for many consumers and a flurry of nonalcoholic spirits , beer and wine has entered the market in recent months .

Bars and restaurants are also embracing the no-proof movement . Hyatt Hotels Corp . launched its Zero Proof , Zero Judgment beverage program in August 2021 , which enables restaurant and bar teams to deliver creative non-alcoholic cocktails .

Omni Hotels & Resorts ’ Flavor Origins craft cocktail menu includes no-proof options that incorporate Seedlip , one of the original non-alcoholic “ spirit ” products . For example , the Dry Cranberry Spritzer is made with Seedlip Grove 42 , Monin Cranberry , lime juice , orange bitters and Q grapefruit soda .

INVENTIVE OFFERINGS

At Bar Julian in Hyatt ’ s Thompson Savannah hotel , beverage director Chelsea DeMark aims to create zero-proof cocktails that appeal to everyone , from kids and pregnant women to those looking to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle .

“ At Bar Julian , we utilize our signature fresh-pressed juices and bespoke syrups to make playful , colorful and intriguing zero-proof beverages ,” says DeMark . She is particularly fond of Ritual Zero Proof ’ s “ tequila ” variation , which she uses in The Lowcountry drink , along with yellow bell pepper , lemon , honey and basil .

Ritual ’ s no-proof tequila “ is spicy and peppery and has a great rich

Spirit-free cocktails at Dirty Habit in Washington D . C ., include the Berry Spicy , with blackberries , lime juice , simple syrup and jalapeno water , and the Secret Garden , which incorporates Seedlip Garden , basil-simple syrup , lemon juice and celery bitters .

texture ,” she notes . “ That paired with zesty yellow bell pepper juice , lemon , and honey makes a bright and thirst-quenching non-alcoholic drink that goes above and beyond your standard virgin Mojito .”

At Dirty Habit , a cocktail bar in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington D . C ., bartender Ashtyn Harris created a new spirit-free cocktail menu for 2022 . The mocktails include the Berry Spicy , with blackberries , lime juice , simple syrup and jalapeno water , and the Secret Garden , which incorporates Seedlip Garden 108 , basil-simple syrup , lemon juice and celery bitters .

Moon Rabbit , a Vietnamese restaurant in Washington , D . C ., in January 2022 unveiled a unique nonalcoholic cocktail menu . For instance , the Look What You Made Me Do , named after the Taylor Swift song , is made with coconut milk and jasmine tea syrup , topped with a dried citrus wheel .

The No-groni Spritz uses a bittersweet cordial made in-house with tea , herbs , spices , and a touch of sweetness , along with Seedlip Grove and Fever Tree aromatic tonic . It combines elements of a traditional Negroni as well as a lighter Italian-style Spritz .

MIXING IT UP

When creating non-alcoholic cocktails , “ I focus on balance and providing the guest with a cocktail experience , albeit , zero-proof ,” says Mariena Mercer Boarini , resort mixologist at the Wynn Las Vegas . “ Many times when you or-

The Eastside at Laurel Brasserie & Bar in Salt Lake City , made with Seedlip Spice , fresh cucumber , mint and lime .

der a mocktail , you receive a sugary glass of mixed juices , and I wanted to ensure the guest has an elevated luxury experience in a glass .”

For example , she says , “ The Ava at Overlook Lounge at Wynn is a playful nonalcoholic take on the Aperol Spritz .” It incorporates Lyre ’ s Italian Orange zero-proof spirit , Fever-Tree ginger beer , soda , a pink grapefruit slice and passion fruit pearls .

“ Mocktails are a great way to stay creative while using authentic , quality ingredients ,” says Mark Moulton , beverage director at Laurel Brasserie & Bar in Salt Lake City ’ s Grand America Hotel .

Laurel ’ s alcohol-free cocktails include the Spiced Ginger-Lime Fizz , with hibiscus tea , lemon and sugar , and the Cosnopolitan , with the non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip Grove , cranberry , lime and sugar . One of Moulton ’ s favorites is The Eastside , made with Seedlip Spice , fresh cucumber , mint and lime .

No matter the reason someone abstains from drinking alcohol , inclusivity is key . One of Bar Julian ’ s winter mocktails was called the Elf in the Room ; the playful name makes light of the sometimes-awkward “ I ’ m not drinking tonight ” conversation , DeMark notes .

“ We don ’ t think anyone should have to explain why they are choosing not to imbibe , nor should they even have to bring up the conversation if they don ’ t want to .”

16 | WINTER 2022 • CHEERS @ HOME WWW . CHEERSONLINEATHOME . COM