Andy’s Choice
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any day
Cocktails and mocktails By Andy Mellgren Cocktails are alcoholic mixed drinks – a combination of spirits mixed with fruit juice, cream or even flavored syrups. Mocktails are drink resembling a cocktail, but without any alcohol, but resembling a cocktail. They are made with a variety of fruit juice, sparkling water, flavored syrups or cream. The best way to create cocktails or mocktails is to follow a few simple rules: don’t guess or eyeball measurements and if the recipe calls for using a strainer – use one. It’s especially important to measure everything if you want a smooth, delicious drink.
Are you hoping to avoid calories? If so, skip the soda and premixed drinks, which are full of sugar. Instead, mix your drinks using fruit juice, sparkling water and natural or organic mixes. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks or are looking for a healthier option, mocktails are the way to go. There are plenty of selections of pre-mixed mocktails to choose from. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations on the horizon, the Triple Crown horse races (think mint juleps) or you’re just planning on hosting a crowd, there are so many possibilities. Here are my suggestions for cocktails/gifts:
Traverse City Whiskey Barrel Craft Bourbons Noah’s Mill Bourbon Doubleday Whiskey Northland Vodka Chairman’s Reserve Rum Traverse City Cocktail Cherries Seedlip (non-alcoholic spirits) Owens mixes and flavors Stirring mixes
Not sure what to buy or perhaps you wish to avoid all the fuss of mixing? Try Drakes Boxtails (ready-to-drink cocktails in a box). Just open and pour over ice. There are several flavors to choose from. Cheers! Andy
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