Creatively Crafted

Recipes That Prove Zero Proof Doesn’t Mean Zero Flavor

by Fanny Slater

If you had told me one year ago that I would voluntarily be writing an article about non-alcoholic libations, I would have said, “Go home, you. You’re drunk.”

But here I am, almost six months sober and positively proud to be sharing my newfound knowledge on the topic of AF (alcohol-free) living. And, as it turns out, I’m right on time. Even as recently as several years back, the variety of non-alcoholic choices within the alcohol industry was severely lacking. Practically non-existent, if we’re honest. Sure, everyone had heard of O’Doul’s, but how often do you stumble upon someone truly enjoying a non-alcoholic beer for the flavor?

From my perspective, folks mainly turned to options like O’Doul’s or Beck’s because they were the lesser of two evils. Evil number one: non-alcoholic “beer” that sorta-kinda tasted like beer, or evil number two: no beer at all. Whether it was a pregnant woman craving the crisp, refreshing bite of a lager or someone struggling with addiction in need of a beverage to bridge the gap—these were a great alternative, but not necessarily sought out as a delicacy.

Today, the world of sober sipping has morphed in more ways than one. Not only has the craft beer industry hopped on the trend of producing hoppy varietals packed with familiar flavors reminiscent of authentic IPAs, stouts, and sours—but even AF spirits and wines have made their way onto the shelves alongside standard products.

No longer does mocktail mean “just leave out the liquor.” With brands like Ritual, Drink Monday, and Seedlip (to name a few) sweeping the sober scene, it’s now possible for those in recovery (like myself) or booze-free-by-choice to remain responsible while still throwing back a margarita that yields the burn of real deal tequila. When it comes to tinkering with tannins, wine companies still have some work to do, as many of the non-alcoholic bottles I’ve sampled haven’t blown my socks off just yet. But if your goal is to swirl something fruity alongside a charcuterie board and a gaggle of your best girlfriends, there are plenty of Pinot substitutions out there that will do the trick.

As for me, I’ve hopped on the booze-free brew train and don’t plan on getting off anytime soon.

Some are so well made that even the most pretentious of beer nerds won’t be able to differentiate between a legit west coast DIPA that will leave their heads feeling fuzzy and one they could shotgun in the middle of a workday. To showcase the best of what I’ve found so far, I’m sharing two original recipes that each feature an alcohol-free bite or sip at its best. First, a mocktail meant to make you ask the question, “Are you sure there’s no alcohol in this?”, and second a shareable snack actually infused with one of my favorite non-alcoholic beers on the market.

It’s not easy to be the odd man out when everyone else is popping bottles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play along in your own way. So whether you’re cutting back for health reasons, fully abstinent from alcohol, or simply sober-curious—these recipes will remind you that going alcohol-free doesn’t have to generate FOMO.

What are you waiting for? Aren’t you overdue to discover new trails with your best friend, sign up for a new fitness class, or join the book club?

When you live at Noble’s Pond you have a never-ending list of new activities to try, right in your own community, plus easy access to many local attractions. So step out and discover what Noble’s Pond living is all about.

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