Dry January doesn’t have to be awkward, do more than just order sparkling water at the bar. Non-alcoholic spirits add all the spice to Happy Hour without any of the memory lapses and embarrassing moments. Check out three of our favorite cocktail recipes, with an added how-to make your own bar cart. Enjoy the bubbles.
Gin Moscow Mule
For a take on a classic that won’t have you seeing double or warm enough to survive a Moscow winter. Refreshing with a little bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (virgin) Gin
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)
- 4 mint sprigs
- Garnish: lime wedges, mint sprig
How to:
- First, muddle the mint with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. Stir. Then top with ginger beer, and stir. Garnish.
Villar Perosa
Why yes, we are fancy. The perfect high-class cocktail you can drink with your pinky out. Even better for those of us who know that mixing liquors just isn’t a move.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (virgin) Gin
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 oz prosecco
How to:
- Add all ingredients (minus the prosecco) to a shaker with ice, and mix. Strain into a glass. Pour over with prosecco.
Autumn Fizz
We may be heading into the winter season but that doesn’t mean we don’t dream of a steaming apple cider. Take it to the next level with this bar favorite that is crisp like a fall day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (virgin) Gin
- 0.25 oz lemon juice
- Agave nectar, as prefered
- Sparkling apple cider
- Garnish: apple and thyme
How to:
- Add gin, lemon, agave to a shaker with ice, and mix. Pour over a highball glass, top with sparkling cider. Garnish.
When isn’t it cocktail season? Now that you’ve been inspired you may want to take matters into your own hands, because if there’s one thing we left in our youth it is the tolerance of trying to catch the bartender’s attention. Start your very own bar cart here.
RIVERINE NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRIT
The small-batch produced virgin gin that is still waiting for someone special.
AMASS
$42
TALL DRINKING GLASS (SET OF 4)
Perfectly unique, with gentle bubbles that will add a 3-dimensionality to your #happyhour photos.
Rigby
$64
PORTER STRAW
Rust proof stainless steel straws that reduce waste while looking great in photo ops.
W&P
$18
OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL SYRUP
For those of us who aren’t that great in the kitchen and definitely don’t know what “muddle” means. The instant happy hour that is ethically produced for delicious cocktails.
W&P
$14
COZY CARRIER SOLO FELT ROSEWOOD
Sometimes you need to BYOB with a friend, carry safely.
Graf Lantz
$69
RECYCLED GLASS DECANTER WITH WOOD STOPPER
Made from recycled glass and will help your wine “breathe.” Getting its full flavor profiles– if you know what this means, please tell me.
Sobremesa
$60
HAMMERED COPPER BOSTON COCKTAIL SHAKER
Made from recycled copper, and just plain pretty to look at, this will be the pièce de resistance of your bar cart.
Sertodo Copper
$86
MID-CENTURY BAR CART
A gorgeous two-tiered mid-century bar cart for all your party-hosting, happy-houring, morning-drinking needs. Made from FSC®-certified, kiln-dried wood, and fair-trade certified.
West Elm
$499
LUXEMBOURG SIDE BAR
A super modern metallic trolley bar cart that will blend seamlessly with any home. Available in lots of fun colors and made in France.
Frédéric Sofia
