3 Cozy Mocktail Spritz to Make your Season Bright

My (Christy) husband gave up alcohol for an entire year so we have gotten creative in the mocktail department. The second two of these would be great as cocktails as well, but try them out both ways! Consider them two different versions, naughty and nice;). We all have a little of both in us.

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Prepares: 2 mocktails

Prep time: 3-15 minutes (depending on drink) 

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The Evening Cherry Chill

This is my go to in the evening when I want something simple, yet different than water or plain sparkling water. Cherry juice is also known to promote sleep, so why not?

The Goods: 

1/4 cup tart cherry juice (check out this Healthline article on 10 benefits, I call it the evening chill down because it could potentially help you sleep better given that it's naturally rich in melatonin) OR pomegranate juice for a more festive mocktail

1 lime, squeezed

2 tbsp ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar- If ACV isn't your thing, you could sub for a splash of Kombucha. The vinegar taste is what gives this a nice cocktail kick IMO! 

2 tbsp Just Pomegranate Molasses (optional for added sweetness, I will drink without most nights just to keep it easy/no need to shake) 

4-8 ounces sparkling water (Topo Chico, Pellegrino, or La Croix) 

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How to: 

1. Combine all ingredients, stir, and enjoy! 
2. If sweetening with Pomegranate Molasses, you may want to shake cherry juice, lime juice, ACV, and molasses in a cocktail shaker for 10-20 seconds and pour over sparkling water to ensure molasses is well combined.

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Honey Rosemary Grapefruit Soda

The Goods: 

6 rosemary sprigs

1 cup honey

2 cup water

1 grapefruit or other citrus of choice, juiced (5-6 ounces) 

1/2-1 cup sparkling water depending on if you add liquor (Topo Chico and Pellegrino give you the most bubbles, I'm learning!)

1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick!)

Optional 4 oz liquor of choice: tequila, vodka, or gin all work well

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How to: 

Simple Syrup: 

1. Add honey and water in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the honey has dissolved complete. Add rosemary sprigs and turn heat to high until it comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Remove rosemary and/or strain into a container if you are unable to remove rosemary. There you have your simply syrup! This will keep in the fridge for approx. 1 week in an air tight container so can be used for multiple mocktails or even cocktails, as this would go great with tequila or gin.

For the spritz: 

1. in cocktail shaker, combine 1/2 cup simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and cayenne pepper (is using), this is where you would add gin and/or tequila as well.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. A honey foam should start to settle to the top (yum)
3. Strain into your fancy cup of choice, top with 3-4 ounces sparkling water, and garnish with a rosemary sprig/grapefruit peel.
4. Enjoy! 

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Ginger Pear Spritz

The Goods:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup ginger, peeled and chopped

2 tbsp  water

1 pound ripe pears (about 2 medium)

3/4 to 1 cup sparkling water (sub for champagne if you are going the alcohol route!)

1 lime, juiced

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How to:

1. Add honey, ginger, and water into a pot on the stovetop. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes while continuing to stir. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Strain into a cup or pitcher and add sparkling water and lime.
3. Prep the pears by chopping into 1/2 inch squares
4. Add pears into a blender and blend on medium until pureed and thick mixture forms. Add a few ice cubes if you want a slight slushy texture.
5. Add ice (or a fun square cube) to a fancy glass if you didn't add ice to blender, divide pear puree into each glass and top with ginger ale.
6. Garnish with lime and there you have it!