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damiana, an herbal aphrodisiac. (So, mocktails can do more than quench your thirst!) Soda - Though categorically a “neutral” ingredient, soda often accounts for the greatest volume in a mixed drink. Sparkling water or seltzer, tonic or ginger ale: each of these functions to diffuse the more prominent flavors of shrubs, mixers, or bitters. Artisanal sodas made with naturally derived flavors and less sugar have become prominent in the beverage market. And though soft drink sales are down overall, the craft soda market is surging. Kudos again to the
wellness trend for this growth; health conscious adults are willing to pay a premium for higher quality products. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to your soda: fresh, clean “neutrals” will make another flavors shine. Tonic Water and Specialty Sodas: Forgo big-name soda brands and look for either Fever Tree or Q Tonic Water; each uses real quinine and has a drier profile than old-school varieties. (I am partial to Q brand because it contains agave instead of sugar.) By comparison, big-brand tonics can have twice the calories and sugar per serving, frequently due to the use of highly processed high fructose corn syrup. Fever Tree and Q also make quality ginger ales, using real ginger root and other botanicals, such as citrus and chilis. Relative newcomer Hella Cocktail Co. makes two varieties of a unique bitters-infused soda, Dry Aromatic (no sugar) and Spritz Aromatic (lightly sweetened). Both contain gentian root and other botanicals and can be used as mixers, although I like to drink ‘em straight. These are completely alcohol-free, so a great option for anyone avoiding traditional bitters. Zero-Proof Spirits - Zero-proof spirits can stand-in for alcohol in classic drinks such as the Negroni or Martini (UK-based Seedlip Drinks calls these imposters the Negro-no and Marti-no). Seedlip produces alcohol-free herbal distillations, derived from peas, hay, citrus, and other botanicals. These ingredients are distilled and converted into vapor, then condensed to liquid form. They contain no calories, sugar or, most importantly, alcohol. Seedlip makes three
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