Skip the Cocktail and Serve a Mocktail

As the summer simmers down and Florida fall emerges; the transition creates the perfect back drop for enjoying the company of the outdoors.
Florida fall is my personal favorite season. The weather is comfortable, and there is a warm sense of togetherness in the air. It's refreshing and inviting. I love all the activities like dinning al fresco, watching football while firing up the grill, and late night chats with friends on the patio. Drinks and nibblies are the centerpiece, and while most of the offerings are indulgent they don't have to be. I recently heard of non-alcoholic alternative spirits and decided to taste and share.

I found quite a few options in the non-alcoholic section at the local ABC. The two brands, Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof, offer a variety of substitutes for the typical cocktail. I loved the packaging and read the notes of the Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus and was compelled to taste it.

The note read: A sophisticated bright, citrus, blend of orange, lemon peel, lemongrass and ginger with the dry finish.

Based on the notes I picked up a few ingredients I thought would pair well to created these cocktail recipes!

I hope you enjoy!

*Update: The Seedlip tastes excellent, and I think it would be great to have on hand for your next cocktail or holiday party. I would like to see bars and restaurants offering craft mocktails using these substitutes for a variety of reasons. When fine dining, browsing the cocktail menu for the perfect drink pairing for your meal is a fun part of the experience. By having a “craft mocktails” section, this would create the opportunity for everyone at the table to partake in the evening festivities.

THE BEACH MULE
1.5 Oz Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus
1.5 Oz Fever Tree Ginger Beer
A heavy squeeze of lemon wedge
Splash of pineapple juice
Garnish with a lemon wedge

TAMPA TROP
1 Oz Seedlip Grove 42 Citus
1 Oz Fever Tree Preimium Club Soda
1 Oz Tropicana Pineapple Mango Splash
Garnish with a orange twist