Episode 81: The N/A Cocktail Playbook, with Derek Brown
Sep 5, 2023
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Derek Brown, veteran bartender and author of Mindful Mixology, joins the podcast to discuss the many ways to approach making excellent alcohol-free cocktails. The episode explores enhancing NA cocktails with familiar ingredients, the rise of alcohol-free spirits, the importance of texture in cocktails, achieving cocktail bite and spice, and using non-alcoholic beer and wine as cocktail ingredients.
Creating satisfying non-alcoholic cocktails requires attention to texture, length, piquancy, and intensity, utilizing ingredients like sugar, ginger syrup, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar.
Non-alcoholic cocktails offer a range of flavor profiles through the use of ingredients like ginger syrup, salt, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar, allowing for experimentation and creativity in achieving a satisfying flavor profile.
Deep dives
The Rise of Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Alcohol-free cocktails have been gaining attention in recent years, providing a new realm of drinks for cocktail enthusiasts. Many people are taking a break from alcohol, either temporarily or as part of a long-term strategy for wellness. The NA Cocktail Playbook, featured in the September-October issue of In Buy, offers recipes and tips for creating satisfying alcohol-free drinks. By exploring non-alcoholic spirits, familiar flavor delivery vehicles like fruit juices and flavored syrups, and ingredients like salt and vinegar, it is possible to craft alcohol-free cocktails that replicate the texture, length, piquancy, and intensity of traditional cocktails.
Making Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Creating satisfying non-alcoholic cocktails requires attention to texture, length, piquancy, and intensity. Ingredients like sugar, ginger syrup, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar can enhance texture and add complexity. Garnishes play a crucial role in visual appeal and overall experience. Dilution should be carefully considered to avoid excessive water content. Non-alcoholic beers and wines can also be used as cocktail ingredients, expanding the possibilities for flavor and creativity.
Building Flavor in Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktails offer a range of flavor profiles through the use of ingredients like ginger syrup, salt, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar. The combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and acidic elements contributes to a complex and compelling drink. Experimentation and creativity are key to finding the right balance and achieving a satisfying flavor profile in alcohol-free cocktails.
Tips for Crafting Alcohol-Free Drinks
When making alcohol-free cocktails, it is important to have fun and explore new possibilities. Non-alcoholic beers and wines can be incorporated into cocktails, expanding the repertoire of flavors. Attention to dilution, garnishes, and overall presentation adds to the cocktail experience. By embracing the challenge of making alcohol-free cocktails, bartenders and home mixologists can create innovative and enjoyable drinks that cater to a diverse range of tastes.
Drinkers are increasingly looking for great-tasting cocktails that reduce or avoid the use of alcohol, and bartenders are stepping up to the challenge. Our September/October issue delves into the details of making great NA cocktails, and for this episode, we’re joined by veteran bartender Derek Brown, author of Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails, to talk about the many ways we can approach making excellent alcohol-free cocktails.
Radio Imbibe is the audio home of Imbibe magazine. In each episode, we dive into liquid culture, exploring the people, places, and flavors of the drinkscape through conversations about cocktails, coffee, beer, spirits, and wine. Keep up with us at imbibemagazine.com, and on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, and if you're not already a subscriber, we'd love to have you join us—click here to subscribe.
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