Winter Botanical Breeze Non-Alcoholic Cocktail | Mocktail Recipe
Dry January has become a yearly tradition for me these last six years. It has never been easier in 2023, not just because we are currently homebound due to the massive California rainstorms but because Wilderton has made it all the better. This Winter Botanical Breeze Non-Alcoholic Cocktail is perfect, combining winter ingredients to give a new start, not a substitute.
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The secret to making effortless yet impressive non-alcoholic cocktails at home is waiting for you and combining citrus ingredients like grapefruit and lime with a tangy hibiscus tea and splash of Wilderton’s Earthen or a robust and sultry finish. You can contrast tart, sweet, bitter, vegetal, and floral notes, achieving the balance and roundness that just about any good cocktail provides.
The botanical essences of grapefruit and hints of rose from the hibiscus, lime, and cardamom in Earthen Botanical amplify and deepen those bright and herbaceous flavors with a touch of agave. You can feel great sipping on these clean cocktails all month long.
I made this delicious non-alcoholic cocktail, and it’s safe to say it’s a new fave of mine! I swapped out my typical spirit for Wilderton’s Earthen, a non-alcoholic spirit distilled from raw botanicals.
The result: incredible!
This riff on the classic sea breeze gets its tartness and pinkish hue from hibiscus tea instead of cranberry. The floral notes of the hibiscus accentuate the cardamom essence without being perfumy. It’s light, and refreshing, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
What Is Dry January?
Dry January is a popular annual campaign in which participants pledge to abstain from alcohol for January. The campaign, which began in the United Kingdom in 2013, encourages people to take a break from drinking alcohol to improve their health, reset their relationship with alcohol, and raise awareness about the harms of excessive alcohol consumption. I’ve made it a yearly tradition for the last six years to take a break, reset from the holidays, and reap the health benefits.
Health Benefits of Dry January
One of the key benefits of participating in Dry January is that it can improve overall health. Alcohol is a known risk factor for many health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and heart disease. By abstaining from alcohol for a month, participants can reduce their risk of these diseases and improve their overall health. Additionally, many people participating in Dry January report losing weight, sleeping better, and having more energy.
Another benefit of Dry January is that it can help people reset their relationship with alcohol. Many people find that they drink more than they realize or for reasons other than enjoyment. Dry January can help people take a step back and evaluate their relationship with alcohol and make changes to their drinking habits.
Finally, Dry January can raise awareness about the harms of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, yet many people are unaware of the risks associated with drinking. By participating in Dry January, individuals can bring attention to the issue and encourage others to think more critically about their own alcohol consumption.
One way to enjoy the benefits of Dry January without feeling deprived is to experiment with zero-proof spirits like Wilderton Free. These non-alcoholic spirits mimic traditional spirits' flavors and aromas like gin, whiskey, and rum. They can be enjoyed on their own or mixed into cocktails, allowing people to enjoy a drink without the negative effects of alcohol.
What You’ll Love About The Ingredients in This Mocktail
Winter is the perfect time to curl up by the fire with a warm and comforting drink, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or fun. Introducing the Winter Botanical Breeze, a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail that will warm you up and leave your taste buds tingling.
The star of this mocktail is the Wilderton Earthen Non Alcoholic Spirit. This zero-proof spirit is infused with a blend of botanicals such as juniper berries, angelica root, and coriander, which mimic the flavors of traditional gin. This gives the drink a complex and exciting flavor profile without the negative effects of alcohol.
Next, we have the ruby red grapefruit, which brings a burst of citrus to the drink. Grapefruit is a great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu. It also contains a compound called Naringenin which has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
The hibiscus tea in this recipe adds a beautiful pink color and packs a punch of flavor. Hibiscus is a natural source of antioxidants and is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It also may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Lime juice is the perfect complement to the hibiscus and grapefruit, adding a tangy flavor. Lime is also a great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. It also has antibacterial properties and can help to boost the immune system.
Finally, we have the agave syrup, which provides a sweetness to balance the flavors. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener lower on the glycemic index than other sweeteners, making it a great option for diabetes or those looking to control their blood sugar levels.
How To Make Winter Botanical Breeze Non-Alcoholic Cocktail
To make the Winter Botanical Breeze, combine 1 cup of ruby red grapefruit juice, 1/2 cup of cooled hibiscus tea, 6 oz of Wilderton Earthen Non-Alcoholic Spirit, 2 oz of lime juice, and 1 tbsp of agave syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!
This Winter Botanical Breeze non-alcoholic cocktail is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy a delicious and flavorful drink without the negative effects of alcohol. It's also a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet during winter. Cheers!
Winter Botanical Breeze Non-Alcoholic Cocktail
Recipe makes 2
What You’ll Need
1 cup ruby red grapefruit
1/2 cup Hibiscus tea, cooled
6 oz Wilderton Earthen
2 oz lime juice
Lime wedges, garnish
1 tbsp agave syrup
Ice
What You’ll Need To Know
Place 1 hibiscus tea bag in a large heatproof cup. Pour in cup of just-short-of-boiling water; steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bag; let cool completely. Refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
Fill a shaker with ice, add in ingredients & shake! Serve over ice with lime wedges in an old fashioned glass. Shake, pour, garnish, and enjoy!
This article was first published January 13, 2021 and updated by our editora January 2023.
