Monday Night Mocktails

October 1, 2024

In her debut mixology book, Newens brings together 52 mocktail recipes--one for each week of the year. There are options for both straightforward and more creative cocktails, so readers are sure to find something to suit any mood or skill level. Many of the recipes, which are helpfully organized by season, are inspired by classic cocktails but instead use zero-proof spirits or nonalcoholic wine or beer, making this a useful volume for readers who are looking for direct substitutes. There are also many more inventive drinks that use less-conventional nonalcoholic options as their base, including shrubs, kombucha, and hop water. Notes on glassware and garnishes for each drink, as well as suggestions for customizing, accompany most of the recipes. There are also "how to" tips for techniques, guidance on ingredients, and recipes for simple syrups, shrubs, and other add-ins interspersed throughout the book. Beautiful photography by Brown and sourcing information for nonalcoholic spirits complete the book. VERDICT A great buy for those who would like to have a solid reference volume for mocktails in their mixology collections.--Whitney Kramer

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 2, 2024
This appealing follow-up to A.J. Dean’s Friday Night Cocktails presents 52 nonalcoholic drink recipes, one for each Monday of the year, centered around the “growing numbers of high-quality” zero-proof liquors. “Inspired by classic cocktails,” the virgin margarita calls for zero-proof tequila while the cucumber gimlette requires zero-proof gin. A nonalcoholic stout float is inspired by Guinness’s zero-alcohol variety while the grapefruit fizz calls for chilled hop water, a “fizzy blend of sparkling water and aromatic hops.” Recipes are separated by season; the blackberry sparkler, for spring, and the nectarine bellini, for fall, both feature fresh fruits and nonalcoholic sparkling wines. Fall and winter drinks include a pumpkin spice toddy and “Irish-ish” coffee, both made with zero-proof whiskey. Newens strives for creative pairings; noting that zero-proof liquors aren’t great for “sipping straight,” she adds elderflower syrup and pear to the Peartini. Only a few drinks don’t include zero-proof spirits, including the peach rosemary tonic and a watermelon ginger cooler. A repeated emphasis on “high-quality” nonalcoholic liquors suggests a difference among brands, but, disappointingly, Newens offers no guidance in making selections. Still, helpful sidebars (including on how to muddle and how to make citrus twists) and recipes for flavorful syrups make this a handy resource enhanced by vibrant photos. Those looking to expand their mocktail repertoire will be pleased.