One of my favorite things to do in the “before-days” was going to a holiday pop-up bar and sit amongst the kitschy decor, sipping a festive bevvie. These days, I’m drinking a lot less alcohol, not only to reduce my risk of recurrence but I feel better overall (fewer hot flashes, better sleep) when I don’t indulge. These days I’ve been staying at home diving deep into the world of mocktails, and decided to create some non- and low-alcoholic drink options that set the yuletide spirit!
The Cranberry Blitzen is my take on a non-alcoholic Cosmopolitan. The drink takes a little prep work, but it’s really easy to make and tastes amazing!
Whether you are participating in Dry January or reducing your alcohol intake for health reasons, we’ve got more non- and low-alcohol options, in this post!
CRANBERRY BLITZEN
(non-alcoholic Cosmopolitan)
Cranberry shrub is the key ingredient of this drink. It’s so quick and easy to make and the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick that IMO best replicates a Cosmopolitan.
Be sure to make the shrub the day before to allow the flavors to mingle.
Servings: 1 drink
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 2 oz non-alcoholic gin alternative (I used this one, but there are many options to choose from. Explore on takeafreshsip.com #notanad)
- 1 oz Cranberry shrub (recipe from Food52)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Splash of sparkling water (club soda works!)
- Garnish (citrus peel twist or sprig of rosemary)
Instructions:
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Fill cocktail glass (V-shaped or coupe) with ice and cold water. Set aside to chill.
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Add ice to cocktail shaker.
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Pour gin alternative, shrub, and lime over the ice.
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Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
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Empty ice and water from cocktail glass.
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Strain drink into glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
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Garnish with citrus peel twist or a fresh sprig of rosemary.
Optional:
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Cranberry juice can be used in place of shrub, but I’d add a couple of drops of apple cider vinegar to get that same tang.
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Top the drink with orange-flavored sparkling water in place of plain!
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Add a teaspoon of cranberry shrub to a tall glass of sparkling water (plain, lime, or tangerine) or non-alcoholic sparkling wine (I like this one) for a lower sugar option.
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Thinly spread the leftover cranberry mash on top of some plain or vegan cream cheese and make a festive dip for crackers. It goes great with brie and cheddar, too!
The preceding article is not a paid endorsement of any of the products mentioned. There are no affiliate links in this article and neither the author nor The Cancer Pod will be compensated by clicking on the links. All products mentioned were purchased by the author and her spouse.
