If you’re looking for a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail option for the holidays, this pretty fall-inspired sipper is for you!
We’re going to use some of the spiced pear water (cinnamon, anise, ginger) from this post and add some fresh lemon, zero-proof whiskey and a dash of maple syrup to create an earthy & aromatic cocktail balanced with the brightness of citrus and the warmth of maple.
We’ll top it off with a luscious layer of aquafaba for that irresistible foam finish ~ it makes it extra festive and fun to drink (like frothy snow!) with a cute garnish of dehydrated pear (or whatever your pleasure — our hydrangeas are still going strong this fall, so pretty, i couldn’t resist including them).
The first step is to make the spiced pear water which is a simple infusion of pear & spices on the stove (as a not-so-small bonus, you’re whole kitchen will smell divine) – you’ll simply let the pear water cool and store it in the fridge for use in this cocktail. Simple as that.
The next step is to consider a whiskey alternative ~ there are a few on the market, i typically use the brand Ritual for the ingredient quality and taste (i have no affiliation with them) ~ they don’t give the stuff away but the company invests considerable time and effort into developing the flavour profile of their beverage alternatives and i’ve not found a better tasting/quality mixer.
If you’re new to alcohol-free spirits, it’s best to keep an open mind to avoid disappointment — non-alcoholic alternatives are not going to taste like your favourite notch single malt whiskey but you might be surprised to discover how decent it is, especially in a mixed drink.
It really elevates the otherwise ho-hum (& cloyingly sweet) mocktails i come across online and in restaurants.
A few details
- garnish possibilities ~ top things off with a few drops of non-alcoholic bitters; a dehydrated fruit slice (lemon/lime/orange/pear or zest from these fruit; a cherry or two (i recommend black Amarena cocktail cherries) speared with a swizzle stick; fresh or dried flowers, cinnamon stick or other botanicals near you;
- glassware ~ anything that holds at least 6 ounces (180 mL) will work ~ especially suitable are coupe glasses (what i’m using here) rocks glasses (tumblers) and martini glasses;
- what the jingle is aquafaba ~ the juice (thick water) that canned chickpeas are packed in is called aqua-faba (latin for water + bean) and it makes an excellent foaming agent for cocktails in place of egg white (of course you can use egg white if you prefer, just keep in mind that it’s raw) ~ simply drain (and preserve) the water from a can of chickpeas and store it in the fridge for use (set aside chickpeas for future use, also stored in fridge – i tossed them into a fall version of greek salad this weekend with roasted beets).
The final step ~ take out your cocktail shaker, pull out your chosen glassware, buy a can of chickpeas (if you don’t already have one in the pantry) light a candle, kick off your shoes (boots?) and get ready to create some tasty non-alcoholic cocktails!
decorating them is half the fun ~ i hope you enjoy the whole experience ❥
- 2 ounces (60 mL) non-alcoholic whiskey (i'm using Ritual)
- 2 ounces (60 mL) spiced pear water
- 1 ounce (30 mL) lemon juice (the real stuff!)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) maple syrup
- 1 ounce (30 mL) or slightly less, aquafaba (chickpea juice!)
- Place a few ice cubes in a cocktail shaker
- Add: non-alcoholic whiskey, pear water, lemon juice, maple syrup and aquafaba -- shake thoroughly, remove lid and then pour through the strainer of the shaker into a 6 oz /180 mL (minimum) glass until the aquafaba creates a nice foam on top (it will be the last part to fill in, you can shake gently to encourage the full release) -- any cocktail glass or tumbler will work just make sure you have at least 6 oz/180 mL of space
- To decorate i'm using a small slice of dehydrated pear for garnish -- also pictured is a (mostly) dried hydrangea flower -- see post for more garnish ideas! If you'd like to know how to dehydrate fruit in the oven, just leave a comment and i'll provide info.
santé
I cannot believe I missed this. We spent the month of November in Arizona so I wasn’t as active in the weeks prior or during! Now with the Christmas rush going on…
What a beautiful cocktail. I am always looking for something special for the times when I just don’t want alcohol and this mocktail fits the bill.
Beautiful photos! I almost didn’t check out the recipe because I cannot stand whiskey. Then I read “non-alcoholic!” Fantastic!