This zero-proof cocktail comes from Soberish Mom, a Seattle-based blog run by Katie Nessel that covers all things no-and-low proof in the world of booze. The combo of Bittersweet Aperitivo from Wilderton, a non-alcoholic spirits company out of Oregon, cherry juice and a spiced syrup is a beautiful combination of winter flavors. With this complex, velvety smooth sipper you’ll (almost) forget the alcohol is missing.
INGREDIENTS
1 ounce Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo
1½ ounces organic cherry juice
¾ ounce cinnamon-clove simple syrup
¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg white, or 1 tablespoon aquafaba
Splash of soda
Luxardo cherries or lemon twist, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Fill an empty shaker tin with the aperitivo, cherry juice, simple syrup and lemon juice. Crack an egg into the tin; make sure to only add egg white. (If you prefer, you can use garbanzo bean water, called aquafaba.) Dry shake your ingredients for 15 seconds. Then, add one large ice cube and a small splash of club soda to the shaker tin – this will help give you velvety smooth froth without diluting your drink. Shake for another 15 seconds and pour into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with Luxardo cherries or a lemon twist.
Cinnamon-Clove Simple Syrup
INGREDIENTS
1 cup high-quality maple syrup
1 cup water
4 cinnamon sticks
1 TB cloves
1 orange, peeled and cut in half
DIRECTIONS
In a medium pot, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 5 min, then remove from the heat and cover. Let the syrup fully cool for an hour. Even better, let it sit in your fridge overnight so the flavors infuse further. Strain the syrup into a glass jar. Store in your fridge for up to two weeks.
All 12 Days of Christmas cocktails can be found here.
