Mocktails & Dreams

We can all agree that the box office hit Cocktail starring a boyish Tom Cruise was 1980s perfection. And after more than 30 years, I believe it’s high time for a sequel. Picture this:

A matured Brian Flanagan returns to Jamaica for some rest and relaxation after a very busy holiday season. He indulged in food and spirits (stars – they’re just like us!) and is inspired to get his health back on track, which involves a little detoxing. But the celebrated mixologist that he is, he can’t not be behind the bar. So, he opens a little cabana on the beach and serves the best zero-proof cocktails around. It’s a success and so is the movie – Mocktail.

This film may not be in the works (yet), but it’s an age-old story that we can all relate to – the desire to cleanse and to restart around the new year. And if you’re one of the many observing Dry January, we have two tempting, non-alcoholic recipes from Pam Moncrief, local bartending celebrity and owner of POP UP BAR, that will have you considering a longer hiatus from the hard stuff.

Photo courtesy of Pamela Moncrief

We Got the Beet

2 oz. water

.75 oz. lime juice *

.5 oz. simple syrup (2:1)

.25 oz. orange juice

1 dropper full saline (1:4) **

2 healthy dashes of Angostura bitters

1 bar spoon (tsp.) red beet juice

Shake hard (use lots of ice) and serve on ice. Garnish with a candied beet or lime wheel.

* For best results, all juices should be freshly squeezed.

**Equivalent to a pinch of salt

New Year, New You                                          

4 oz. sparkling mineral water

.75 oz. lemon juice *

.5 oz. cranberry syrup **

Build in a tall, narrow glass (a Collins glass or flute will work) for a crisper experience. Pack with ice. Garnish with sprig of sage.

*For best results, juice should be freshly squeezed.

**2 parts demerara sugar, 1 part Knudsen Cranberry Juice (or another 100% raw cranberry juice)