When I was a kid, I remember ordering a “Shirley Temple” when we would go to a restaurant. The bright red color from the Cranberry juice and the bouncing sparkling bubbles of Sprite or 7up, topped with cherries on a toothpick, just added another element to the drink experience. As a kid, this was a big deal, and it was also the closest any of us would get to a “real” drink. It was a cool thing! Fast forward a few years, these non-alcoholic beverages have changed the way some folks prefer to drink. Especially, if alcohol doesn’t agree with you, Mocktails are the way to go, with zero regrets in the morning!
Mocktails…. It’s a Thing!
When I volunteered to take on the task of finding adult beverages that didn’t contain alcohol, I found myself regretting having raised my hand. It was hard finding locations that offered Mocktails. I mean, what bar wants to serve non-alcoholic drinks? But, after a little help from a foodie friend, a little research, and a few nights out on the town, I jumped right in! Here’s my experience.
Rhythm On Monroe
The Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler: Fresh strawberries, lemon infused syrup & club soda. It had just the right amount of flavor. This drink is great for kids, moms to be, and those choosing alcohol free. It’s sweet and utterly refreshing. I didn’t see a Mocktail listing, so I just asked our waiter to make one for me.
The Standard Social Market
Lavender Lemonade: Made with lemonade and lavender. Pretty simple! This mocktail looks more like lemonade but packs a fragrant & refreshing flavor. The Lavender Lemonade is the ultimate party drink to make for baby showers, bridal showers, or a simple summer brunch. A huge hit for any occasion.
Stella’s Elixir Lounge
Creamy Strawberry Peppermint Mocktini: Calling all Martini lovers, I’ve got a new favorite mocktini for you! It’s shaken, not stirred. This creamy Strawberry Peppermint Mocktini, is perfect for the holiday season. Topped with whipped cream & crunchy candy canes, you can’t go wrong. So delicious, you can’t have just one. It’s like drinking a fluffy strawberry creamsicle of Christmas goodness. This is my favorite!
But wait! Angelique, the very talented bartender at Stella’s, surprised me with another delicious holiday mocktail, that is sure to make a Moscow Mule lover happy at your Christmas party. This Christmas Cinnamon Cider Mule tastes like Christmas. Served on the rocks, with the flavor of pear, cinnamon, and ginger, making it a very easy & pleasant sipper for your next holiday party.
Phat Sammy’s
Phat Sammy’s has a full holiday mocktail menu, filled with unique blends of flavor, quirky garnishes, special mugs and glasses to serve your eccentric drink in. With so many options to choose from, you’ll have a hard time choosing which one you want to try. I tried the “Seasonal Shrubbery”, spiced pineapple shrub with pineapple juice, vanilla syrup, topped with ginger beer. It was AMAZING! The combination of ginger and pineapple was like a little happy parade in my mouth. So good!!
0verall, this turned out to be a better experience then I thought it would. It was fun, enjoyable and educational. Not only did I learn about different mocktails, I have a better appreciation for the bar tenders who have to come up with unique, eccentric and quirky drinks for customers looking for alcohol free drinks. The “bar” has been raised with these mocktails. You can now, drink responsibly with no regrets. Cheers!
THANK YOU
Stella’s, Phat Sammy’s, The Standard Social & Rhythm on Monroe for helping make this experience exceptional for me. Everyone was so informative, helpful and ready to make a great mocktail for me to share with all of you.
Angie is a local Huntsville content creator/vlogger. Sharing lifestyle, travel, food reviews & much more on her YouYube channel and Instagram.
