Build Your Own Non-Alcoholic Bar
While there are several ingredients that are shared with a traditional bar, there are a few extras that you’ll want to be sure to have on hand.
Mocktails are a beverage category that’s often neglected when it comes to stocking your bar. But with mocktails’ rise in popularity, there’s no excuse for you not to be prepared. While there are several ingredients that are shared with a traditional bar, there are a few extras that you’ll want to be sure to have on hand. Follow along below for lo2no.com’s best recommendations for creating a non-alcoholic spread that’ll impress even the most refined of non-drinkers.
Take the time to select the best mixers for your non-alcoholic bar. Fresh-squeezed fruit juices make a real difference in taste.
Staples Of The Non-Alcoholic Bar
Begin as you would if you were stocking a traditional bar. Good ice, a variety of glassware, and the tools you’ll need to make any cocktail: a shaker, a strainer, a cocktail spoon, etc. If you’re planning to take your mocktails to the next level, you can even throw in fancy gadgets like glass smokers: it’s 100% up to you.
Take the time to select the best mixers for your non-alcoholic bar. Fresh-squeezed fruit juices make a real difference in taste. Choose high-quality brands of soda water and tonic as well. Bitters are another element that can help your mocktails shine by adding additional flavor and aromas. Remember to double-check that your bitters are alcohol-free, as some brands contain a negligible amount. Consider infusing your simple syrups with different herbs and fruits as well — you can make an incredible mocktail by mixing soda water and an infused simple syrup.
And Now, The Good Stuff
Next, start selecting your beverages. Every good non-alcoholic bar should keep at least a six-pack of NA beer. Today, there are dozens of craft and mass-market options for no- and low-alcohol beers. Whether you want an old-school NA like O’Douls or a specialty brew from a brewery like Bravus, you’ve got a wide field of options to suit any type of beer drinker.
Then, add some alcohol-free spirits. You can create a truly exceptional experience when it comes to a mocktail by adding non-alcoholic versions of gin, vodka, bourbon, and more to your non-alcoholic bar. Pre-mixed mocktails are also widely available, giving you the ability to simply pour and enjoy.
You also have many choices when it comes to non-alcoholic wines. From sparkling and white to roses and reds, vineyards from all over the world are producing no- and low-alcohol wines that boast the complexity of traditional wines without the buzz.
Remember to stock your non-alcoholic bar with fresh, creative garnishes too. The more visual appeal that your mocktails have, the better. And garnishes are an easy way to add aromatics as well. Think of how well a rosemary sprig would complement a “gin” and tonic, or the way that fresh mint can spruce up a mocktail margarita.
Whether you’re making additions to your traditional bar or you’re building a mocktail bar from scratch, these handy tips can take the non-alcoholic bar from “meh” to “outstanding”.
Your Guide To The Best No- and Low-Alcohol Bar Goods
Whether you’re making additions to your traditional bar or you’re building a mocktail bar from scratch, these handy tips can take the non-alcoholic bar from “meh” to “outstanding”. For more recommendations on how to build a well-stocked mocktail bar, check out the best non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits here or start building it out with our friends at nanobar, who have the best selection around.
