Two Mocktails That Will Get You (and Me!) Through a Dry January
While California may officially still be in a drought, data shows many of us who survived the lockdowns, continued a higher than normal consumption of alcohol as we settled into our “new normal”.
The first holiday season post restrictions included traditional holiday parties and family reunions returning with celebrations in full flow, so was the alcohol.
Now, as the holidays wind down and we look forward to a new year pondering the habits we would like to change, waking up clearheaded is at the top of the list.
I created these two recipes back in 2018 and they have helped me sustain multiple dry/dryer periods with the help of one key ingredient that packed a bite similar to hard stuff (think vodka or tequila) without the headache.
That ingredient (believe it or not) is jalapeno.
Muddled and with a few unseeded slices, jalapeno adds just the right kick to trick you into believing you are enjoying a pricey artisan cocktail at an upscale eatery.
Unlike many mocktails that have a fruit juice base and/or loaded with simple syrup, The Fever Tree Light Ginger Beer Mocktail with lime and jalapeno and the Topo Chico Modka Soda not only taste spicy chic, they are also figure friendly.
The Fever Tree Light Ginger Beer Mocktail
3 small slices of jalapeno, remove seeds, muddle at the bottom of the preferred glass or traditional brass mug.
Add ice as desired.
Pour 1 bottle Fever Tree Light Ginger Beer and stir in muddled jalapeno.
Add a quarter wedge of squeezed lime juice and toss in wedge for additional flavor.
Add a sprig of mint for garnish and additional flavor.
Topo Chico Modka Soda
3 small slices of jalapeno, remove seeds, muddle at the bottom of the preferred glass.
Add ice as desired.
1 bottle Topo Chico sparkling water.
Add a quarter wedge of squeezed lime juice and toss in wedge for additional flavor.
*Featured photo: Gary Meulemans
Having spent most her childhood on sands of Zuma Beach, Cece left Southern California in her early 20’s, but it was only a matter of time before she returned to the idyllic place that held so many wonderful memories from her youth. In 2006, she made the journey back to Malibu and founded influential print and online media publications 90265 Magazine in 2013 highlighting the authentic Malibu lifestyle. One year later Cece launched The Local Malibu, an online news media site with a strategic focus on environmental and political activism. In the summer of 2018, Cece broke multiple global stories including the law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings and is considered by major news media as a trusted authority on Malibu. During the pandemic Cece founded Cali Mag, a publication dedicated to preserving and celebrating the “State of Soul”.
