It is no surprise that Gen Z drinks the least compared to the generations that come before them. They grew up in a world where information and research is available on every screen and handheld device. They are constantly surrounded by new information and with the help of social media apps, it’s easy to consume all this material as well as listen and watch more personal stories and experiences from people all over the world. Add that on top of being highly focused on mental and physical health and it’s really no amazement that they mostly choose to stay away from alcohol.
The statistics alone on drunk driving and road accidents are enough to make you think twice about getting into a car with someone who’s had a drink or two. There are also several studies that correlate alcohol to poor mental health in terms of anxiety and depression, as well as the physical effects of alcohol on the body. If you’ve ever been drunk, then you know all too well the lack of coordination and the slowing of reflexes. You’re also probably familiar with the hangover troubles that include headaches, nausea, and lethargy. There’s nothing wrong with partying and living it up with bottles of whatever you enjoy most. However, Gen Z is really pushing and showing that you can still have fun and make great memories (that you’ll actually remember) when you cut back or get rid of alcohol totally. It’s not just a more economical option when on a night out since bottle service and cocktails can reach some steep prices, but it is overall much better for your mental and physical health in the long run.
The problem now is that there aren’t very many options when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks. Surely there’s more to non-alcoholic drinks than sodas, juices, and sweet and syrupy mocktails. Although non-alcoholic drinks have been on a steady rise in the last few years, and there have been many independent brands and entrepreneurs creating their own non-alcoholic counterparts to some crowd favorites, it’s still not as widespread as it ought to be. Some bars and restaurants will have a couple of mocktail options but they’re usually very basic and you can probably make something better at home.
Here are some interesting mocktail recipes that will surely be more than just a soda and some fruit combined. Take inspiration and maybe even add your own twist to it. The possibilities are quite endless!
SPICY WATERMELON MOCKTAIL
Ingredients:
Frozen watermelon
Fresh watermelon
½ a jalapeño (de-seeded)
Simple syrup
Lime juice
Sparkling water/soda/your choice of carbonated beverage
Salt
¼ cayenne pepper
Watermelon and jalapeño slices for garnish
Directions:
Blend the frozen and fresh watermelon together with the de-seeded jalapeño until smooth. Strain the mixture and incorporate the lime juice and some simple syrup. Garnish the rim of the glass with a salt and cayenne pepper mixture and pour in the watermelon mix and top up with your choice or carbonated drink. You may add a slice of watermelon to the rim for garnish, or add a couple slices of jalapeño to the rim or let it float in your drink.
CRANBERRY ROSEMARY MOCKTAIL
Ingredients:
Cranberry juice
Maple syrup
Rosemary sprigs
Allspice
Soda water
Directions:
In a pan heat up the maple syrup with a couple sprigs of rosemary. Do not bring it to a boil, heat it up enough for the rosemary to infuse into the syrup. Take it off the heat and set aside to cool. In a cocktail shaker add 1-2 ounces of the maple rosemary syrup and add 2 ounces of cranberry juice, and a pinch of allspice. Shake well until everything is well combined and pour into a glass with ice. Top up with soda water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
BELL PEPPER SPRITZ
Ingredients:
1 red bell pepper
Basil leaves
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp agave nectar
Ginger ale
Lemon slices for garnish
Directions:
Roughly chop the bell pepper into large chunks, make sure to leave 2 strips for garnish. Place some bell pepper into a shaker and add in some basil leaves. Add the lemon juice and agave nectar too and muddle it well. Fill the shaker with some ice and shake it. Strain the juice into a glass with ice and top up with ginger ale. Garnish with a sliced strip of bell pepper and some lemon slices.
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