Welcome back, adventurous spirits (pun intended)! Buckle up because we're about to embark on a flavor-packed journey that combines mixology mastery with non-alcoholic magic. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail aficionado or just curious about booze-free libations, we've got a treat that's perfect for Negroni Week or any time you crave a refreshing, sophisticated sip.
Negroni Week is all about celebrating the classic Negroni, but we're here to prove that you can have an equally fantastic time without the booze.
The one and only Kaitlyn Stewart, who earned the title of Best Bar Tender in the World in the World Class Cocktail Competition in 2017, created the High and Dry as a riff on the original Negroni Sbagliato.
Now, picture this: Delicate floral notes from elderflower cordial, a zesty kick of orange flower water, and a touch of bittersweet elegance from our chosen aperitivo – it's like a flavor carnival in your glass, a party for your taste buds!
So we knew we had to do a riff on the riff and make our nonalcoholic version.
The Ingredients
- 3⁄4 oz Non-Alcoholic Gin (We're loving Cut Above)
- 3⁄4 oz Bitter Aperitivo (Options galore – Ghia, Aecorn Bitter, Gnista Floral Wormwood, or Wilderton Bittersweet)
- 3⁄4 oz Elderflower Cordial (D’arbo Syrup's the best and most floral)
- 1 tsp Orange Flower Water
- 2 oz Dry Non-Alcoholic Wine (Noughty's our choice for something sparkling and dry)
- Ice (keepin' it cool)
- An Orange Peel Coin (for that citrusy dazzle)
Our best picks for each ingredient
Most of these are easy to find, and you can get them on our website
NonAlcoholic Gins
- Cut Above (We’re loving it)
- Ritual Zero Proof Gin
Bitter Aperitivos
- Ghia - a floral, citrus forward, and bitter
- Aecorn Bitter - An intense nonalcoholic bitter
- Gnista Floral Wormwood - Earthy and bitter
- Wilderton Bittersweet - balance of bitter and sweet, with aroma
- Stappj Bitter Aperitif - a soda with flavor profile of campari
Elderflower Cordial
- D’arbo - the best quality elderflower with a floral punch
Orange Flower Water
NA Sparkling Wine
- Noughty Sparkling Rosé has notes of berries and pretty dry
A Symphony of Flavors
So, what's the deal with this drink, you ask? The non-alcoholic gin gives it that botanical backbone, while the bitter aperitivo adds a hint of bittersweet charm. And the elderflower cordial? Well, it's like a floral serenade to your senses, sweet and captivating. That dash of orange flower water just makes the elderflower even more magical.
What we like about this drink is that it’s a bit lighter, a bit less booze-forward, and perfect for a mocktail. You get the complexity from the NA spirits that make the NA wine even more interesting.
Instructions
In a mixing glass, stir the non-alcoholic gin, bitter aperitivo, elderflower cordial, and orange flower water together with some ice. Pour this over a fresh large ice cube in a rocks glass. Now, add the dry non-alcoholic wine to give your creation that final flourish. Don't forget the garnish – an orange peel coin. Express the oils of the orange peel on the top of and around the glass. It adds a pop of color and releases a burst of citrusy aroma as you sip.
If you give this a try, let us know what you think! Cheers!
