The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect upon and enjoy the season’s best offerings. And with so many creative sommeliers and bartenders, there’s no better time to enjoy your favorite cocktails and wines, with or without the alcohol. Non-alcoholic beverages have continued to expand in popularity and can be found alongside alcohol containing options. The “mocktail” has evolved from selections like “virgin strawberry daiquiris” to more sophisticated creations. The trend reflects both the demand for more creative diverse beverages as well as those of overall wellness. For even without considering the negative health effects from alcohol, there’s also the calories. So if you’re like me and love to experience great cocktails minus the dreaded hangover, there’s good news. Non-alcoholic drinks are increasing in popularity and have dramatically improved over time. The “Nogroni” tastes much better than it sounds. Non-alcoholic drinks are now being crafted with the same enthusiasm as their alcoholic counterparts; the era of inventive cocktails has brought a new creativity to both cuisines and menus. For example, New York City’s “Double Chicken Please” (which was named the Best Bar in North America this year) offers a winter melon mocktail as part of its menu. The trend has also extended into the retail market, with a slew of non-alcoholic beverages available to consumers. Demand-driven, the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic drinks has spawned several innovative approaches. And while a non-alcoholic bar may sound like an oxymoron, the industry appears to be trending in that direction (at least partially). Nine Orchard Hotel, a NYC Michelin guide food and wine destination, now offers guests “spirit -free” menu options. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Located inside the elegantly restored Jarmulowsky Bank, a remarkable treasure of original elements and Neo-Renaissance architecture — it’s a destination in and of itself. New York City is replete with incredible finds such as Orchard Hotel’s Swan Room, yet I only discovered it through reading Punch, an online publication. I highly recommend visiting their site at punchdrink.com. It’s an outstanding well-written publication encompassing drinks, culture and history. Their most recent article on the rising demand for non-alcoholic beers is worth reading.
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