Beyond Soda and Juice Pt 2

So good it deserved a part 2

Welcome back, I thought the best way to end this series was to create a part 2 on making your own mocktail at home.

Let’s get shaking…

1. Gin Basil Smash

A true classic combining basil, simple syrup, non-alcoholic gin, and lemon juice, and lots of ice. That first sip is like a burst of green freshness, and that zesty pop of citrus and notes of muddled basil are a game-changer. It’s also another alternative to a normal gin and tonic. Here is what you need to make it:

1. 50 ml non-alcoholic gin

2. 20–25 ml fresh lemon juice

3. 15 ml simple syrup

4. 8–10 fresh basil leaves

5. Ice

How to:

• Muddle basil
  In a shaker, add the basil leaves and lemon juice. Gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the basil’s aroma—don’t overdo it, or it’ll turn bitter.

• Add gin and syrup
  Pour in the gin and simple syrup.

• Shake with ice
  Add a good handful of ice cubes, seal the shaker, and shake hard for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.

• Strain
  Double strain (through a fine mesh strainer) into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps out basil bits and gives a smooth texture.

• Garnish
  Top with a fresh basil sprig or a lemon wheel for extra aroma and color.

2. Mojito

The drink opens with the crisp aroma of mint leaves, which are gently muddled. The lime juice adds a citrusy tang, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup.  A splash of soda water adds fizz, turning the mojito into a great drink, especially great on hot days.

1. 10 fresh mint leaves

2. 20–25 ml fresh lime juice

3. 15 ml simple syrup

4. Sparkling water, flavoured, is great

5. Crushed ice 

6. Lime wedges (for garnish)

7. Mint sprig (for garnish)

How to:

• Muddle the mint
  In a sturdy glass, add the mint leaves and lime juice. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press the mint—just enough to release the oils, not shred the leaves.

• Add syrup
  Pour in the simple syrup (or your sweetener of choice) and stir to combine.

• Add ice
  Fill the glass with crushed ice or a few ice cubes.

• Top with sparkling water
  Slowly pour sparkling water over the ice until the glass is full. Stir gently to mix.

• Garnish and serve
  Add a sprig of mint and a lime wedge for a fresh, inviting finish.

3. Moscow Mule

1. 100 ml ginger beer or for my gut healthy people ginger kombucha (tried and tested- AMAZING)

2. 15–20 ml fresh lime juice

3. 15 ml simple syrup

4. 60 ml soda water

5. Ice

6. Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)

How to:

• Prepare your glass
  Use a copper mug if you have one or a glass.

• Add lime juice and syrup
  Pour the fresh lime juice and simple syrup into the mug.

• Fill with ice
  Add crushed ice until the mug is about ¾ full.

• Pour in the ginger beer
  Top with ginger beer, then add a splash of soda water.

• Stir gently
  Use a spoon or straw to mix the ingredients.

• Garnish and serve
  Add a lime wedge for extra aroma.

4. Margarita

A good margarita is zesty and refreshing, with just the right balance of sour, sweet, salty, and strong. It’s perfect for fun evenings and warm summer days.

1. 30 ml fresh lime juice

2. 30 ml orange juice

3. 15 ml agave syrup

4. 60–90 ml sparkling water

5. Ice

6. Salt & Lime Zest

7. Lime wedge (for garnish)

How to:

• Rim the glass (optional)
  Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into a small plate of salt and lime zest.

• Shake the ingredients
  In a cocktail shaker, combine:

  • 30 ml lime juice

  • 30 ml orange juice

  • 15 ml agave syrup

  • A handful of ice
    Shake for about 10–15 seconds.

• Strain and serve
  Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

• Top with sparkling water
  Add 60–90 ml of sparkling water.

• Garnish
  Add a lime wheel or wedge for a citrusy finish.