Zero-proof cocktail mastery

The new cocktail hour

Alcohol is controversial, especially when it comes to risk on longevity. Non-alcoholic drinks don’t face the same scrutiny though, and sales of zero-proof drinks have soared in response. This is slowly shifting the drinking culture. 🍸 Today, we are learning the art of the non-alcoholic drink with a maestro in mixology, Jente ‘Goose’ Gees, a brand specialist at The Macmillan. These ‘mocktails’ go above and beyond with the addition of health and longevity-promoting ingredients.

Let’s dive in.

Crafting zero-proof cocktails for longevity: A blueprint for wellness

In partnership with Jente ‘Goose’ Gees, mixologist, brand specialist at The Macmillan

• Zero-proof ingredients can add depth and complexity that rivals traditional cocktails.

• Livelong’s resident longevity mixologist, Goose, has the ideal formula for a zero-proof cocktail that is both free from alcohol and crafted using specific healing ingredients.

In the pursuit of a zero-proof drink that is delicious, sophisticated, and longevity-forward, we get stuck at a crossroads between innovation and simplicity.

Traditional ‘mocktails’ can feel like smoothies that masquerade as cocktails—far from the desired experience.

Craft cocktails can be much too complex.

To elevate the art of zero-proof mixology, I (Goose) have developed a versatile blueprint centered around a tea-infused cordial.

This blueprint can be tailored to each of Livelong’s five pillars of longevity:

• 🌿 Nutrition

• 🏃 Exercise

• 💤 Sleep

• 🪷 Stress management

• 🫂 Social connection

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The stars of our five pillars-cocktails

Before diving in, let's explore the key ingredients that can positively influence each pillar of health.

🌿 Tarragon for nutrition: Tarragon is rich in magnesium, a critical longevity nutrient that’s good for the bones, nerves, muscles, and brain. Tarragon pairs beautifully with maple syrup to create an earthy cordial.

🍵 Green tea for exercise: Green tea is renowned for supporting cardiovascular health and muscle mass. This makes it an excellent choice for a lively get together that includes dancing and physical activity.

🍄 Mushrooms for sleep: Ashwagandha powder is the perfect pairing for chamomile tea if you want to promote a night of relaxation. Both compounds can help with stress reduction and are separately shown to improve sleep quality.

🌱 Rosemary for stress management: Rosemary tea enhances mental clarity and lowers cortisol (stress hormones) in the body. It is also a well-known mood booster and enhances focus, making it perfect for stress relief.

🍋 Lemon balm for social connection: Lemon balm and lavender are herbs that promote harmony and emotional well-being. They are the perfect pair to create internal calm in loud social settings.

The cordial blueprint

The cordial is the core of our zero-proof cocktails. It is a versatile base that can be adapted to suit each pillar.

The four elements of a cordial:

• Sweet component

• Herbal component

• Acidic component

• Flavor enhancers

The sweet and enhancing elements make the drink palatable and delicious. The herbal element contains the health benefits—it is the body of the drink. Acid brightens the drink and balances the pH, and flavor enhancer can improve the quality—and even the healthfulness—of your zero-proof cocktail.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Component: 100g honey (or alternative sweetener like maple syrup)

• Herbal Component: 150g freshly brewed herbal tea using one of the stars of the five pillars (e.g., tarragon, green tea, chamomile, lavender)

• Acidic Component: 2g citric acid

• Flavor Enhancers: 2ml lemon balm extract (or alternative extract), a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the sweet component with the herbal tea until dissolved.

2. Add the acidic component and flavor enhancers.

3. Adjust ingredients based on the desired pillar.

Put it all together

To create the final drink, mix the cordial with your choice of non-alcoholic elixirs. Goose uses two drinks from Opius Distillery, a Belgium brand that specializes in non-alcoholic beverages.

Opius Albedo contains earthy fennel and fresh juniper, while Opius Amaro adds notes of bitterness and citrus, according to the Opius website. They also suggest that both alcohols are “social elixirs” that activate neurotransmitters (GABA-receptors) that calm the nervous system.

Combine:

• 1.5 oz of cordial

• 1 oz of Opius Albedo

• 0.5 oz of Opius Amaro

When paired with the cordial of your choosing, this becomes a delicious and socially-liberating drink without some of the harmful effects of alcohol.

Continue the conversation

ANCIENT DRINKS: Ancient Egyptians drank psychedelic cocktails with medicinal properties.

CANNABIS COCKTAILS: Are CBD infusions the next wave of cocktails?

CANCER CLAIMS QUIZ: This Harvard quiz gives the facts about the most common cancer claims, including alcohol.

LEAST WORST: What are the least worst alcoholic beverages that you can consume?

Until next time,

Erin

_{The information provided about wellness items and beverages is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Drug interactions may occur, so talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.}

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