When building your zero proof bar cart, don’t forget to add some unique items to the lineup that pack huge punches of flavor. Simple combinations of fruit, sugar and water, non-alcoholic cordials can take the place of fruit liqueurs to add a sweet, fruity kick to your drinks, not to mention a vibrant color. With the recipe below as a base, you can create endless variations to bump up the flavor in your favorite zero proof and low abv cocktails.
This raspberry or blackberry cordial recipe makes around a gallon, so you can easily halve it if you want to start smaller.
Ingredients:
48 oz raspberries or blackberries, fresh or frozen (4 pints)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cups sugar
12 cups water
Rinse the berries thoroughly. Place them into a large bowl and add the lemon juice. Stir with a large spoon. Add the water and sugar into a pot and bring to a boil. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the hot sugar water over the berries and let it sit uncovered for 1-2 hours at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the fridge for 24 hours to steep. Then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth into a large container. Feel free to use the leftover berries as a dessert topping, or as its own snack. The cordials will store in the fridge for up to a month.
You can use the same recipe to experiment with other fresh fruits like blackcurrants or frozen fruits like cherries and blueberries.
With your cordial stock, you can now make simple zero proof cocktails using our Whiskey, Gin, or Tequila Alternative, mixed with cordial and soda. Or follow one of our recipes below.
Make our Bitter Raspberry Collins using raspberry cordial for the raspberry syrup.
Make our Smooth Landing or Last Word with cherry cordial for the maraschino liqueur.
