All the benefits of a cocktail, but none of the consequences. Today, as restaurant and bar patrons increasingly seek the ambiance of social spaces without the need to imbibe, mocktails continue to proliferate on menus across the United States. With creative flavor combinations and eye-catching colors, these drinks are often a sensory delight, one perfect for individuals of all ages. And, through the mimicry of their alcoholic counterparts, mocktails also serve to ensure everyone feels included, preserving the vibes of important social rituals.
However, not every mocktail needs to come from a restaurant. With the help of some basic tools and a quick grocery run, anyone can become an amateur mixologist. And, as I quickly learned, this is especially true if you have the help of The Booze-Free Bar(c)art Book from Schiffer Publishing. A must-have for any kitchen creative, this collection of 45 recipes is the ideal entry point to the world of at-home mocktails. Here, author Cece Bailey Page serves up offerings ranging from sweet to bubbly to tart to savory, all designed with a touch of whimsy and plenty of intent.
This book’s prequel, The Bar(cart) Book, was written as an accessible introduction to crafting cocktails, and even contained a chapter on mocktails—one that was particularly popular with readers. Then, during her pregnancy, Page learned how limited alcohol-free options were in many social spaces, and how isolating avoiding alcohol can feel.
Thus, The Booze-Free Bar(c)art Book was born, with the goal of making the world just as bright and flavorful for those who imbibe as those who don’t. And the recipes certainly live up to Page’s vision. Ingredients run from relatively average—pineapples, passion fruit, lemon juice, sparkling wine—to somewhat niche or unusual—pear halves, creme de banana, aloe vera. No matter the combination, every drink stands out, aided by the stylized illustrations accompanying each recipe.
And Page’s creativity doesn’t stop there. References abound within these colorful pages, from dessert-themed drinks like the “Dreamsicle Delight” to pop culture references such as the “Wascally Wabbit” (yes, it includes carrot). Page’s favorite figures and memories also play a role, influencing recipes including the “Dolly Parton” (one of her favorite musicians) and the “Palmer Punch” (inspired by the sweet tea she made with her family as a child). And with an accompanying “Notes” section included with each recipe, it’s easy—and endlessly interesting—to discover exactly where these drinks came from.
Of course, this book is an accessible introduction to mocktails for a reason, and it’s not just the simple-to-follow recipes. One of my favorite parts of The Booze-Free Bar(c)art Book is one of its last sections—the guide to substitutions. Here, suggestions such as replacing Poppi Rose Raspberry with Fentimans Botanically Brewed Rose Lemonade are neatly ordered, making recipes easier to craft with the ingredients you prefer, or that are available to you. In her final thoughts, Page even encourages readers to experiment, changing up the recipes to suit their own palates.
Prefacing the recipe sections, Page also includes descriptions of all the bar tools and glassware recommended for crafting her creations. These two segments may be brief, but they nonetheless provide an invaluable starting point for those unfamiliar with bar sets or types of glassware. To further assist beginner mixologists, Page includes the kind of drinkware most appropriate for each drink at the top of their recipe. The “Lonesome Dove,” for example, would be best suited to a lowball glass, while the “Sorbet Float” should be paired with a martini glass.
Don’t have all of these tools or glasses? In my attempts, they’ve worked just fine without. It may mean exercising a little bit of creativity at times, but these recipes wouldn’t be suitable for beginners if they required a complete bar set.
In short, when it comes to making at-home mocktails just as interesting—if not more so—than your average cocktail, few guides are better than The Booze-Free Bar(c)art Book. The recipes are easy to read and follow, making them perfect for everyone from beginners to mocktail experts. A range of inspirations and illustrations makes the book not only eye-catching, but a perpetually interesting read. And with five drink sections to explore, you’re sure to find something for every taste and occasion.
Ready to liven up your mocktail journey? Visit Schiffer Publishing’s website HERE to purchase your copy of The Booze-Free Bar(c)art Book today!
