5 simple ingredients, 1 perfect mocktail (part 1)
By Dana Peck
5 simple ingredients can make the perfect mocktail
Margaritas have been a fan favorite drink for a while, and I don't know many people who would turn one down with some chips and salsa. Taking the alcohol out will make it so no one will ever have to turn down a great margarita. With just 5 ingredients you can make an amazing mocktail margarita, and never have to feel left out on the fun again!
Whether you abstain from drinking by choice or due to other reasons, I firmly believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a flavorful beverage with friends. It can feel quite awkward to be the only person holding a glass of water while everyone else is drinking. Having a tasty drink allows you to partake in the social aspects of drinking without experiencing any of the negative effects.
Making mocktails can be an intimidating thing to do. It requires balancing a drink the same way as making a regular cocktail, just without the alcohol. Most people leave cocktail-making to the bartenders. This can be nerve-racking as the general unknown of ingredients is overwhelming. Making mocktails requires some trial and error, especially when you're making them at home. You have to figure out how to balance a drink to your taste.
Making mocktails does require a little bit of work and equipment. Having a cocktail shaker will definitely help you create a higher-quality mocktail. It can be done without it, but it makes life a lot easier when making drinks. Also, the higher the quality of ingredients, the better the drink will taste. Using freshly squeezed juice makes more of a difference than people expect. With that being said, proceed to make this mocktail however you like or are able to. Make changes to the recipe to make it your own!
Personally, I would make this mocktail in a 12 oz cup, and fill it to the top, but it's all personal preference. Do what you like with what you have! If you don't have a cocktail shaker you could shake it in a cup with a sealable lid, or just stir it the best you can! Making mocktails should be fun, not a chore!
How to make the perfect mocktail margarita with 5 simple ingredients
Recipe:
1.5 oz lime juice
1.5 oz orange juice
1 oz agave
1 drop of liquid smoke
Lime seltzer water to taste
Directions:
Add the lime juice, orange juice, agave, and liquid smoke to a cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake these ingredients vigorously.
Add salt to rim of glass if desired.
Fill glass with ice.
Strain mocktail from shaker over glass of ice.
Fill glass to the top with lime seltzer water.
Garnish with fresh lime wedge if desired.