From Gym to Bar: Indulge in the Cotswolds' Best Mocktails & Alcohol-Free Cocktails with ANON Drinks

As a professional bartender in the beautiful Cotswolds, I've seen a significant shift in drinking habits over the past few years. With an increasing number of people striving for healthier lifestyles, alcohol-free alternatives have gained immense popularity among the health-conscious crowd. ANON Drinks is a brand that has caught my attention with their innovative, high-quality non-alcoholic spirits that offer a fantastic way to enjoy socialising without compromising on taste or the fun of the experience.

I LOVE to hit the Gym, but I hate undoing all hard work I made there, on alcohol, so in the pursuit of happiness I decided to learn more about the available products for making Mocktails for my profession as a bartender.

In this blog, I'll share some of my favourite mocktails and alcohol-free cocktails using ANON Drinks products, along with the occasions when I served them and the reactions they received.

ANON Drinks: Crafting Unforgettable Alcohol-Free Experiences

Spiced Cane: Non-Alcoholic Spiced Rum

The Spiced Cane is a delightful non-alcoholic spiced rum that captures the essence of a traditional spiced rum without the alcohol content. With its warm, aromatic spices and rich flavours, it's perfect for creating mocktails that feel indulgent and satisfying.

Spiced Cane Mojito

Ingredients:

• 50ml ANON Spiced Cane
• 20ml fresh lime juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves gently in a glass
2. Add the Spiced Cane, lime juice, and simple syrup
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well
4. Top with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig

Occasion: I first made the Spiced Cane Mojito for a summer garden party last July. The guests were delighted by the refreshing taste and were surprised by how closely it resembled the classic Mojito. The Spiced Cane added a unique depth of flavour that impressed even the most discerning palates.

No Groni: Non-Alcoholic Negroni

The No Groni is a fantastic non-alcoholic alternative to the classic Negroni cocktail. With its bittersweet flavour and smooth finish, it's perfect for those who enjoy the complexity of a classic Negroni without the alcohol content.

No Groni Spritz

• Ingredients:
• 50ml ANON No Groni
• 50ml sparkling water
• 50ml alcohol-free prosecco or sparkling wine
• Orange slice for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add the No Groni, sparkling water, and alcohol-free prosecco
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Garnish with an orange slice
   

Occasion: I prepared the No Groni Spritz for a corporate conference's cocktail reception in September. The attendees were pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated flavour profile of the No Groni Spritz, and many commented on its suitability as a refined, alcohol-free option for a professional setting, especially has many had to drive straight after.  It made a nice change to cups of tea that they had been served all day prior to this!

English Garden: Non- Pimm's

The English Garden is a refreshing non-alcoholic take on the classic Pimm's, featuring fruity and herbal notes that are perfect for a sunny afternoon in the Cotswolds.

English Garden Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 50ml ANON English Garden
• 100ml lemonade
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, cucumber, and mint)
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add the English Garden and lemonade
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Garnish with fresh fruit
   

Occasion: I first served the English Garden Lemonade at a countryside wedding in June, near Woodstock. The guests appreciated the light, fruity flavours of the English Garden mixed with lemonade, which made for a perfect accompaniment to the warm, sunny day. Many of the guests noted how the English Garden Lemonade captured the essence of a traditional Pimm's, without the alcohol content, making it a delightful and inclusive option for all attendees.  The bride commented that many of her guests were pregnant and that was why she chose to offer it.

Bittersweet Aperitif: Non-Alcoholic Aperol

The Bittersweet Aperitif is an alcohol-free alternative to Aperol, boasting a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavours that make for an excellent pre-dinner or anytime drink.

Bittersweet Aperitif Spritz

Ingredients:

• 50ml ANON Bittersweet Aperitif
• 50ml alcohol-free prosecco or sparkling wine
• 25ml soda water
• Orange slice for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add the Bittersweet Aperitif, alcohol-free prosecco, and soda water
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Garnish with an orange slice
   

Occasion: I created the Bittersweet Aperitif Spritz for a birthday celebration at a local restaurant in Oxford last May. The guests were impressed by the balance of flavours and the refreshing nature of the spritz. Many commented on how it was a perfect alcohol-free option for an Aperol Spritz, allowing them to indulge in a classic Italian aperitif without the alcohol content.  There was a mixture of age groups present, including under 18's, parents and grandparents.  It was nice to have a drink that everyone could feel equally comfortable drinking.

Conclusion

As a bartender in the Cotswolds, I'm thrilled to see the rise in demand for alcohol-free alternatives that allow people to enjoy social occasions without compromising their health or fitness goals. ANON Drinks offers a fantastic range of non-alcoholic spirits that enable the creation of delicious and satisfying mocktails and alcohol-free cocktails. If you're looking to explore a world of flavour without the alcohol, ANON Drinks is the perfect place to start. Cheers to a healthier, happier, and more inclusive social life!

Craig Webb