Low-Proof

At Top Note, Non-Alcoholic cocktails are a trend we have long been a part of. As cocktail makers seek to add novelty and newness to their menus, mixers are often looked upon as a key differentiator because when it comes to making NA cocktails, it is almost a given that a better quality mixer or spirit-free liquid will be involved. Gone are the Shirley Temple days. Now we have a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts striving for viscosity, flavor, and depth in the NA drink. 

Here are a few trends to try this January.

1. Incorporate coffee or tea

Top Note has been sold in multiple coffee houses since 2019, and we see the trend of cocktailing in coffee houses on the rise. The opposite is also true, where coffee is being used as an ingredient in higher end NA drinks. the mash-up is a marvel. Coffee brings acidity, and bitterness to a drink. Our favorite recipes are the classic E&T, a Matcha tea dream, and a Pineapple beauty,

2. Keeping the sugar low

Sugary drinks are on the rise with non-alcoholic imbibing. We noticed this in our NA tastings with multiple vendors. Better bartenders are lowering sugar but keeping flavor, by using tricks like Monkfruit. It can be incorporated as a means to add a flavor boost, sweetness, and no calories. Our mid-calorie soft drinks make perfect enhancements to drinks without all the sugar for this reason. Other tricks include lower sugar coconut water, or using a fruit juice that has been concentrated. Check out our Ginger Beer and Coconut Water recipe here.

3. Use a shrub or smash your own

Shrubs have a ton of flavor density and real viscosity that adds body. We love a shrub tonic, but sometimes a little goes a long way. Instead, a simple smash or crush of savory ingredients can do the trick with a well made tonic like Top Note.

Extremely common in Europe, Apéritifs have been a part of the drinking and culinary culture for hundreds of years. So when alcohol enthusiasts in the US fled to France during the 1920s, as prohibition was decimating the American drinking culture, they became exposed to Apéritifs. They then took the drink recipes home (once prohibition was over, of course!), and the Pompier spread like wildfire. Since then, the Pompier became the Vermouth Cassis and has been a part of the American drinking culture.

 Recipe: 

The Vermouth Cassis is a simple cocktail to prepare; you only need a jigger, glass, and pairing knife.

 Ingredients: 

 1.5 OZ of Dry Vermouth (We recommend Dolin Dry Vermouth) 

0.5 OZ of Creme De La Cassis (We recommend Lejay Creme de Cassis)

Top Note Tonic Club Soda To Taste / To Top

1 Lemon Twist

(Optional but highly recommended) Skewered Blueberries or Mint for Garnish

 *Note - We highly recommend using small, single-use, bottles of Vermouth when making cocktails; this is because once opened, Vermouth will begin to go bad and gain an off taste after about one month, two to three if stored in a refrigerator. This can lead to the cocktail being less than pleasant, so freshly opened Vermouth is a must for optimal taste and freshness! 

 Preparation: 

Add ice, Vermouth, and the Creme de la Cassis to a glass, followed by the club soda. Gently stir, and add the lemon twist with blueberries or mint for garnish and enjoy! 

Photo by @steph.achter

This simple classic Portuguese apéritif is perfect for happy hour. No fancy bar tools necessary!

White Port & Tonic Recipe:

4 oz white port wine

.5 oz lemon juice

4 oz Top Note Indian Tonic or Bitter Lemon Tonic

Optional 2 dashes bitters of your choice

Garnish: fresh citrus and herbs

Stir ingredients together with ice and garnish.

Rumored to be the Negroni's predecessor, the Americano has become a classic in its own right.

Americano Recipe:

1.5 oz Campari

1.5 oz sweet vermouth

Top Note Club Soda No. 1, to top

Optional 3 dashes orange bitters

Garnish: orange slice

Stir ingredients together with ice and garnish.

Inspired by the cocktail menu at PDT (short for Please Don't Tell) in Hong Kong, this low-ABV recipe is full of fresh, savory flavors.

Cel-Out Recipe:

.75 oz mezcal

.75 oz cold-pressed celery juice (store-bought or homemade)

4 oz Top Note Sparkling Grapefruit Soda

Garnish: lime and salt rim, fresh celery stalk and cucumber wheels (optional)

Rim the edge of a glass with the lime wedge, dip into a shallow dish of fine kosher salt, then shake off any excess salt from the glass. Add ice and all other ingredients to the glass, stir, and garnish if desired.

This festive low-ABV spritz will carry you through a night of merriment without leaving you with a headache the next day.

Cran-Apple Ginger Spritz Recipe:

4 fresh cranberries

1 slice fresh ginger

1 oz cranberry liqueur

3 oz apple cider

3 oz Top Note Club Soda No. 1

1 oz Top Note Ginger Beer

Garnish: fresh cranberries and orange slices

Muddle the cranberries and ginger in a cocktail shaker, then add the liqueur, cider, and ice. Shake and double strain into a chilled flute or wine glass. Top with Ginger Beer and Club Soda, stir gently, and garnish.