Low-Proof

"The classic Champagne Cocktail (bitters, sugar, sparkling wine) is one of my favorite drinks. It's delicious, celebratory, and so easy. Often it's finished with an expression of lemon over the top, and I like mine with just a drop of absinthe on top as well. This highball uses the tonic water to achieve the sparkle and the light bitter-sweet flavor of a Champagne Cocktail, along with tonic's best friend gin, a lemon cordial to amplify the lemon accent, and a touch of absinthe (optional), my preferred finish to the drink." - Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller's Gin & Tonic Recipe:

1 oz gin

.5 oz lemon cordial*

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

2-3 drops absinthe

Garnish: expressed lemon peel

Stir gin, cordial and tonic together in an ice-filled highball glass, finish with absinthe, and garnish.

*Lemon Cordial: Zest two lemons and set the zest aside. Juice the lemons and heat the juice in a pan with an equal amount, by volume, of white sugar. Bring the lemon juice and sugar to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and pour over the zest. Allow to cool and steep at least ten minutes, then strain well. Yields ~4oz cordial (multiply the recipe as needed for more cordial). Stored in the fridge, it will last for weeks.

Inspired by Lost Valley Cider Co. in Milwaukee, WI, this low-ABV radler is autumn in a glass.

Cider & Ginger Recipe:

4 oz Sparkling Hard Apple Cider

4 oz Top Note Ginger Beer

Garnish: crystallized ginger, fresh lime wheel

Build in an ice-filled glass and garnish.

If you're in the mood for a lighter and brighter after-dinner drink, try an Amaro Tonic. Popular in Venice where the heat and the close quarters of summer tourists can be overwhelming, we decided to name this one the Venetian Mask.

Venetian Mask Recipe:

1.75 oz amaro*

3-4 oz Top Note Indian Tonic Water

Stir ingredients together in a Collins glass or Copa de Balon and garnish.

*We especially like Cardamaro or Amaro Nonino, but any amaro will do! Take the opportunity to highlight the flavors of your chosen amaro with your 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.

Use up an open bottle of sparkling rosé with this simple spritz recipe.

Rosé Spritz Recipe:

.5 oz sweet vermouth

3 oz sparkling rosé wine

3 oz Top Note Bitter Lemon Tonic Water

Garnish: fresh citrus peel

Stir ingredients together in a wine glass and garnish.

The Negroni Sbagliato is a lighter, brighter version of the classic Negroni. Typically comprised of sweet vermouth, Campari, and sparkling wine, we swapped out the wine for our Sparkling Grapefruit Soda. The resulting cocktail is pleasantly bittersweet and with a lower ABV, you don't have to worry about tapping out too early in the evening.

Grapefruit Sbagliato Recipe:

2 oz sweet vermouth

2 oz Campari

2 oz Top Note Sparkling Grapefruit Soda

Garnish: fresh grapefruit slice

Stir ingredients together in an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish.