Like most adventurers making discoveries, it’s not always an easy road. However, on the near horizon a Mocktail treasure awaits.

Stay tuned..

So.. Here we are at the start of something big.  It turns out that Mocktails are a thing starting to make traction in popular culture.   What an exciting time to be an imbiber of non-alcoholic bevs.  Up to now when I have gone to a restaurant and asked for a Mocktail it has been a hit-or-miss situation.  A couple of times I lucked into a bored, but creative bar tender who took the challenge and came through.  Mostly I‘ve been offered some version of a Shirley Temple, which is a sort of maraschino syrup soda, or fruity slushies. There must be another way to go out for drinks, and not feel like I should be sitting at the kids table.

What I’m looking for is a non-alcoholic drink for grown-ups.  Something that isn’t sweet enough to rot my teeth, or with a name reminiscent of a six-year-old in ringlets.  I am seeking a drink with a level of sophistication worthy of the name Cocktail.  How many more adults could be served if they were offered a menu of Mocktail creations?  Come on all you mixologists out there- you artisanal barkeeps;  I’m certain that if you put your mind to it…the sky’s the limit. 

Bathroom tile floor seeking–toilette hugging- head pounding misery is where my story begins.  After turning 45 I began having recurring headaches that lasted for days. What brought the problem into sharp focus was three separate occasions when I had a single drink before dinner and ended up in the aforementioned position in the loo.  I was desperate for and answer, and saw a doctor who told me to wash my hands more – Hah!  Undaunted I searched the internet and discovered Alcohol Intolerance.  (Think of lactose intolerance but with booze.) The heavens opened and the angels sang.  Halleluiah!  Something that described my symptoms and made sense.  Except the part where the most common risk factor is being of Asian descent.  Uncertain, but I’ll roll with it. 

Problem identified, the solution to the problem is to not drink alcohol.  Now, I’m a gal who enjoys the social aspect of adult beverages like meeting friends for drinks, or having a bourbon while making pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving, and the midnight “chin-chin” of champagne flutes on New Year’s Eve.  Being alcohol free has really put a dent in celebrations.  What does a body do?  Have a Mocktail! 

I am on the hunt for Arkansas’ best non-alcoholic cocktail.  There are plenty of recipes online , but I’m curious what our foodie culture has to offer.  Please join me on my journey.  Together we will achieve oneness through Mocktails.