In a world that insists on picking sides on every subject just for the pleasure of opposition,
I propose a toast:
This dawning shift in drink preference from exclusively alcohol to alternatives is not an “Us vs. Them” situation. There are no sides in the extension of defining an adult drink.
To the people who ask, “What’s the point?”: That someone has alcohol in their cocktail, or an alternative, is not nearly as important as the act of sitting side by side at a table or a bar and talking to each other about their day, their hopes and dreams, disappointments, even the weather. We all have those things in common and don’t talk about them in public enough. And to anyone who does not understand the point of choosing an adult drink without alcohol over one with alcohol…The point is being a part of the same experience of gathering with other people over “drinks” and not having any physical, emotional, or social consequences. Choosing a non-alc. drink is not the headline. That we actually live in a time where satisfying non-alc. drinks exist to have that shared experience is.
To establishments: Ordering an NA beer or Mocktail are not fighting words. And to the bars and restaurants that haven’t found a reason to include these on their menus…money is the answer you are looking for. Money is being left in the pockets of people who order water instead of a soft drink because they don’t drink alcohol. If you are in the hospitality business, embracing this untapped clientele is not a loser move. However, picking only alcohol over expanding your drink service to welcome all your guests is shortsighted. Your customers’ desire to have a drink without alcohol is insignificant compared to their thirst for inclusion.
In response to the immortal words of Rodney King, “Can’t we all get along?”, we can if we just get over ourselves and see how unthreatening non-alc. inclusion is. Having gotten that off my chest, I lift my glass and say…
As we prepare for our journey’s home to family and friends, launching into old cookbooks for the dressing recipe, we are inclined to savor a sip of wine. Planning for Thanksgiving can be an epic challenge of making things “just right.” From exactly how many hours per pound to roast a turkey to making sure that all types of cranberry sauce (canned and homemade) are covered. Thankfully, now that there are so many delicious alcohol-removed wines on the market, we can sip to our hearts content without consequence or complications.
If this is your first holiday without alcohol or you just want a little direction on the best choice for the occasion, we have put together a list of our favorites to make things a bit easier.
MO’s wine picks for Thanksgiving:
Sovi-Wild Child Orange wine: For those on the fence about Rose wine, this has a delightful hue like Rose, but due to its extra time with the skin, has a beautiful warm tannic finish that leaves you wanting more. This sparkling wine is the perfect pairing with turkey and all the rest.
Oddbird Blanc de Blancs: One of the most versatile wines around. Bubbly, dry, and flavorful—this is a go-to for celebrations.
Yours Red Blend: A solid choice for red alcohol-removed wine. It has well-rounded acidity, is not sweet, and is full-bodied with a satisfying finish.
St. Vivianna Sauvignon Blancand Cabernet Sauvignon: It’s hard to choose between the two. For white wine drinkers, the Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, dry, and refreshing. The Cabernet is rich and luxuriously full-bodied, with hints of dried fruit. With both at the table, you will fulfill all your guests’ needs.
Joyus sparkling Rose: delightfully light and not too sweet, with delicate bubbles that are not overpowering. A fine choice for sparkling rose.
Heather’s wine picks for Thanksgiving:
Gruvi DrySecco is my top pick. This wine is unanimously the most favorite alcohol-free libation in my INSIDER community. My friends and family are both folks that drink alcohol and folks that don’t, and all of them love this semi-dry, floral, and tart carbonated wine. It’s perfect with charcuterie and for toasting special occasions. With over 1,000 5-star reviews and the lowest price wine on this list, it is the best value and perfect wine to serve a crowd. I love the individual servings, and it’s also great to mix mocktails. It is gluten-free, sulfate-free, and only 50 calories. Yes, I know, the perfect wine does exist, and it’s Gruvi DrySecco.
Prima Pavé Rosé Brut I am not normally a rosé fan like Mo, but this brut is so good. The bottle comes from Italy and looks gorgeous on any table. Maybe that’s why it’s a top pick at WilliamsSonoma! I love the effervescent flavor. This medal-winning wine has no added sugar, colors or chemicals. Cheers to that! It is handcrafted using a blend of my favorite varietals; no wonder I love it: Italian Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer grapes that express the complex character. Rosé Brut is a crisp, light classic that’s ideal for holiday meals and year-round celebrations.
Serena 0.0 Sauvignon BlancThis gorgeous bottle comes from a renowned winemaking Torres family. The winemakers span over 151 years and 5 generations. They are known for high-quality wines made with a commitment to sustainability. This one comes from Chile. I taste tested with my sober gal pals and every single one of us liked this one best of all the wine we sampled on our retreat. It can be hard to find, but put in a request on the website and see if you can get your hands on this before turkey time!
Gruvi Sangria My opinion of non-alcoholic reds is pretty low. It was my drink of choice as a drinker and I haven’t been able to find a good replacement. For more on this, see my blog, AreAlcohol-Free Drinks a Tool or a Trigger? However, this one is getting adding to the list as the only red because I love it that much. It tastes nothing like cheap, chemical-filled wines I used to get by the magnum when I was drinking alcohol. The main difference to me is that this red is sparkling without being sweet. Unlike the other reds I have consumed, this one is served chilled. This wine has the most unique flavor and is my ultimate favorite more than any other. I was never a fan of sangria when I drank alcohol, but I am a huge fan of this one. I am not alone in this. Gruvi Sangria has a gold medal from the International Wine and Spirits Competition and is recognized as one of the best non-alc wines globally. The cinnamon, clove, and fall flavors make this the perfect wine to serve in goblets at your Thanksgiving table. If you’re looking for a red, immediately add to cart.
5. OddBird Blanc de Blancs This wine made both Mo’s and my list so I have to say it is the absolute best on the list. It is modern and dry, liberated from alcohol. It is a bit pricey and worth it for the high complexity and delicate bubbles. Flavors include crisp apple, honey, and lime. This is my all-time favorite wine. A special and sophisticated treat you will be proud to serve. This one is for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. With different palettes, both Mo and I agree on Oddbird Blanc de Blancs.
Your table will be instantly elevated from these non-alcoholic options.
Curious about “Mindful Drinking” or what a Dry January or Sober October might mean for you? If you’re interested in making modifications, if not all out prohibition in your drinking habits, January might be the time to take some time off.
Taking a month to put some distance between you and over indulgence is not a bad idea. The good news is it doesn’t have to include you wearing a shroud and acting like a monk. Being sober can actually include being social. No need to worry about club soda as your only option when out and about. Whether it’s “Dry January” or “Dry Any Day”, there are quite a few places in Little Rock to go out with friends and enjoy an actual cocktail without the consequence.
…Welcome to the land of Mocktails!
Some of the drinks I have had the pleasure of trying, and some I look forward to tasting soon. Check back with the guide every so often because menus are always changing.
Initially my mission as Mocktail MO was to discover the best mocktails in Little Rock and beyond. The objective was to make lemonade out of the lemons life had given. I figured if I can’t drink cocktails with alcohol I should be able to have the same experience without it. Easy enough, no? Well after a few months of searching I believe I can call it “Mission Accomplished”. I think I have had the best Little Rock has to offer. Along the way I have had many mocktails, some good – some bad, and written about my experiences with the best I have found so far. Does this mean the end of Mocktail MO – heavens no! My goals have only expanded from finding the best mocktails –check, to A Mocktail for Every Menu. We’ll talk about that later.
Raduno
The Fold
Sauc(ed)
In my effort to find a really good alcohol-free cocktail my taste buds and I have had drinks for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. I am now ready to announce my top three picks for Best Mocktails in Little Rock, but they are all number one in my book. Raduno is at the top for actually having a Mocktail menu and serving consistent flavored drinks. The Fold will always be special for starting me on this journey in such a divinely delicious way. I was served a tremendous variety of drinks to choose from, and each one was as tasty as the other. And to round out this triad is Sauced for fearlessly diving into making a signature “MOtini” I will never forget. There are a couple Honorable Mentions too: I have to give Atlas Bar props for mocktail space on their menu; and Dos Rocas for the absolute best mockarita on the planet. It may look like I only traveled down South Main Street on this quest, but that just isn’t the case. I have ordered mocktails all around town with varied outcomes. It is interesting though that the culture of the SoMa district seems pretty open to the idea of alcohol-free mixed drinks.
…a what?
I still get that look a confused dog gives you when you say something they don’t quite understand when I order a mocktail at restaurants. You know; how they cock their head to the side and sort of curl their upper lip? That one. I won’t talk about the dud experiences I’ve had. This mocktail thing is a new concept for many, and I believe it’s only a matter of time before it catches on. For my new mission I have contacted a few restaurants and made suggestions for signature mocktails that represent the personality of their particular establishment. So far people have been open to conversation, but I haven’t noticed much actual movement in that direction – yet. I’m nothing if not optimistic about the future. I think their hesitation lies in the fear of losing money on less expensive drinks, but if they changed their perspective just a notch they might see the revenue loss of people only having the option of ordering soft drinks instead of drinks with alcohol. I generally pay around $5.00 for a mocktail – considerably more than a soda, and much more than a water; which are the current options. If I may, I’ll refer back to my Why Mocktails? Let Me Break it Down For Ya post for more a detailed analysis.
On this mission I have made other discoveries worthy of noting. I have made connections with people that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for this. Thanks to Instagram, I’ve discovered that Europe is way down the road on this alcohol-free drinks for grown-ups thing. I’ve seen multi-shelf displays in super markets of different types of mocktails from different companies. There is a gentleman in England that regularly posts about the different alcohol free beer he gets in pubs around town. The U.S. isn’t far behind either. There are pop-up bars that have entire mocktail nights from Austin to New York, and are sold out. And for the first time ever, mocktails will be officially served at the Kentucky Derby this year. You see Arkansas, mocktails really are a thing, and I am totally on board to be the leader of the pack.
If you are an establishment interested in talking about mocktails,
let me know – I’m huge on collaboration.
If you are a person looking for an alcohol alternative cocktail – be
bold and order one! Change isn’t always easy…but it might just be fun.
Mocktail MO 