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A lot more people are looking to curb their alcohol intake, yet still enjoy the social edification of mixology. Even if you want to reduce the amount you drink, there’s no reason why you still can’t savour a classic cocktail, only with a lot less alcohol.
Not so long ago, the only alternatives for a teetotaler or those wanting to imbibe low-proof drinks in a cocktail lounge were a club soda or tomato juice. Those days are now gone, and there is now a whole branch of mixology dedicated to crafting low-alcohol cocktails with the same attention to detail and levels of excellence to be found in traditional high ABV cocktails.
Fine Dining Lovers has created a very special video series showcasing some low-proof versions of classic cocktails for those who still want to enjoy a refreshing drink, but prefer to eschew the effects of alcohol. Not only can you learn the best way to make the drink, but you’ll get the perfect food pairing to go with it. Have a look at these four great low-proof cocktail recipe videos.
The Marga-cheater
The classic Margarita is one of the purest expressions of cocktail excellence. The simple combination of flavours is fresh and alive, striking a balance between saltiness and acidity. There’s no reason to go without, and this recipe shows you how to prepare the perfect low-alcohol Margarita for yourself. You’ll need just 1 1/4 oz tequila, 3/4 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, salt for rimming the glass, and a slice of lime.
The LOWjito
This is a low-proof version of the tropical favourite the Mojito. The traditional Cuban highball is a legendary concoction with its own distinct character and history to match. This version shares the secret of a low-alcohol Mojito, or the LOWijto as we like to call it, which packs a punch with all the Latin flavour of its originator, but with toned-down alcohol content. All you need is 1 1/2 oz Cuban rum, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 3 bar spoons white cane sugar, 3 sprigs of fresh mint and sparkling water.
The CosLOWpolitan
The modern and urbane Cosmopolitan gets the low-alcohol treatment in this version, which retains all the tart freshness of the original, but with less of a Russian vodka punch.
The LOWgroni
Milan’s Negroni may be the most perfect cocktail ever invented, and this version doesn’t compromise on depth of flavour and balance of sweet and bitter. With the LOWgroni you can enjoy your aperitivo, without the high-proof effects of its boozier originator. All you need is 1 oz red vermouth, 1 oz bitters, 1 oz gin, half a slice of fresh orange and ice.
