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What a buffet is to a dinner party is essentially what a bar cart is to a festive cocktail party. Within the scope of including DIY elements, the duties of a host might tend to appear easier and less hands-on as guests are usually capable of helping themselves to what they prefer - allowing them to mingle freely. With food, the idea to have something for everyone becomes an easy task when approached objectively during menu-planning. Similarly, while having a drinks menu, including a plethora of non-alcoholic options is always a plus for teetotallers and the sober curious. However, the experience of picking, choosing and constructing one’s own drink is lost on them - taking away from the experience of self-service at a bustling party. Although a bar cart typically constitutes light and dark liquors, liqueurs, glassware, garnishes and ice buckets, drinkers usually are able to find their way around with ease. When wondering what would possibly make the duty of a host easier for the non-drinkers, having a zero-proof cart comes handy.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines
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All it really takes to make a 0.0% bellini or sangria is some fizzy, zero-proof wine, fresh-pressed fruit juice or chopped fruit and a host of decorative elements to make a drink just as gorgeous as their bozzy counterparts. Pair these bubbly drinks with a grazing board or some pasta to make an ideal pairing that feels indulgent without the overwhelming sweetness or dryness that is characteristic of wines.
Seedlip
Taking mixology by storm worldwide, the botanical-tasting non-alcoholic spirit forms the base for the crispest mojitos, ‘gin’ and tonics and zero-proof martinis. Choose between the aromatic and woodsy option or the herbal and floral complexity, depending on the kind of drinks you’re intending to serve - with custom-made recipe cards on how to best enjoy the liquor substitute.
Distilled Aromatic Waters
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Think of slightly bitter spirits infused with rosemary, lemon verbena or roses a la vermouth; all it needs is to be poured over ice or combined with soda water or tonic for the perfect blend of sweetness laced with a mellow bitter aftertaste that mimics a potent cocktail. These aromatic waters are also great mixers to stock up on while doling out G&T’s at the bar - providing a signature flavour almost effortlessly, even to cocktails.
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Apertivo Sodas
As much as the Italians love their aperitifs, the analcolici (non-alcoholic) apertivo sodas are just as herbaceous and citrusy - laced with a light bitterness to mimic the liqueur variants. Although great on their own served over ice, it’s not always a bad idea to enjoy them in combination with club soda or a sweeter mixer to balance its pronounced tartness.
Shrubs
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Also known as ‘drinking vinegars’, seasonal shrubs are the way to go during festive parties, when autumnal and winter-specific ingredients are available in abundance. A blend made using fruit, vinegar and sugar, making a batch of homemade shrubs is a fairly doable task - allowing one to remain in full control of flavour and quality, while also bringing a personal touch to the bar cart. Let them take front and centre place amongst other elements, as they are great on their own or even when combined with some club soda for a sparkling mocktail.
Cocktail Syrups
While it’s hard to make a case for readymade mixers due to their sickly sweetness, plenty of small-batch, artisanal syrups are also finding their way to grocery store shelves. From unique ingredient combinations to handcrafted mixes, these syrups are perfect to use in cocktails as well as great to enjoy mixed with soda or tonic water, plenty of garnishes and ice - all the elements for the perfect booze-free beverage.
