First, let’s set the record straight. The negroni is an iconic classic. A powerful, bold, and bitter union between Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, distributed in equal parts. The recipe template is versatile and adapts well to experimentation, just be wary of naming any riffs a negroni lest you offend the members of the cocktail’s cult-like following.
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Occasionally, it may be useful to know the total alcohol content of a cocktail. Calculating the ABV (alcohol by volume) is not particularly difficult, but if it’s something that you need to do frequently, this handy spreadsheet simplifies the process!
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This one is for the Negroni fans.
Sanbittèr is an Italian red bitter style soda that comes in perfectly dosed 3.4 ounce (10 cl) bottles. In the U.S. we know San Pellegrino mostly for their sparkling mineral water and a few citrus sodas, however, in Italy they are known for a much wider selection which includes citrus sodas and unique bitter sodas, Sanbittèr and Chinotto.
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Looking to better practice moderation and mindful consumption, I was excited to come across DHŌS non-alcoholic spirits. With this category seeing exponential growth, one can only hope we’re beyond the point of someone’s choice to cut back or cut out being a surprising statement. What I find exciting is exploring the growing number of options available in the “low and no” category. DHŌS launched in late 2020, and is an offshoot of Ransom Spirits. They currently offer three alcohol alternatives—Gin-Free, Orange, and Bittersweet. After tasting their lineup individually and in various recipes, I’m ready to share my full review of DHŌS non-alcoholic spirits as well as some zero-proof cocktail recipes for each of their flagship bottles.
However, to best understand how these products fit into your home bar, a quick primer on the category is needed.
It can be a challenge to match the complexity of a well-made (alcoholic) cocktail. However, when one considers all the elements that contribute to make cocktails enjoyable, it’s simpler to create non-alcoholic counterparts. The Shaman’s Medley is the perfect example because it incorporates egg white to give it that silky mouthfeel you find in so many classics. The highlight of this recipe is DHŌS Bittersweet, a non-alcoholic aperitif.
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This non-alcoholic cocktail is a riff on the simple Southside. Non-alcoholic spirits often use either capsicum or menthol to simulate the burn of alcohol. I find that crafting a recipe that plays to that factor helps zero-proof options come closer to replacing their alcoholic counterparts.
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This non-alcoholic cocktail is a riff on the Sunflower created by Sam Ross of Attaboy. It uses two of DHŌS Spirits’ alcohol-free products. The use of the Belvoir Elderflower Cordial is a great alternative to St. Germain, and the Pastiche bitters take the place of the absinthe rinse. Of course, the bitters do contain alcohol, so simply remove that element if you prefer.
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