The Muse of Mixology
No and Low Proof Cocktails
Many people adjust their alcohol consumption at the beginning of a new year; for some, it is simply a “Dry January,” and for others, that continue throughout the year. The challenging and depressing side effects of 2020 and the ever-looming threat of Covid were tough for a lot of folks, and it seems people either drank MORE than before or used the lockdown as an opportunity to get in shape. Whether your reason is health-related or you simply do not want to drink, no-proof (non-alcoholic) and low-proof cocktails have become a trend on cocktail menus, and I think it’s here to stay.
Carribean 75
Non-alcoholic drinks are historically BAD. So bad that we used to call them “mocktails” until someone along the way realized that was a derogatory term for something you are going to consume. Bartenders didn’t really care to make them, so you would usually receive an overly sweet juice concoction. Over the last few years, that has changed, and bartenders are getting extremely creative with spirit-free cocktail ingredients, from the glassware it is served in, to the garnishes that adorn them.
Carribean 75 2
So, what is a low-proof cocktail? It can actually mean several different things. First of all, let’s understand what “low proof” is. Depending on who you ask, some people will tell you that any spirit under 40% ABV (alcohol by volume) is low-proof, whereas others will say that number should be 25% ABV. Previously, low-proof cocktails were made with liqueurs or vermouths as the base spirit and sometimes topped with a sparkling wine. As this trend has continued, the mixology community has heavily embraced it and gotten highly creative.
Syrups, juices, herbs, botanicals, and craft sodas have added to the innovation, and lower-proof vodkas, tequilas, and other spirits. Cocktail menus worldwide have made space for no and low-proof cocktails, and those that enjoy them demand that they be as pretty and delicious as the classics.
So why am I writing about this in a RUM magazine? One reason is that I like to talk about the current trends and fads. The other reason is that there is another way to make a lower-proof cocktail, and that is to simply reduce the amount of spirit in the cocktails. If the recipe calls for 2 ounces of rum, you can bring that down to 1 ounce and still have a fine drink. Making it a “long drink” by serving it in a tall glass with extra of the mixer is another trick. One of my all-time favorite cocktails is the French 75, which is traditionally made with either cognac or gin, but you know I love to play around with recipes. Here is my low proof, RUM French 75. Enjoy!!
Caribbean 75
Ingredients:
- .75 oz. Light Rum
- .5 oz. Simple Syrup
- .5 oz. Lemon Juice
Directions:
Shake well with ice, and strain into a coupe or flute glass. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a twist of lemon. Pro-tip: If you have fresh berries, muddle a few in the bottom of your cocktail shaker and double strain for another layer of flavor.
