Green beer, hard liquor and mixed drinks will definitely be poured on St. Patrick’s Day because it is a holiday traditionally recognized by raising a glass. But St. Patrick’s Day can also be celebrated without alcohol thanks to some pretty tasty mocktails.
“I think anytime there is a very drinking-heavy holiday, you have people who are looking for other ways to participate,” said Brianda Gonzalez, the founder of the Venice-based alcohol-free bottle shop The New Bar, which recently opened a new location in West Hollywood.
“And Mocktails are even more popular than ever,” she added.
Her shop sells all sorts of alcohol-free bottles of spirits and mixers and holds happy hour and other events for mocktail fans. She’s also holding St. Patrick’s Day holiday events at both of her shops on Sunday, March 17, and expects pretty good crowds.
“Whether you have to be at work the next day or you don’t drink, or you’re trying to drink a little less so you don’t feel so crummy after what tends to be a bit of a bender holiday, we definitely see people looking for ways to celebrate without being so hard on their bodies,” she said.
For those who want to pre-mocktail drink before going out or simply enjoy one at home, Gonzalez offered two mocktail recipes she created for her St. Patrick’s Day events at The New Bar.
The Irish Coffee
This is a classic morning drink, perfect for pre-gaming on St. Patrick’s Day. Instead of regular whiskey, Gonzalez makes hers with a 1.5-ounce pour of a non-alcoholic whiskey brand called Monday.
Gonzalez said to mix the whiskey with a splash of any higher-end brand of half and half to give it richness and body. Non-dairy drinkers can substitute the half and half with oat milk. This can be mixed with about 4.5 ounces of hot black coffee or a cold brew of your choice and can be topped with whipped cream.
“You’re going to get that little bit of heat from the Monday whiskey since it has that little bit of spice, so it…
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