Nonalcoholic Trend – Big Red Mocktail

January is coming to a close, and for some, so is Dry January. For others, enjoying nonalcoholic drinks is not just a behavior for the first month of each new year. There is a growing trend, especially among the Gen Z generation, to drink less alcohol overall. This cultural shift is primarily based on the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

Better sleep and a healthier lifestyle are what prompted my foray into the world of mocktails. In my quest for new alternatives to cocktails, I was captivated by a recipe claiming to taste like the Wrigley’s Big Red gum I was obsessed with in my young teenage years. When that recipe didn’t come anywhere close to my expectations, I developed my own version. And came up with (what I consider) a drink very similar to the gum of my youth with a nice, spiced cherry flavor.

Big Red Mocktail

Big Red Mocktail (an original recipe by Linda J Heuser)  Total Time Required for Syrup: 5 hours, Total Time Required for Drink: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Syrup: Makes 12 ounces

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 3-inch cinnamon sticks

Mocktail: Makes one drink

  • 3 ounces cherry juice
  • 1 ounce Cinnamon Syrup
  • 2 – 3 ounces club soda
  • cherry, for garnish

Directions:

For the Cinnamon Syrup: Add the sugar and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan.

Add the sugar and cinnamon sticks to a saucepan.

Add the water to the pot.

Add the water to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer over moderate heat for 3 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let cool, then cover the pot and let it stand for 4 hours. Strain the syrup into a jar. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

Strain the cooled syrup into a clean jar.

For the mocktail: Combine the cherry juice and the cinnamon syrup in a rocks glass. Stir in the club soda. Add ice to the glass. Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry, Luxardo maraschino cherry, or sweet cherry.

Add the juice, syrup, club soda, ice, & garnish to a rocks glass.

Serve.

Serve & enjoy!

Tart & spicy with a touch of sweet!  ~Linda

Big Red Mocktail (an original recipe by Linda J Heuser)  Total Time Required for Syrup: 5 hours, Total Time Required for Drink: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Syrup: Makes 12 ounces

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 3-inch cinnamon sticks

Mocktail: Makes one drink

  • 3 ounces cherry juice
  • 1 ounce Cinnamon Syrup
  • 2 – 3 ounces club soda
  • cherry, for garnish

Directions:

For the Cinnamon Syrup: Add the sugar and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan. Add the water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat for 3 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let cool, then cover the pot and let it stand for 4 hours. Strain the syrup into a jar. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

For the Mocktail: Combine the cherry juice and the cinnamon syrup in a rocks glass. Stir in the club soda. Add ice to the glass. Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry, Luxardo maraschino cherry, or sweet cherry and serve.

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