Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Stephanie Gerson

Hi everyone, I’m Stephanie and I’m writing for The Six Fifty and the Foodist this summer. I’m a college student at UCSB and a co-editor of the food section for UCSB’s student publication, the Daily Nexus. I’m also a self-proclaimed beverage enthusiast; you can always find me with a kombucha, a probiotic soda or an iced coffee in hand. Sometimes all three at once.


Make yourself an alcohol-free mint mojito. (Photo by Stephanie Gerson)

A trip to the Humble Sea Brewing Co. in Felton sparked my interest in mocktails. I appreciated that a restaurant known for their beer still included delicious non-alcoholic options on the menu. Whatever your reason may be for ordering a mocktail — you’re underage, don’t drink or you’re the designated driver — I’m challenging the idea that non-alcoholic beverages have to be boring.


A non-alcoholic Moscow mule. (Photo by Stephanie Gerson)

Recently, I wandered the aisles of Redwood City’s Whole Foods Market in search of mocktail ingredients. I picked up Saint Ivy’s Moscow mule cocktail seltzer and Health-Ade’s mint mojito kombucha cocktail mixer. To make a zero proof Moscow mule, simply combine half a bottle of the Saint Ivy seltzer, lime juice and two ounces of club soda or tonic water. Pour the mixture over ice into a copper mug and garnish with a lime slice and fresh ginger, if you’re feeling fancy.

To make an alcohol-free mint mojito, muddle mint leaves and fresh lime pieces at the bottom of a glass. Add ice, equal parts Health-Ade mint mojito mixer and sparkling water or club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Serve these drinks at your next barbecue, they won’t disappoint!

Dig into food news. Follow the Peninsula Foodist on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter to get insights on the latest openings and closings, learn what the Foodist is excited about eating, read exclusive interviews and keep up on the trends affecting local restaurants.

Leave a comment