Understand the flavours you actually like

You might already have a favourite cocktail, but you need to understand what it is you really like about that drink to create a non-alcoholic version suited to your tastes.

“You’d rarely say, ‘I was drinking a cocktail and the vodka was amazing,’” Camille says. You may think you like rum because you like mojitos, but what you really enjoy might be the mint flavour, for example. If you can pinpoint the flavours you like in a cocktail, it will help you to recreate it in alcohol-free form.

You should also be able to find a booze-free alternative to your favourite spirit, too. “Non-alcoholic spirits are distilled in the same way and built with the same natural aroma,” Camille says. This is why it can be really beneficial to add them to non-alcoholic cocktails.

Build an at-home bar of non-alcoholic essentials

Just like someone might have a cupboard filled with all your favourite spirits at home, it’s also useful to build up a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, so you’re always able to make a non-alcoholic cocktail.

Camille recommends buying in your favourite alcohol-free spirits, as well as non-alcoholic aperitifs like Martini Vibrante or Everleaf.

High-quality ingredients are even more important to non-alcoholic cocktails, so “having good tonics and good mixers is also crucial,” says Camille.

Use fresh ingredients in non-alcoholic cocktails

“Making a cocktail is very similar to cooking,” says Camille. “The fresher it is, the better.”

“Fresh ingredients are the key to making great non-alcoholic cocktails,” she adds, recommending using fresh fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruits. “Fresh herbs and spices that are in season are always a good thing to add too.”

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