All about non-alcoholic beverages: Elixirs and Mocktails

What’s the difference between a mocktail and an elixir?

An elixir is a functional beverage that is intended to support the physical and/ or energetic body. While a mocktail is a mixed drink that is meant to mimic the presentation and complexity of a cocktail minus the booze.
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To make it a little complicated, some mocktails could also be considered elixirs if they contain functional herbs or super foods. 

What is a mocktail?

Mocktails, also known as “zero proof” beverages or non-alcoholic cocktails,  are mixed drinks meant to replicate the presentation and complexity of craft cocktails minus the booze. They could be as simple as a combination of fruit juices and carbonated water and range to include complex ingredients with distilled non-alcoholic spirits, decocted herbs, fermented vinegars and fruit syrups.

Can I buy mocktails in a store?

You bet. There is a rapidly growing collection of companies making non-alcoholic cocktails and ingredients. Most of these can be found online, specialty stores and some liquor stores. 
Some of my current favorite ready to drink non-alcoholic cocktails are: Ghia, De Soi, Curious Elixirs (Number 2).
There are also a growing number of non-alcoholic spirits, aperitifs, wines, beers and mixers. I will do another post about the variety and different uses of these since it’s a big topic. A great one stop shop for all things non-alcoholic beverages is Boisson

What is an elixir?

An elixir is a beverage that contains ingredients meant to support various bodily functions via herbs and superfoods. Many contain adaptogens which are plants and mushrooms that are commonly used to help the body respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue. Other elixirs may contain ingredients that are meant to support the energetic body and can have intentions such as, ‘opening your heart’ or ‘grounding your energy.’

Can I buy elixirs in a store

Yes! You’ll often find these online, at grocery stores, juice shops or cafes. 

A few of my current favorite ready to drink elixirs are: Rebbl, Recess, and GT’s Kombucha ‘Alive’ line. 
There are also a number of powders/mixers brands available to add to water, milk, coffee or tea to make a simple elixir. A few examples are: Four Sigmatic, Navitas and Rasa.
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You can also purchase liquid herbal extracts known as tinctures to add functional and energetic benefits to whatever you are drinking. One of my favorite brands is Anima Mundi for their combinations.  

Can I make mocktails and elixirs myself?

Absolutely! It’s fun, easy and delicious to make mocktails and elixirs yourself. Host an in-person or virtual corporate workshop to learn to make these tasty and healthful beverages with your team. You can also attend one of my public classes or host a private class with a group of your friends. 

Class details:
-Mocktail workshop details
-Elixir workshop details