Lose the Booze With This Mocktail from Donnie Ferneau
Millennials are moving away from high-cal alcohols in favor of mocktails. In a Forbes study, nearly 75 percent of the people surveyed believe moderating their drinking improves their quality of life. This movement away from drinking in excess is not only good for millennials’ physical health, but a nod to a more health-conscious society. Mixologists can even create ‘superfood’ mocktails with berries, kale or ginger that are organic, gluten-free and non-GMO.
“They will keep the hangovers away and let you focus on what’s really important – spending quality time with family and friends,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. J.J. Mayo, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas.
Donnie Ferneau, chef at The 1836 Club in Little Rock, is also on board with this trend, which he believes is growing. He shares this simple citrus and blackberry mocktail recipe:
Muddle the following ingredients in a cocktail shaker:
- 1/4 cup fresh blackberries
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- juice of one blood orange
- 1 tsp. agave nectar
Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with blackberry pomegranate Mountain Valley Sparkling Spring Water and add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few more blackberries.