THE COOL CLUB
Contemplating staying sober on Christmas day? Well why not hop on the low alcohol bandwagon as opposed to no alcohol? Low-alcohol cocktails often replace your classic spirit-dominating cocktails with aperitifs. When doing so it creates a low-ABV cocktail which may be preferred for avoiding hangovers, knowing your limits, or just improving your relationship with alcohol. Here at The Ice Co we are passionate about cocktails, but since the launch of our new ice baths, we have a newfound value for trying new things to prioritise our wellness. With the sober-curious movement on the rise, we thought we would share some recipes which allow you and the family to try some tasty cocktails without going tee-total on Christmas day.
We’ve selected five of our favourite low-ABV cocktails which are suitable for each member of the family – giving you all the same great taste, minus the heavy hangover and fear of missing out! Cocktail making is a great bonding activity to do as a family, make your own or make each other’s. Our recipes are very easy to follow and don’t require a shaker!
THE AMERICANO - PERFECT FOR DAD
Firstly, we’ve got dad’s drink, the Americano. It is essentially the low-ABV version of the negroni and comes with long and rich history (which we know all dads love). It was the first cocktail mentioned in the James Bond novels. Similarly, to Negroni, it combines the bitterness of Campari with sweet vermouth, yet replaces the gin with soda, then poured over Super Cubes and finished with an orange garnish for an extra refreshing taste! The Americano is perfect if dad is in charge of the kitchen, so he can still get all his timings right!
RECIPE
Super Cubes
x 15 ml Campari
x 15ml Sweet Vermouth
x 50ml soda
Garnish: Orange Twist
ELDERFLOWER ROSE SPRITZ - PERFECT FOR MUM
Classic Spritz’ cocktails are a popular low-abv alcohol alternative. We’re all aware of our wine spritzers or even our Italian Spritz, but The Ice Co recommends the Elderflower Rose Spritz for mum this Christmas. Even if mum has opted for a more sober Christmas day, it doesn’t mean she should miss out on a sparkling wine! The Elderflower Rose Spritzer is suitable for both sitting in the garden at springtime or for a toast during Christmas dinner. The combination of the elderflower, rose and bitters, creates a perfect super-floral low alcohol alternative with an extra punch – and of course served with a handful of Polar Cube!
RECIPE
Polar Cube ice
X 25ml Rose
X 80ml soda
X 8ml St Germaine
Dash Peychauds Bitters
Garnish: Add Lemon
DIRTY SHIRLEY - PERFECT FOR DAUGHTER
The Dirty Shirley cocktail is a super sweet, very cherry classic which tastes delicious no matter how little alcohol you put into it – because the sweetness overpowers the vodka. If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy your aesthetic cocktails, this bright and vibrant cocktail is the one for you. It oozes femininity and flamboyance and for that reason The Ice Co feel it would be a perfect low-alcohol alternative for the younger women of the house – poured over Party Ice!
RECIPE
Party Ice
X 20ml vodka
X 5ml Grenadine
X 80ml soda water
Garnish: 2 Maraschino Cherries
VITAMIN C SHERRY COBBLER, PERFECT FOR GRAN.
Now we all know the senior members of the family enjoy a sherry or brandy at Christmas! Well, how about not try both together? This version of the classic cobbler invites a bit of colour into Christmas, combining apple brandy and Manzanilla Sherry with orange juice and orgeat syrup. Best served over Polar Cube ice, the Vitamin C Sherry Cobbler combines a multitude of flavours and makes it work. Topped with a sprig of mint, this is guaranteed to send Gran or Grandad’s taste buds wild this Christmas!
RECIPE
Polar Cube ice
X 15ml Manzilla Sherry
X 8ml Apple Brandy
X 80ml Fresh Orange Juice
X 5ml Orgeat Syrup
Garnish: Sprig of Mint
HELLO STRANGER, PERFECT FOR SON.
Lastly, are you the younger male of the house? Wanting to opt for an option like Dads but prefer sweetness over bitterness? The Ice Co suggests the Hello Stranger, a vermouth based cocktail which unlike the Americano or Negroni, avoids Campari and replaces it with brandy. To fulfil that sweet tooth, passion fruit syrup is added to create a short drink that is smooth to drink. Hello Stranger is best poured over Super Cubes or Polar Cube ice then garnished with a lemon and thyme for a little bit of sophistication!
RECIPE
Super Cubes or Polar Cube ice
x 20ml Rojo Vermouth
x 8ml Brandy
X 5ml Passionfruit Syrup
Garnish: Lemon & Thyme
