Introducing the Water Cocktail: a new non-alcoholic sensation!

In this blog post we meet Hannah, inventor of the new non-alcoholic sensation - the Water Cocktail! A healthy and hydrating alternative to traditional mocktails, Hannah shares her inspiration for creating these non-alcoholic delights, how you can have an upscale and elegant cocktail without the downsides of alcohol and some delicious recipes to try! 

If you’re reading this, then it’s clear you are ready to raise a glass to a healthier, more mindful lifestyle, and for that, I say “hooray!!!”. While the emerging sober movement gains momentum and endless choices (thanks to trailblazers like @idrinknolo), I have noticed a trend where more and more people are choosing to sip on water instead of alcohol. I don’t know about you, but nothing resonates more with me than the increased consumption of water for improved health. Years ago I started swapping my nightly glass (or 2) of wine for an alternative I affectionately coined as “Water Cocktails”. Each night I would whip up a water cocktail in my kitchen, something with ALL the flare of a cocktail, but NONE of the regret! These water cocktails have been my go-to staple, and I recently decided to take to Instagram and bring my water cocktail message to millions! ; )

Why Water? Isn’t it Boring?

By cutting back on alcohol consumption and opting for water instead, you're doing your body a huge favor. Alcohol can have detrimental effects on your liver, heart, and overall well-being. Drinking more water, on the other hand, helps to keep you hydrated, supports healthy digestion, and boosts your energy levels. It can also vastly improve your skin, which is the largest organ of the body. I say water is the opposite of boring, it is, in fact, the best thing you could be feeding your body on a daily basis!

So, what exactly is a “Water Cocktail”?

I’m so glad you asked! My recipes take spring water and elevate it to the status of a hand crafted cocktail, just like you would get in a swanky bar. Leveraging many of the same elements as a cocktail like a fun garnish, a tasty rim, fresh citrus and herbs, I create recipes, with water as the #1 ingredient. In addition, many of the choices I make for water cocktails include organic and clean ingredients that you can get at your local grocery. Who doesn’t love that?! Not to mention I keep the calorie count in-check.

Key Elements of a Water Cocktail

There are a few key elements that every water cocktail has, and it all starts with the glass.

– The Glass: The nicer the glass, the better. Pull out your Nan’s Waterford crystal, you know the one, that old Lismore wine glass that no one ever uses? Or that cool rock-glass that is sitting in the cabinet collecting dust. Yea, that’s the one. A killer glass is THE first step.

– The Flavour Profile: You need to know your tastes and be able to identify what you’re in the mood for. Something with a little sweetness to it for a brunch with friends? Something spicy and citrus-forward for happy hour at the pub? You get the idea. Once you know this, you can easily pull together 3-4 ingredients that make the magic happen.

– The Garnish: Do NOT skip the garnish. It is the perfect way to really elevate your water to the cocktail level. No self-respecting bartender on the planet serves a hand crafted cocktail without a garnish, and neither should you! #youAreWorthIt

Okay, I’m “in” with the whole water cocktail vibe, where do I start?

Here is an easy recipe you can make today, likely with what you have on-hand in your house/fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment either, the basics include a Fruit, a Citrus and an Herb. If you have those 3 things, you can muddle them together, toss them in a shaker with ice and water, and pour it into that crystal glass you used to only pull-out at Christmas, but it has now become your go-to water cocktail glass!

Orange you Bloody Fashionable featuring “All the Bitter”

INGREDIENTS

2 Luxardo cherries & some extra syrup (or any high quality Maraschino Cherries)
the juice from 1/2 of a blood orange
sprig of fresh rosemary
2 drops Aromatic Bitters from @allthebitter
1 droplet of pure vanilla extract (optional)
DIRECTIONS

MUDDLE: in your shaker, muddle ingredients with ~120ml of water

SHAKE & POUR: strained over a full glass of ice

GARNISH: with an extra drizzle of cherry syrup & a wedge of blood orange and rosemary

For more recipes check out Hannah's collection here or check out her Instagram page where she shares all her delicious creations! 

About Hannah
honestlyHannah is the world renowned inventor of the water cocktail. Based in Savannah Georgia, she brings her enthusiasm and fresh-take on the growing mindful drinking movement. Based in water, and leveraging natural ingredients for flavour, the water cocktail provides an elevated alternative to alcohol, without all the sugary mixers and additives of a traditional “mocktail”. Her signature drinks and recipes are beloved by thousands and can be found on her Instagram: @honestlyHannah