Photography by Doug Schneider
Faux martini, anyone? Whether you’re the designated driver, tired after a long day at the office, or have pledged to cut down your alcohol consumption per another New Year’s resolution (or diet), virgin cocktails—often with the same glassware, seasonal ingredients, and fresh garnishes as their boozy counterparts—are in vogue. Here’s how to wet your whistle in style—without the hard stuff.
 |
Peppered Guava Margarita
Bartender Santiago Tapia came up with this South American beauty, served in a martini glass with a rim of red sugar. Inspired by his native home of Ecuador, it’s rounded out with fragrant fruity flavors and an effervescent float of agave and jalapeño. ($8)
Moderne Barn
430 Bedford Rd, Armonk
(914) 730-0001; modernebarn.com
|
|
Cucumber Spritzer
Everyone loves a spritzer: it’s light, sparkling, and refreshing. This sophisticated version pairs cucumber purée with simple syrup, lime juice, mint leaves, and club soda for a winning combination that’s a mellow alternative to alcoholic and tonic-inspired cocktails. ($9.95)
Benjamin Steakhouse
610 W Hartsdale Ave, White Plains
(914) 428-6868; benjaminsteakhouse.com
|
 |
 |
Red Dusk
Want something sweet and fizzy? General Manager Sean Maloney created this concoction, made with sparkling apple cider, cranberry simple syrup, mint sprigs, and charred lemon sugar, as a way to marry a slightly smoky zest with a crisp tartness. It’s dangerously drinkable—minus the guilt; it’s alcohol-free, so go ahead and order another one…or two. ($7.50)
Village Social Kitchen & Bar,
251 E Main St, Mount Kisco
(914) 241-6260; villagesocialkb.com
|
|
Chocolate Coquito
Yes, it looks like a velvety dessert. But that’s the point. You’ll be the center of attention with this well-measured balance of condensed milk, coconut milk, Coco López cream of coconut, vanilla extract, Godiva chocolate (white and dark!), and Hershey’s chocolate, topped with coconut flakes. Opt for it frozen (my personal fave) or shaken. Either way, it’s divine and worth every calorie. ($6)
Siete Ocho Siete
414 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle
(914) 636-1229; sieteochosiete.com
|
 |
 |
Sangria
The fragrant bouquet of apples, peaches, lemons, and limes makes this Spanish favorite just as pretty—and just as delish—as its alcoholic sister, without the intoxicating kick. Also nice: it pairs well with almost any food. ($10 for a 16-ounce carafe)
Massa’
2 Weaver St, Scarsdale
(914) 472-4600
massascarsdale.com
|
|
Steve’s Famous Bloody Mary
Talk about a cure-all for a hard day (or week) at the office: this fiery drink—listed on the menu as “so good that the recipe is copyrighted”— is available in a virgin version, giving you the jolt without the punch. ($5)
Striped Bass
236 W Main St, Tarrytown
(914) 366-4455; stripedbassny.com
|
 |
MAKE IT AT HOME
When you don’t feel like going out, whip up a pitcher of Massa’s virgin sangria, and enjoy!
Virgin Sangria
(16 oz carafe, serves 2-4)
Francesco Coli, owner of Massa’, says, “The sangria is our own special recipe inspired by my wife, Jennifer, who is from Salamanca Spain.”
In a 16 oz. carafe, stir together:
Grape juice, 2 parts
Orange soda, 1 part
Apple, 1 diced
Peach, 1 diced
Lemon, 2 slivered
Lime, 2 slivered
Ice
To serve, place desired ice in glass(es), pour in the virgin sangria mix, and enjoy!
To make the alcoholic version, just add 4 oz vodka, 2 oz Triple Sec, and 2 parts red wine.
