Perhaps the years have worn this weary writer down, but I’ve given up on giving up anything of heavy stature, such as alcohol, at the New Year. But that’s not to say I’m not without a glimmer of hope and, just like every other gullible/optimistic resolutionist out there this month, I’ll be taking in every little trick possible to pound the grime out of my system and begin that ‘live-until-I’m-200’ scheme. And that is where the non-alcoholic beverage comes in. Not to say it will entirely replace my choice of poison, but maybe I’ll make it my drink of choice on Wellbeing Wednesday, or something. Anyway, here are a few mocktails (alcohol free) you should be able to ask of any bartender worth their salt if you want to give your liver a
break too.

The Gunner
Ginger beer, ginger ale, the tiniest dash of Angostura bitters.
All right, so the last ingredient is typically 44% volume – but it’s just a dash and we’re breaking ourselves in. Here is a cocktail that was made popular back in the colonial days by British expats right here in HK, the rest of the Far East, and India. To this day, due to its wonderfully refreshing and tangy qualities, it’s a hot weather, outdoor favourite.

Mock Champagne
Apple juice, ginger ale, dash of lemon juice.
Though ingredients can vary to give different tints and fruity flavours (popular alternatives are white grape juice and pineapple juice), here is a classy drink that makes its drinker even classier when s/he’s the last one standing.

Grenadini
Cola, dash of grenadine, maraschino cherry for garnish.
Depending on what generation or part of the world you’re from, this might also be called a Roy Rogers, Darth Vader, Shirley Temple Black or Homemade Cherry Coke. We’ve decided to go with the new and widely accepted common name for the (if you needed any more clues) black mocktail. Originally named for the all-singing, all-acting cowboy Roy Rogers from the ’50s namesake TV show, the (now titled) Grenadini is a refreshing drink often likened to Cherry Coke. Alternatively, have a Dale Evans – the same thing but with Diet Coke.

Henry
Orange juice and lemonade.
The trick with a good mocktail is to keep it simple and refreshing with a kick. So what better name for a merger of two staple, common fruit drinks than the name ‘Henry’?

Safe Sex on the Beach
Cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and peach nectar.
The responsible sibling of the popular ‘dirty’ drink carries over the cranberry core to this delightful, simple and sweet mocktail. If not for anything else, just enjoy shouting the order out to your bartender as those around you gaze on admirably at your grown-up inclinations.

The Virgins
Popular drinks you might have tried that go well without their alcoholic injections:
Virgin Mary (without the vodka), Virgin Caesar (without the vodka), Virgin Pina Colada (without the rum) and Virgin Mint Julep (without the bourbon).

BBQ’d Lotus
Modern Thai/Australian cuisine restaurant Lotus (37-43 Pottinger Street, Central, 2543 6290) is now offering free BBQ snacks on Tuesdays when you buy a drink. Get exotic with the barbequed pork sausages, grilled chicken skewers, turmeric pepper grilled squid and anything else that Chef might think is a good idea on the night. As well as this, Lotus hosts a little house on Fridays and Saturdays now, with DJs Helen and
Jimo respectively taking care of each night. The music will
play from 6-8pm usually, timed to get you in gear for the festivities ahead.

A Model Mix
At the end of last year, Q97 (Basement, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, 2868 6062) and Belvedere Vodka hosted the release of Celine’s new range of handbags. Alongside, they had some of HK’s more glamorous socialites mix an accompanying range of 7 Belvedere vodka cocktails – not only to satisfy the tastebuds, but also to match the colour of their handbags. Now until the end of February these fashion conscious cocktails will be served exclusively at Q97 for $80 a glass. For a preview of what’s in store, cocktails include the Watermelon Martini mixed by Ranee K, White Chocolate Martini mixed by Jennifer Tse and Belvedere Espresso mixed by Irene Wang.

Zinc (G/F, 35 D’Aguilar Street, LKF) will be opening very soon, as will Shabbu Shabbu in Wanchai, its only a matter of time...