Mixing Up Mocktails For Dry January

The popularity of mocktails continues to grow. In fact, the U.S. saw a boom in ready-to-drink mocktails in 2023, with sales reaching $8.26 billion and it's expected to increase in the coming years.

Whether or not you choose to consume alcohol, many will cut back as they take part in Dry January, a trend that dedicates the month to a non-alcoholic lifestyle.

If you've been to Newport Polo or enjoyed a beverage at local events and nearby restaurants, you may have tasted a creation from Jonathan Pogash, more commonly known as The Cocktail Guru.

He's noticed quite an uptick in mocktails over the years.

"There are many people who cannot drink alcohol, and the market has really been supportive of that demographic," he said. "Newer products like non-alcoholic spirits, dealcoholized wines, and adaptogen beverages have transformed mocktails from basic juice and syrup mixtures to mixed drinks that are comparable to their alcoholic counterparts."

Pogash, a Dartmouth resident, shares the love of mixology with his father.

"Growing up, my father was in the wine industry. I definitely got my love of hospitality and my work ethic from him," Pogash said.

"Additionally, the food that my mom would cook for us (she is French-Moroccan, so many different flavors, spices, etc.) gave me a sense of culinary ingredients and how and why elements work well together," he said.

His expansive palate has certainly helped in his cocktail creations. He's created cocktail menus here in the Southcoast for Little Moss Restaurant in South Dartmouth and Olivia's in Fairhaven.

Get our free mobile app

Pogash and his father continue to work on bar and restaurant projects. They also began hosting a podcast in 2021. Season 4 premieres Jan. 9.

He was voted "Best Craft Cocktails of New England" by Yankee Magazine, so this guy knows his stuff.

"I'm fortunate to have been trained by some luminaries in the hospitality industry, and I make it my mission to spread the knowledge that I've learned to those who will listen," Pogash said.

He's been fortune to create a team of what he calls "all-star mixologists," and you can feel like one of them.

The Cocktail Guru shared a few of his favorite mocktail recipes.

Try them out and share your favorite with us on our Fun 107 Facebook page or on the Fun 107 app.

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned

• 2 1/2 oz. brewed strong black tea (to replace the whiskey)
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 3 dashes bitters (most bitters are alcoholic, but a couple of brands are non-alcoholic)

METHOD: Stir well with ice directly into an old fashioned glass with a large cube
GARNISH: Dehydrated orange wheel (or real orange peel)

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Winter Punch

• 2 oz. POM wonderful pomegranate juice
• 1 oz. apple cider
• 1/2 oz. orange juice
• 1/2 oz. honey syrup

METHOD: Shake well with ice and strain over ice into a wine glass
GARNISH: Fresh herbs (if available)

How to Make The Temptress (Perfect for Valentine's Day)

• 2 1/2 oz. Aplos Ease (they call this brand, Aplos, a non alcoholic functional spirit, and their "Ease" is "a complex blend of yuzu, basil, shiso, and dandelion botanicals is infused with nootropics to create a zero-proof spirit that calms and relaxes")
• 1/2 oz. vanilla bean-infused The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley lemon zest (Perfect puree is a line of all natural fruit purees that come frozen)
• 1/2 oz. pear-chestnut puree (a mix of fresh pears, lemon juice, simple syrup and whole chestnuts)

METHOD: Shake well with ice and strain into champagne flute
GARNISH: Dried rose bud