For those of us who are GenX women (ahem…we have hit perimenopause or menopause), we’ve likely noticed that we don’t metabolize alcohol like the days of Boone’s Farm and Bon Jovi. It just doesn’t work so great in our bodies anymore: it jacks up our sleep, and actually, if we rely on that glass of wine to wind down too often, it ratchets up our anxiety. As if the reverse puberty wasn’t enough on its own. Sigh.
On the upshot, you may have noticed that mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits are enjoying a MOMENT. I’ve sampled a fair number, and some have been okay, but some are really something that feels special. The best ones, IMO, have herbs, mushrooms, and extracts that actually give you that peaceful, chilled out feeling. Here’s a few of my faves, and how I mix them.
Little Saints mezcal inspired St. Ember has that spicy, smokey bite you’d expect with a good tequila or mezcal, and it’s infused with Lion’s Mane mushrooms and palo santo.
I especially like St. Ember mixed with Spindrift grapefruit for a Paloma vibe, or Spindrift lime for a ranch water/margarita experience. I do both without simple syrup or agave syrup, but feel free to add the sweetener if you like it less tart than I do.
Another lovely, stand alone drink that supports deep sleep, rather than inhibiting it, is Hiyo. It comes in a ton of delicious flavors, and nary a one is a bummer. It’s chock full of relaxing botanicals, and I have contemplated just setting up an IV bag with this stuff in it, except I’d miss the flavors!
Another adaptogen spiked bedtime drink is Recess, which also has magnesium in it. It, too, comes in a plethora of delicious flavors, and helps you feel significantly relaxed.
To circle back to where we started, I offer another Little Saints drink, but it’s little cocktails that come ready-to-drink in flavors you’ll love, like ginger mule, old fashioned, negroni spritz, and more. Grab a variety pack, and see what I mean.
Ok, this should be enough to get you started. Let me know what other combos you concoct in your kitchen!
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