adelinasocialgoods.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs zero-proof drinks rise in popularity, and nonalcoholic distilled spirits become better and better, home entertainers seek out a new bar top scheme. Let Sarah Noble, owner of boutique gift shop Adelina Social Goods, be your guide to curate a zero-proof cocktail cart just as lovely and useful as a traditional bar to make everyone feel included. She shares her expertise for stocking and displaying a stylish and functional bar.<\/p>\n
When building a zero-proof bar, think of the set-up with the same framework approach as a full-proof home bar. It\u2019s all about creating layers of flavor, the building blocks of classic cocktails.<\/p>\n
Staying spirited<\/strong><\/p>\nNonalcoholic spirits have come a long way and add balance and structure to a cocktail. Noble suggests a base collection including a bitter aperitif such as Ghia, a nonalcoholic gin (she prefers GinISH or Monday Gin) and one additional bottle based on flavor preferences. \u201cTry Bare Zero Proof Reposado Style Tequila or Free Spirits\u2019 The Spirit of Bourbon,\u201d she says. A local resource is The Zero Proof that operates on the Westside. ‘<\/p>\n
Essential equipment<\/strong><\/p>\nThe tools are the same as a boozy bar. \u201cA good jigger to measure and a high quality shaker are a must,\u201d Noble says. \u201cI like using a two-piece Boston shaker for the best mixing and a nice strainer.\u201d From there, build what is needed over time. \u201cA muddler is really handy for nonalcoholic drinks when you want to add fresh fruit and herbal flavors, and so are a great channel knife and y-peeler for making garnishes look pristine,\u201d she says. A beautiful bottle for storing and dispensing bitters adds a pro touch.<\/p>\n
Mingling with mixers<\/strong><\/p>\nA wide variety of craft mixers using fresh juices and high quality ingredients is at your fingertips these days. For a quick but special drink, Noble suggests mixing an ounce or two of cocktail syrup with club soda or seltzer. \u201cYou can stir it over ice right in your glass and add a lovely garnish on top, and you are done,\u201d she says. \u201cI love Pear Rosemary simple syrup by Raft, Charred Grapefruit Tonic by Bittermilk and our Gingerbread Old Fashioned cocktail syrup, a perennial holiday favorite.\u201d It makes a delicious, spiced soda and goes well in coffee or espresso. For a final note of complexity, have a couple bottles of bitters handy.<\/p>\n
Impress with glassware<\/strong><\/p>\nBeautiful glassware elevates any happy hour. \u201cFor us, the two most essential types of glasses to have on hand are a coupe glass (for most lighter drinks served without ice) and a rocks glass for more savory profile drinks served with ice or a splash of soda on top,\u201d Noble says. \u201cA spritz or Collins glass comes in handy when enjoying a cool sparkling beverage as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grand garnishes<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cGarnishes are the crowning glory of every drink,\u201d Noble says. \u201cThey can make the difference between feeling like you are compromising or like you are getting the best of the best in a cocktail.\u201d They are the overall first impression and add flavors and aromas to a drink. Also, have beautiful cocktail picks for presenting garnishes. \u201cGood cherries are a must,\u201d she says, \u201cLuxardo and jars by Eli Mason are excellent. The easiest to keep on hand are dried citrus. The gorgeous jars that our DEHY garnishes come in are a perfect bar accessory,\u201d she says. Float on top or place a slice on the rim of a glass. \u201cFresh herbs; plump, high-quality olives; edible flowers or even a few dots of bitters artfully dropped on top are other easy ways to dress your drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
PHOTOS: Erik Meadows<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Setting up a home bar for the non-drinker. As zero-proof drinks rise in popularity, and nonalcoholic distilled spirits become better and better, home entertainers seek out a new bar top scheme. Let Sarah Noble, owner of boutique gift shop Adelina Social Goods, be your guide to curate a zero-proof cocktail cart just as lovely and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":31393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[17,32020,32272],"tags":[32284,32287,32292,32285,32283,32288,32291,2014,23442,32281,32286,32289,32290,32282],"thb-sponsors":[],"yoast_head":"\n
RAISING THE BAR – Simply Buckhead<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n