2023 Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 10 – Subtle Sparkler. This non-alcoholic interpretation of the classic French 75 is refined and delicate. The persimmon syrup adds texture and depth.
I often like to feature a non-alcoholic interpretation of the classic sparkling cocktail as it feels adequately celebratory for the season and allows you to experiment with different non-alcoholic products to find a combination that you enjoy most.
Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Dry Secco is one of the most readily available zero-proof sparkling wines you can get your hands on. It’s on the sweeter side and not as nuanced as some others I’ve sampled like Töst or Silver Swallow Kombucha but Gruvi is available in most grocery stores and I like that it comes in smaller bottles so you can enjoy just one or two cocktails without having to crack open a 750 ml bottle.
If you’re keen to discover more non-alcoholic products and reviews, I’d recommend you check out my friend Sarah Kate’s non-alcoholic drinks and lifestyle website Some Good Clean Fun. Sarah Kate is incredibly knowledgeable about all things non-alc and a great resource for anyone looking to better acquaint themselves with this burgeoning category.
In the Subtle Sparkler I’ve combined the Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Dry Secco with Seedlip Grove 42 and a bit of persimmon syrup. Unlike your usual French 75, this has no citrus, it reads more similar to a Seelback or other whisky champagne cocktail. That being said, I do find many non-alcoholic distilled spirits have more astringency than their full-proof peers because they often employ certain preservatives to keep the product shelf stable and free of bacteria or mold that can impart some astringency akin to citrus.
Furthermore, the Seedlip Grove 42 is a sophisticated, bright, citrus blend of Mediterranean Orange, Lemon Peel, Lemongrass and Ginger with a dry finish. The flavour is exceedingly delicate which also allows the persimmon flavour to shine through.
If you’re looking for other holiday mocktails, consider checking out some of my past recipes like:
- Sparkle & Shine
- Snowy Orchard
- Pomegranate Placebo
- Bright Eyed & Bubbly
- St. Nick’s Shandy
- Chai Hot Noddy
- Zero-Proof Penicillin
I hope you’ll join me on my Instagram Stories tonight at 5 p.m. Eastern as I whip up this simply, non-alcoholic sparkling cocktail.
Cheers, friends!
Subtle Sparkler
This non-alcoholic interpretation of the classic French 75 is refined and delicate. The persimmon syrup adds texture and depth.
- 5 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- 2 oz Seedlip Grove 42
- 1 oz persimmon syrup
- Garnish: orange twist
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup persimmon chopped
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Add ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir to combine.
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Strain into a chilled flute glass and garnish with an orange twist.
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Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
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Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for about 15 minutes until syrup is slightly thickened.
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Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
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Remove solids and fine strain into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
