Original Mocktail: the Soft Landing

A couple of months ago I started traveling down the rabbit hole of non-alcoholic spirits and alcohol free wines, some of which I’ll be writing more about later. In the meantime, I’ve been learning how to mix N/A “spirits." Using these as substitutes in cocktails isn’t quite as exact as just subbing in X for Y, unless you're talking about a G & T. There is a bit of a learning curve, and it might take a few tries to get the hang of it as you go, as there are some major differences (body and structure, acidity, etc) that can throw you off. Here’s an easy mocktail for you that I’ve been enjoying lately as an aperitif.

the Soft Landing

1 oz N/A gin (I use Damrak or Monday)
.5 oz Dhos bittersweet
3 oz Trader Joe's Strawberry Soda (chilled)
1 orange wedge for garnish


Build directly in a double rocks glass. Add gin and Dhos bittersweet to the glass, fill ¾ with ice, then top with chilled strawberry soda. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wedge.


You can order Non Alcoholic spirits and wine at Better Rhodes.