We are a culture that loves to drink. We toast special moments and holidays with alcohol, but we also drink because it's brunch, because we've had a hard day at work, or because we're binge-watching reality TV. Alcohol is ubiquitous. This is changing, though, thanks to the "sober curious" movement and chal- lenges such as Dry January and Sober October. If you picked up this book, you're probably interested in cutting back on or eliminating alco- hol, either temporarily or permanently. Some people are looking to reset after overindulging during the holidays, while others are trying to get pregnant or make a lifestyle change. But if you give up the sauce, how do you fill the void? Seltzer water is great, especially with all the fun flavors out there these days. But is that enough to make you feel included at a party, or to quench your thirst for a glass of crisp rosé wine on a hot summer evening? Probably not! That's where we come in. We are Kerry and Diana, registered dietitians and the authors of Drinking for Two: Nutritious Mocktails for the Mom-to-Be. After publishing our first book, we noticed a growing demand for a version that would appeal to all audiences, not just expecting mothers. So, we got back into the kitchen and created this collection of original, plant-based mocktail recipes perfect for anyone looking to cut back on booze. What makes Mocktail Party unique compared to other mocktail books on the shelves? Written by two credentialed health professionals, this book offers drinks that are both deli- cious and nutritious. Mocktails and their alcoholic counterparts can be very juice-heavy and are often loaded with sugar, syrup, and other undesirable ingredients. We keep added sugar to a minimum and instead rely on all-natural ingredients like coconut water, herbs, spices, teas, and whole fruits to add flavor and sweetness. All of our drinks are plant-based, but they can easily be adapted to accommodate any dietary preferences or restrictions. They also include everyday ingredients that you can find at your local food store, and most can be whipped up in just a matter of minutes! We extensively tested all the beverages in this book, so you can feel confident that each recipe will yield a tasty mocktail. From a quiet dinner at home to a summer barbeque to a holiday party, our mocktails are the perfect addition to any occasion. Let's get this party started. Cheers! Excerpted from Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion by Diana Licalzi, Kerry Benson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
