Sharing a zero-proof cocktail, or mocktail, or non-alcoholic cocktail today. Or whatever you want to call it! I call it a Raspberry Rose Hibiscus Mood Lifter. Essentially, it’s a health-enhancing elixir with powerful herbs, botanicals, and adaptogens. Cheers to that!
I’m packing a lot of information in today’s zero-proof cocktail post. If you’re just in it for the recipe, you can always use the Jump to Recipe button. OK, a few quick formal things to address before we get into what I think is a super fun post.
Disclosure
First and foremost, I am not a doctor. At best, I have a Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness. I’ve studied and grown herbs for years. At worst, I self experiment with herbs, botanicals, and adaptogens. And thus, my personal experience should be viewed as anecdotal only.
For the aforementioned reasons above, the information here is strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to cure, diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Next, plants and herbs are natural, but they are powerful. They can interact with other medications. Please use caution when introducing anything new to your system. Also, research not only the herbs, themselves, but also companies you buy from.
The products linked are ones I personally use or are from brands I trust. This post is not sponsored, but Chews Local is a part of Amazon Associates and may receive a very small compensation if a purchase is made through the links. However, I personally choose the products listed under “Shop This Post” because they are brands I actually use. I also link to other products that are not available on Amazon. I have no affiliation to them at the time of this writing.
Alcohol Warning
Finally, please be aware that herbal tinctures and bitters often contain alcohol. I started explaining why, but it became so long, it will be it’s own post. I still consider this a zero-proof cocktail because the amount of alcohol is so low. In fact, one dose of an alcohol-based tincture has approximately the same alcohol content as eating a very ripe banana.
That being said, herbal tinctures can also be made with vinegar and/or glycerine. I personally use both and call these out in the post. However, if you are pregnant or avoiding alcohol for personal reasons, be sure to read labels carefully.
Questions
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me directly atmaggie@chewslocal.com. I’m always happy to help in way I can.
Zero-Proof Cocktail: Raspberry Rose Hibiscus Mood Lifter
OK, whew, glad we got all that out of the way. Someone pour this girl a zero-proof cocktail. On the double. Oh yeah, I’m the bartender, that’s right. I’ll whip a few of these up for us, and let’s chat about how they make us feel so fine.
Why Drink a Zero-Proof Cocktail?
Inspiring craft cocktails are popping up everywhere I look. If you don’t drink alcohol or are taking a break from the sauce, it can feel like you’re missing out. On my own health and wellness journey, my stretches without alcohol go longer and longer. Although I feel many benefits without, one thing I really miss is sipping on something *special* during some of life’s moments.
I think our first instinct is to reach for a not-so-healthy sugary beverage in these moments. However, that sometimes leaves me feeling like I’ve got a seat at the kid’s table. I started thinking, why not craft a sipper that actually delivers on some of a traditional cocktail’s promises? Promises like relaxation, mood-enhancing, tantalizing on the tastebuds, BUBBLES.
And while we’re at it, why not add ingredients that promote health? Nothing lifts my mood more than doing something good for myself. And that, my friend, should be celebrated on its own! Why not put as much care and effort into a craft health tonic as a craft cocktail? After sharing a photo of one of these creations on Insta stories, I received an overwhelming response asking for a recipe. So, I get the feeling maybe you want a crafty mocktail as much I do 🙂
Ingredients
Use these ingredients as an inspiration for your own zero-proof cocktail magic. For me, a perfect health tonic is barely sweet, fairly bitter, and bubbly. I not only love bitters for their flavor, but also their health-promoting benefits. Finally, a zero-proof cocktail should include herbs and botanicals that support us.
Forage Raspberry Kombucha
Forage Kombucha brews organic raw kombucha in my home state of Wisconsin. Not only are their kombuchas seriously delicious, but they are also in the cutest cans ever. Seriously, visit their website and try not to smile. Kombucha promotes gut health, reduces cancer risk, and helps reduce levels of cholesterol. It promotes mental health, liver health, and weight loss. This particular kombucha also contains organic green tea, which has many health benefits.
Lifeway Hibiscus Elixir
According to Lifeway, “A potent aphrodisiac, hibiscus is touted for its ability to incite passion, attract love, and induce prophetic dreams. Pagan rituals utilize hibiscus to protect against evil and invoke divination and clairvoyance. Lifeway’s Hibiscus Elixir will enchant you with its mystical probiotic powers and spellbinding refreshment.” Yep, I’ll have what they’re having.
Fever Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water
Fever Tree’s Indian Tonic blends a handful of different botanicals, including natural quinine and oils from Mexican Bitter Oranges, into their tonic. It offers a distinct effervescent bitter flavor. However, regular tonic or your favorite club soda works in a pinch.
Anima Mundi Herbals Happiness Tonic
This Happiness Tonic is an all-organic and wildcrafted synergistic tonic. It helps stabilize hormone function, serotonin, and dopamine. It also provides a soothing effect on the nervous system. This formula is a mix of adaptogens such as Rhodiola and Ashwagandha. It also has supporting happy herbs like St. Johns Wort, Mucuna, and Albizzia. Please note that it’s extracted in a combination of organic cane alcohol and vegetable glycerin. If you are avoiding alcohol, I’ve included links to products in “Shop This Post” with similar herbs and adaptogens that do not contain alcohol.
Bitters
You’ve likely read the term bitters if you’ve ever read a craft cocktail menu. Bitters are concentrated tinctures of herbal and botanical extractions. Think herbs, spices, flowers, roots, bark, berries, and so forth. Mixologists add them to craft cocktails for good reason. They enhance flavor! But that’s not the only reason we’re including them in our zero-proof cocktail.
The history of bitters did not start with cocktails. Their origin is in medicine! So, why the alcohol? Alcohol is an excellent solvent for extracting herbal constituents, while simultaneously stabilizing and preserving them. However, bitters can also be made with vinegar and/or glycerin, though the extraction is not as powerful. Urban Moonshine makes an excellent N/A bitters, and Dram’s line of herbal n/a cocktail bitters are on my must-try list. They are perfect options to keep our zero-proof cocktails absolutely zero proof!
I believe bitter flavor is essential to overall health, though it’s widely vacant in our modern Western culture. Bitters promote healthy digestion, detoxify the liver, and reduce sugar and salty carb cravings. They’ve been shown to have antifungal, antiseptic, antiprotozoal and even antitumor activity.
Vital Leaf Rose Cardamom Vanilla CBD Elixir Drops
As with all of the ingredients, this is completely optional for your zero-proof cocktail. Maybe you’ve been hearing about CBD and wondered what all the hype was about. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in Cannabis sativa (i.e., marijuana plant). This plant has a rich history as medicine going back thousands of years. CBD is non-addictive and non-psychoactive (i.e., it won’t get you high). It boasts therapeutic benefits such as reduced anxiety and inflammation, improved sleep, and joint pain support.
One thing to note is that recent studies have found purity and dosage to be unreliable in some brands. For this reason, be sure to do your research. Vital Leaf provides 3rd-party lab results indicating the level of CBD. This helps ensure consistency, safety, and efficacy.
Vital Leaf’s Rose Cardamom Vanilla Elixir Drops are formulated using high-potency, phytocannabinoid-rich, full-spectrum hemp extract in a base of organic coconut-derived MCT oil. Its flavor profile includes a blend of pure organic extracts of rose, cardamom, and vanilla bean. Finally, the ancient Chinese medicinal herb, Lo Han Guo, adds a hint of sweetness.
Alright, lift your zero-proof cocktail and let’s cheers to our health and each other!
Zero-Proof Cocktail: Raspberry Rose Hibiscus Mood Lifter
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Forage Raspberry Kombucha
- 2 ounces Lifeway Hibiscus Elixir
- 1 dropper Anima Mundi Herbals Happiness Tonic*
- 1 dropper bitters*
- 1 dropper Vital Leaf Rose Cardamom Vanilla CBD Elixir Drops
- Fever Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Dried edible rose petals for garnish
Instructions
- Combine first 5 ingredients in your favorite fancy glass. Top with tonic water and garnishes. Serve immediately. Cheers!
Notes
May your zero-proof cocktails always contain magical herbs, botanicals, and adaptogens.
Maggie, this was such an interesting read and such a treasure trove of information. I am fascinated by all these herbs and tinctures in play here. You may have just set me on a quest for tonic knowlege. ♥️
Awe, thanks so much, Tina! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate you letting me know 🙂
A lot of good and impressive points in this article that we should be aware of. Thanks for sharing this one ot.
What could I use as a substitute for the Lifeway Hibiscus Elixir? I live in FL and I cannot find it anywhere. Any help is appreciated!