Zero Proof Cocktails To Try in Connecticut via Bartender Khalid Williams

Khalid Williams is a Bloomfield CT native who has established himself as a leading authority on bartending and beverage education. His focus is on demystifying the adult beverage world, empowering everyone to make classic cocktails and enjoy world class wine, craft beer, and other beverages that matter made by people who care. In 2021, Khalid received the CRAZIES Award for Bartender of the Year.

Would you rather have an adult beverage, or something alcohol free?

The answer is yes.

There’s a beautiful conundrum to ponder. Drinks without alcohol are being conceived, prepared and executed with the same level of care and thought as their boozy siblings, and sometimes more.

Ten years ago the cocktail's second golden age was in full swing, yet you still would have been hard pressed to find menus at upmarket bars focused on making cocktails without alcohol. The bartender could make you something sans booze, and it would be excellent. It wouldn't however have commanded the same research, preparation and attention as the items taking up real estate on the menu.

No-booze drinks were at best a kind afterthought, a little bit of bartender charity for those not able to imbibe. At worst, and far too often, they were the subject of downright shade and ridicule-when an order for a "fruity virgin drink " came in, you could hear the pretentious eye roll. There was mocking going on, but it had nothing to do with a drink. Mocktails were considered either a momentary novelty or a straight up waste of time.

In 2023, the sober curious movement is touching all points of cocktail culture, and although the journey can be confusing, it’s a rather refreshing development.

New Rules

As with all popular culture, the drinks space is shifting. Calling a glass “girly” is no longer a thing- glasses have no gender. Drink names can be funny without being inappropriate or crass. Every bar needs a dedicated mocktail section if they want to stay competitive. An establishment can be a bar even if not one drop of alcohol is served.

When I took my first job in Weha Center, exactly zero bars had mocktails on their menu. As of this writing, every restaurant on Farmington Avenue has a section of dedicated mocktails that have been curated with effort and creativity.

It’s also time to stop designating alcohol free cocktails as “virgin” It’s more awkward than it is informative. Please stop. Now.

Keyword Ranking- Useful terms you need to know

Non Alcoholic- a traditional term and legal designation for a zero ABV beverage that customarily contains alcohol. This term is going out of fashion, as drinksmiths seek to create something brand new and complete.

Mocktail- a generally accepted term for thoughtfully prepared booze free drinks. The prefix “mock” isn’t going to cut it forever, as mock suggests imitation. For now, it is probably the universal term that will yield the best results. If you ask if a bar has a mocktail menu and they say “we can make a Virgin xyz” beware. If the answer is an enthusiastic “yes we do!”, you are likely going to get a well made drink.

Sober Curious the idea, formulated by author Ruby Warrington, that one is considering their alcohol consumption and making a conscious choice to examine their drinking habits and potentially choose a non-ABV drink without giving up booze entirely. I venture to say that this is the largest grouping of individuals.

Athleisure- A growing section of RTD drinks that are designed to consume post physical activity. Think of them as Gen-Z Gatorade that’s actually good for you. Saps is a brand that represents the category well. In the coming years, bars will stock these right next to the Hard Seltzers.

Alcohol Free- Probably the most stylish and forward trend term listed, a search for alcohol free will result in information about the latest spirits, bottle shops and bars that are on the cutting edge of the zero proof movement.

One thing to note-anything booze free, zero-ABV, et cetera may contain up to .5% ABV. This is important for those who totally abstain from alcohol to know.

This Bartender’s Opinion: 3 Leading Forces in the NA Movement

Athletic Brewing Co

When it comes to the non alc. production of liquids that usually have an ABV, I attest that nobody comes close to Athletic Brewing when it comes to innovation, technological and artisanal skill and the most vital of all the attribute: taste,

Simply put, Athletic excels at every turn. They use a traditional craft brewing process and tightly control for factors like temperature that would traditionally

produce alcohol. It’s craft beer-which can’t be said for the major brands which are classified as “malt beverages” or undergo adulterations after a traditional brewing process.

Product that Matters:

“Run Wild IPA”-

This is a flagship product from Athletic and has set a brand new standard for NA beer that other brands seek to emulate but have yet to rival in taste, color, aroma and quality. Organic Vienna malt, Pacific Northwest hops and a proprietary brewing method equal a world class brew that stands up to ANY IPA available.

Elm City Social, New Haven

One of the first bars in the state to dedicate a portion of the bar program and menu to zero proof cocktails, this place is an institution of creative mixology. The patio view is one of the best in the city and their no booze offerings are a must-try.

Cocktail that Matters:

Matcha Made in Heaven

Strawberry plum blossom syrup, lemon, simple syrup, matcha tea, soda water

Max Downtown’s Chelsea Solkowski

The center of the upscale dining universe in Hartford County for more than 30 years and all of the Max restaurants gave menu space to all manner of handcrafted lemonades and sodas.

Downtown has once again exceeded expectations and now features a bar program lead by one of the most creative mocktail minds in the state, Ms Chelsea Solkowski. Chelsea is very well versed in NA spirits and does work to elevate alcohol free beverages and give them personality along with alluring flavors. She also is one of the best cocktail-pun creators I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

Cocktail that Matters:

EspressNO Thank you!

The most popular cocktail in CT gets the booze free treatment and it’s a win for coffee and cocktail culture:

Lyre’s Coffee Liqueur

Espresso

maple

Also…

Be on the lookout for Elixir AF, what I believe is CT’s first booze free lounge with a full bar. They had their grand opening on May 4th, and I am in the process of learning more about who they are and what they do.