If the time change (yes I know it was weeks ago, yes I will continue to use it as a scapegoat) and the forthcoming seasonal depression has got you feeling like you need a trip to Positano…err, well, we can’t do that but we can do the next best thing! A mocktail that tastes just like an Italian summer with none of the hangover! Introducing Ghia — the non-alcoholic aperitif that packs a punch. The perfect balance of bitter and botanical, Ghia delivers the bite and warmth of an aperitif with none of the alcohol. Here are a couple mocktails we like, but feel free to experiment! The world is your oyster 🦪
*tip: to make simple syrup, just combine equal parts white sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. If you’re really in a pinch (or simply lazy, like me), you can even just dissolve the sugar in hot water from the tap or kettle, never mind the stovetop.
**another tip: to make this vegan or if you simply cannot fathom the thought of a raw egg in your drink (hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it), substitute aquafaba (chickpea water) or try an eggless cocktail foamer. My personal favourite is Fee Foam — it comes in a bitters-style bottle and just takes a couple of drop to get that foamy head we want for a sour.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and dry shake (this means without ice) vigorously. Shaking egg whites at room temperature will cause some pressure to build in the shaker, so be mindful of this when opening it up unless you want a Ghia shower instead of a Ghia sour (hardy-har). Add ice and shake again, less vigorously this time as we don’t want to dissipate that creamy microfoam we built up. Strain into your favourite cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon or orange zest, and enjoy!
GHIA SPRITZ
*Please note bitters usually have alcohol in them but since we’re using only a few drops we consider this negligible. If you’re not comfortable with this feel free to omit!
Straight into your favourite stemmed glass combine orange juice, Ghia, and bitters. Fill with ice, top with soda, and stir to combine. Garnish with an orange wedge and enjoy!