I Am Now a Mocktail Devotee

Bring on the Phony Negronis

Is Margit drinking a Phony Negroni, or the real thing? You’ll never know.

About two to three years ago, I started feeling really weird after drinking alcohol. First, wine’s acidic bite left my throat feeling ravaged, then beer became indigestible, and then vodka, the clearest, cleanest of the liquors, wrecked me. When I recently acquired a terrible case of “silent reflux” (which I didn’t even know was a thing; I thought I had a bad cold), it was game over for booze.

I started eying the tiny mocktail lists that popped up on more and more menus. What had once been the province of the watery, tasteless O’Doul’s “beer” was now an array of fruity, parasol-ed choices. Conveniently, the culture was coming around to this change just as I needed it; there are now entire spirit shops of non-alcoholic options. (Last weekend, I wandered into one called Spirited Away.)

I’ve now tried a variety of non-alcoholic bevs, and my very favorite has to be the St. Agrestis “Phony Negroni.” If you love a delicious, tart Negroni, this will not disappoint. It truly tastes like a satisfying cocktail, especially when garnished with an orange slice. Many restaurants are now adding it to their drinks list and I keep a stock in my fridge.

Those of you who also suffer from any type of acid reflux will probably call me out on having any type of sparkling anything. Which is true. Not only can I not drink alcohol, but I can no longer have anything with bubbles without suffering from it. Still, the Phony Negroni is light on the spritz, and too delicious to pass up. And I never need more than one. Ok, two.

Have you tried mocktails or non-alcoholic drinks? Any you’re digging? Let me know below!