March 15, 2024
Growing up, my vivid imagination and insatiable curiosity not only led me to explore a bunch of interests but also jet fueled my obsession to understand how things work. My inquisitive nature coined me the nickname 'Mr. Float Around' by my uncle. This might resonate with many readers as we were the kids who nose-dived into both, the mechanics of the outside world, and the gears turning in our heads. I knew I was different, but thankfully, also sensed an invisible and reassuring nod towards what’s odd!
This hidden comfort, an intuition that being different was powerful, has given me the courage to explore what’s unconventional. I see this spirit reflected in the N/A (non-alcoholic) pioneers who've chosen to embrace individuality and invite unpredictability in their ongoing quest for discovery. Because you’ve zigged in a culture that’s been zagging for ages, the zero-proof lifestyle has evolved from 'odd duck' to 'buzzy niche,' to 'trend,' and now to 'mainstay' in drinking culture.
Daring to zig is the ethos of Zero Proof Pours. I sincerely hope you enjoy the creativity woven into our spirit and, if you'd like, feel empowered to contribute in a way that honors your culture and individuality. If you haven’t yet, please sign up for our newsletter. Of course, it will include stand out drinks, reviews, collabs, and industry rumblings. But you’ll also get short, refreshing perspectives from our guest bloggers offering up a new and often unexpected angle to what's happening in our world. Often quirky, sometimes hilarious, always thought provoking, we'll dare to venture off the beaten path, even while staying anchored to the zero-proof lifestyle!
I’ll end with a quick perspective. At the beginning of the pandemic I realized that for almost a decade, I had been mindlessly cruising down a tech powered superhighway, mostly fueled by instant gratification! Luckily, the Zero-Proof Lifestyle (6th exit on your left) was a wake-up call for my spirit, reminding me that ‘satisfaction is basic AF!’ Exploration and creativity truly fill my cup! My takeaway? Chase satisfaction like a zombie, fulfill getting; seek understanding like an artist, getting fulfilled.
Before sharing my drinkspiration, I wanted to invite you to check out the website which is evolving into a hub for all things zero-proof. Staying true to its mission to connect, inspire, and uplift the zero proof culture, it'll soon feature the latest mixers, outstanding N/A recipes, events, and drink menus from local haunts. Whether you're a creative mixologist, an industry trailblazer, or simply someone with a story to share, your voice is welcome here, so let's make ripples together! Feel free to reach out at community@zeroproofpours.com
This zero proof drink is for all the “Float Arounds” out there. It's a nod at what’s odd, a fist bump at what's uncharted, and a reminder that sometimes the best paths are the ones we pave. Cheers to trusting that our inner odd ducks can blaze a trail of wonder in this mind-bending world!
Odd Duck - Zero Proof Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso or 1 tsp of instant coffee dissolved in ¼ cup of hot water, or ¼ cup cold brew coffee (Boldness and bravery in choosing an unconventional path)
- ¼ cup coconut milk (An odd duck of milks)
- 2oz Rum Alternative (RITUAL ZERO PROOF Rum). If not available, use 2 extra oz of coconut milk and ½ tsp of apple cider vinegar (In seeking complexity you gain depth)
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract (The ordinary can accentuate what’s unique)
- 2 tsp maple syrup or honey or simple syrup (Choose what makes your life sweet)
- A dash of cinnamon (Tribal wisdom in uncharted territory)
- Ice Cubes (Boulders are difficult but essential)
Instructions:
- For those using espresso or instant coffee, start by brewing a shot espresso or dissolving instant coffee in hot water.
- In a shaker filled with ice cubes, pour in the coffee you chose
- Add the non-alcoholic rum or rum alternative, coconut milk, vanilla, and your sweetener of choice
- Close the shaker and give it a good shake
- Strain the concoction into an ice-filled glass
- Top off with a dash of cinnamon
