Mockhattan

For those non-alcohol times, I’ve tried to come up with something similar in preparation or looks to a Manhattan. Does it taste like a Manhattan? No. But it’s complex enough that it doesn’t just taste like something purchased at a fancy gourmet store or supermarket. And it’s good without tons of sugar!

Here’s the method behind the madness: I use strong black tea (English Breakfast) mixed with a touch of blackstrap molasses as the whiskey substitute. Then, to erase the tea flavor — because I didn’t want it to taste like iced tea — I add some citrus juices and cherry juice with a dash of Angustura bitters. Bottom line, it takes more effort than simply making a Manhattan, but it’s worth it because it’s healthy. And instead of an alcohol buzz, it’s a caffeine buzz.

Requirements: Brewed black tea (English Breakfast), Dole’s orange/pineapple juice, lime juice, maraschino cherry juice from jar, cherry, organic blackstrap molasses.

• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) brewed black tea
• .75 oz. (1 pony) Dole’s pineapple-orange juice
• 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice from jar
• .50 oz. lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon organic blackstrap molasses

Brew strong black tea (e.g., 3 teabags in 6 oz. water) for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of blackstrap molasses. Allow time to cool or refrigerate. Fill shaker with ice and add all liquid ingredients. Add dash of either Angostura or orange bitters (optional, if you don’t mind the small alcohol content). Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry and/or lime wheel.