The Preppy Handbook, an "unlocked cocktail"

As with many of the previous Locks and Libations pairings, I’m offering another “unlocked cocktail” to complement the Bovalis Lock. This is my name for “zero-proof” cocktails, aka non-alcoholic, aka “mocktails”, a term I avoid for fear of being mocked. In lieu of high proof spirits with actual alcohol, zero-proof drinks often employ other ingredients with strong or interesting flavors as a base ingredient, then add other components often found in a classic cocktail. They don’t skimp on the culinary effort and can rival anything else on the menu. These days there are also non-alcoholic distilled spirits available as well, which evoke complex flavors recognizably similar to common spirits but without the proof.

Seedlip Garden, green tea and berry jam

The first non-alcoholic distilled spirit, and one of the best, is from the Seedlip distillery, which makes a range of three different varieties. This recipe uses the “Garden”, full of fresh green peas, hay, and flavors from the English countryside. I’ve made a traditional sour with crisp fresh lime juice, and added some green tea for a more complex and unexpected twist. I used a special green tea as well, zhuyeqing, which is also known as Bamboo Leaf due to its shape, and is a prize winning tea from modern China. Finally the sweetness is derived from berry jam, which adds texture as well as a vibrant pink color.

The combination of pink and green made me think of the old “preppy” uniform from the eighties, which is how I came up with the name. Unlock this cocktail for yourself sometime, for something different, like the transparent creations of Constantine Bovalis. Cheers!

Unlock this pleasant pair

Preppy Handbook

2 oz Seedlip Garden

1 oz fresh lime

½ oz green tea

1 tbs berry jam

Shake ingredients together over ice and strain into a tea cup. Garnish with a lime twist.

For more “unlocked cocktails” see: