Here’s a little relief from these complex conundrums, because although they propose the goal of being free, you will pay the puzzling price! And not just any relief – “sweet relief”! For the Free Me coin release series I thought it would be appropriate to offer something actually free – alcohol free, that is. I often get asked about non-alcoholic cocktails, and have featured a whole series of these over the years that I often refer to as “unlocked” cocktails, since I usually pair them with a puzzle lock. In the cocktail industry there are many different names for these delicious drinks, and some of my favorites are “zero-proof”, and the ultimate clever name, “free spirited” cocktails.

Award winning bartender Natasha David is well known for her creative spirit free drinks, and has recently published an entire cocktail book dedicated to these and to other low alcohol content drinks called “Drink Lightly”. Her “Sweet Relief” cocktail has a decadent burst of bright citrus thanks to a homemade salted lemon-lime cordial, which is made with fresh squeezed juices, cane sugar, salt, and plenty of zest. To that is added a touch of cinnamon syrup. A curry leaf (or kaffir lime, or other punchy herbal leaf if you have it) is muddled up with these and shaken with ice, and everything is topped up with tonic water. The extra touches, attention to detail and care in preparation add up to much more than a soda – this is a cocktail, make no mistake! Here’s to freeing ourselves from conventions, routines, and expectations, and finding sweet relief. Cheers!

Sweet Relief by Natasha David

2 oz salted lemon-lime cordial

½ oz cinnamon syrup

Curry leaf

Tonic

Shake first three ingredients with ice and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top up with tonic and garnish with a lemon and lime wheel.

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