We’re going Alcohol-Free for this Valentine’s Day with this delicious beverage, combining Tamarind Syrup, Pineapple, Lime and Almond Milk. Think a Mai Tai meets Pina Colada that’s alcohol free, with a splash of Tamarind. It will be the next favourite Summer drink, with or without alcohol!
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Why Alcohol-Free?
I’m an advocate to always offer creative Alcohol-Free solutions when it comes to your drink menus. It’s important for everyone to feel included, and no that doesn’t mean pouring a simple Gingerale. There’s lots of ways to get creative with Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and I wanted to ensure you have something tasty for this Valentine’s Day.
Now it may seem strange that I’m setting up Olivia Pope with an Alcohol-Free beverage. She is regularly sipping a gorgeous Bordeaux wine on the show, but did you know the actress playing Olivia Pope doesn’t drink alcohol? Plus I think spreading a message that an independent woman can have balance in her life and choose not to drink, is just as sexy.
Making your Valentine’s Day Alcohol-Free Cocktail
There were many directions I could have gone when creating an Alcohol-Free Beverage for Valentine’s Day, but I wanted something with a PUNCH of flavour that was unique. Just like Olivia Pope’s character, she stands out and her beverage should do the same. Plus I built this drink as an option that can easily introduce a spirit if you’d like, whether it be R(h)um, Cachaca, Whisk(e)y and/or more.
Tamarind has been a flavour I’ve been wanting to experiment with for some time now. I used this opportunity to bring this sweet and sour fruit into my creations, and I can promise you, I will use Tamarind more often. It’s hard to describe the flavour, other than citrus and tangy. The one thing I can promise, is that this Tangy Tamarind Syrup will come in handy in so many ways for your next beverage.
I combined that with some Almond Milk, Pineapple and Lime for the ultimate tropical destination. Oh, and we can’t forget the Mint. It goes a LONG way to brighten up this beverage that I know you’ll love.
The Independent
An Alcohol-Free beverage that combines a simple Tamarind Simple Syrup, Pineapple, Lime, Almond Milk and Mint in honour of Olivia Pope from Scandal on Valentine's Day.
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Tamarind Syrup *See notes below for recipe
- ½ oz Freshly squeezed Lime
- 1 oz Almond Milk
- 3 Sprigs Mint
Instructions
- In a shaker, add 1 sprig of mint (stem removed) and the rest of your ingredients.
- Give this a good shake and strain over fresh ice.
- Top with a beautiful bouquet of Mint (2 remaining sprigs).
Recipe Notes
To make the Tamarind Syrup, in a small saucepan, add 2 overflowing tbsp Tamarind Paste, with ½ cup Granulated Sugar and add ½ cup Water. Let this come to a simmer and break down the Tamarind Paste. Simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes. Strain. Store into fridge, up to 2 weeks. This recipe makes enough for 4 drinks.
