Queen of Hearts Mocktail with Hawthorn Berries

  
When crafting mocktail recipes, I have several goals in mind. The first is to make a booze-free drink that tastes amazing and has the bite of a cocktail. I don't want my mocktails to just taste like juice or iced teas! Secondly, I do not like using alcohol-free spirits. I find it unnecessary when you can achieve similar flavors through the use of herbs. Lastly, I like to use botanical ingredients that also support health in various ways. With all of these things in mind, I crafted this stunning ruby red mocktail to support heart health.

In this recipe, I started by crafting a simple syrup base. I called upon the power of hawthorn berries which are known to have an uplifting and strengthening effect on the heart*. I also added rose for its support of the emotional heart and its delightful flavor. Lastly,  I added ginger to bring balance with some brightening and circulation-supporting zing.

From there, it was a matter of choosing how to craft the mocktail to achieve that extra bite. I typically work with citrus notes or herbal vinegars—this one was best with lemon juice. For the final touch, I went to the drawing board on texture. I experimented with a bubbly version and a flat-shaken mocktail. I prefer the flat one a bit more, but they are both delicious, and it’s really a matter of personal preference.

I hope you enjoy this craft beverage in good health and in the spirit of the Queen of Hearts, who is a force of unconditional love and compassion.

Queen of Hearts Simple Syrup

Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2/3 cup organic hawthorn berries
• 1/4 cup organic ginger root
• 1/2 cup organic rose petals
• 1 cup organic unrefined sugar

Directions

1. Add water, hawthorn berries, and ginger root to a medium-sized saucepan. 
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Place lid on pot and allow to simmer for 40 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and add rose petals.
5. Infuse for another 10 minutes 
6. Strain infusion into jar and squeeze herbs to get as much liquid as possible. (It will yield about 2 1/2 cups)
7. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.  
8. Allow to cool, label jar and date made, and store in refrigerator for 3-5 days. 
   
   

Pro Tips

• I like simple syrups that are less sweet for drinks, so this recipe is about 1 part sugar to 2.5 parts infusion. This means it won’t last as long as syrups with higher sugar content.
• You can extend the shelf life of this simple syrup by freezing them in cubes, or you can make it a higher sugar syrup and then dilute it before use.
  
  

Queen of Hearts Mocktail

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Queen of Hearts simple syrup (recipe above)
• 1/4 cup organic pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup still or bubble water
• 1 tsp. organic lemon juice

Directions

Fizzy Mocktail Version

1. Add ice to a tall glass followed by the remaining ingredients.
   Stir well.
2. Garnish with lemon slice, fresh pomegranate arils.
   
   

Still Mocktail Version

1. Add ice and above ingredients to a shaker.
2. Shake well and pour off, holding the ice.
3. Garnish with lemon slice and fresh pomegranate arils.
   
   

Herbal Mocktail Glass Garnish Mixture

If you're looking for some extra pizzazz, this herbal glass garnishment is a show-stopper!

Ingredients

• 1 part organic rose petals
• 1 part organic calendula flowers
• 1 part organic hawthorn leaf and flower
• 1 part organic cornflowers
  
  

Directions

• Blend each ingredient in a grinder until it reaches a coarse consistency. Do not powder, you want to see the colors and textures of each ingredient.
• Add to bowl in equal parts.
• Wet mocktail glass where you want the herbs to stick.
• Roll that section of glass into the mixture, while pressing down.
• Tap the glass with your finger to drop any excess herb mixture.
• Pour sipper of choice and enjoy!

Pro tip: I like to make a bigger batch of this and store it for when I'm ready to make craft botanical beverages. 

Looking for more Alcohol-Free drink inspiration?

Try Our Bees Knees Mocktail with Lemon Balm

You may also enjoy:

• Citrus and Sage Mocktail
• Alcohol-Free "Gin Fizz" 
• Nootropic Mocktails for Memory Support and Focus
• How to Build an At-Home Mocktail Bar
  
  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.