Zero-proof Options Recipe

Make the grapefruit shrub base

In a small saucepan, combine grapefruit juice, apple cider vinegar and granulated sugar. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves (about 3–4 minutes). Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then stir in lemon juice. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let flavors meld.

To serve, fill two highball glasses with 1/2 cup ice each. Add 2 tbs of the chilled shrub base to each glass, top with 1/2 cup cold sparkling water, gently stir once, and garnish with a grapefruit twist. Adjust shrub quantity to taste for more or less tartness.

Prepare cucumber-basil puree

In a blender or food processor combine the chopped cucumber, basil leaves, lime juice and simple syrup. Pulse until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids.

Fill two Collins glasses with crushed ice (about 1/2 cup each). Divide the cucumber-basil liquid between the glasses (about 1 tbs each), top with chilled soda water (about 3/4 cup per glass), gently stir to combine. Garnish each with a cucumber slice and a basil sprig. Taste and add an extra 1/2 tbs simple syrup per glass if you prefer sweeter.

Mix the savory shrub

Brew a strong cup of lapsang or smoked black tea and chill until cold (or use prepared cold-brew). In a jar, combine 1 cup cold tea, orange juice, apple cider vinegar and honey (or agave). Stir or shake until the honey dissolves. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors marry.

To serve, add 1/4 cup ice to a small rocks glass, pour 3/4 cup of the shrub mixture, top with club soda (about 1/4 cup) for effervescence, and gently stir. Garnish with an orange wheel. Adjust honey to taste.

Prepare toasts and garnishes

Arrange blini or toast points on a platter. Spread a small spoonful (about 1/2 tsp) of crème fraîche or cultured yogurt on each. Top half the pieces with a small mound of smoked seaweed pearls or kelp caviar (about 1/2 tsp each). Scatter chopped chives over the topped toasts and place a thin lemon slice on the side of each remaining toast.

Plate service: set the three zero-proof options (one glass each of Grapefruit Shrub, Cucumber-Basil Cooler and Smoked Tea & Citrus Shrub) alongside the caviar-style accoutrements. Provide small spoons, extra lemon slices, and napkins. Recommend guests alternate sips between drinks and bites to cleanse the palate, mirroring The Caviar Bar at Zero George experience.