Brighter, lighter and lower in booze

3 Recipes to Relish this Summer. 

The low a.b.v. trend has us absolutely hooked. Honestly, we see this idea of less-is-more when it comes to the strength of a cocktail a fantastic a cultural shift. Across America, bartenders are playing with amounts, rendering delicious drinks that one can drink all day, without getting drunk or stumbling into the following day’s dreaded hangover. The brands are also getting involved. In fact, Ketel One released a great lineup of 30-percent a.b.v. vodkas, focused around bright, summery botanicals.

For our Balance Box, we focused around great brands that help you sustain your highest levels of energy–– like the Blublox blackout sleep mask and Perricone MD’s super greens supplement powder–– and brands that taste incredible, but eschew high calories, sugars and alcohol, like Cutwater’s frozen margarita cocktail pops, Dardiman’s spiced watermelon crisps and Brightfox’s sparkling grapefruit ginger water.

For this month, we sought one of our nation’s top bar talents––Mr. Aidan Demarest––to give us a few low a.b.v. recipes with those fresh Ketel One flavors.

Demarest has ... oh ... a few luminary accolades in his belt. He’s the man who opened The Doheny, Seven Grand and The Edison. He was behind the drinks and The Spare Room’s rise to fame in Hollywood, before working as a brand ambassador for Stoli Elit.

He’s currently the director behind the entire nightlife program at The Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills.

His drinks are always balanced, stunning and memorable. Now, a few of them are also lower in booze.

Here are three to mix in the hot summer days, when you want a moment of celebration without the hassle of a hangover.

P.S. – if you can’t find the time to make these at home, you could always just go book a room at Sofitel. These are on the menu there and awaiting your arrival.

The Tulum Bounceback

  • 1.5 oz. Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom low a.b.v. vodka
  • 0.5 oz. passion fruit juice
  • 1 bottle of citrus-forward Kombucha

Method: In a tall glass, add vodka and passion fruit juice. Stir to combine. Fill with ice and top with your choice of Kombucha.

The Yoga Deck

  • 1.5 oz. Ketel Botanical Grapefruit & Rose low a.b.v. vodka
  • 0.5 oz. simple syrup
  • 1 bottle ginger beer or ginger kombucha
  • 1 dash powdered turmeric

Method: Add vodka, simple syrup and powdered turmeric to a shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer or kombucha.

Simple Sangria

Low a.b.v. drinks can also easily be made using the wine already in your fridge. Try this punch next time a few friends arrive on the doorstep. Serves 8-12

  • 1 bottle red or white wine
  • 1/2 cup chopped berries, apples and oranges
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 oz. Brandy or Cognac
  • 2 cups of Soda water

Method: In a large punchbowl or pitcher, combine the wine, fruit, juices and Cognac/Brandy. Stir for a minute to combine well. Just as guests are arriving, add the soda water. Pro Tip: The night prior, create giant ice blocks by filling large containers with water. They will melt slowly in your punchbowl, eliminating the need for putting ice in the glasses.