(Photo: Karlyta Williams, Owner of Mockery)
As Dry January rolls in, many of us are seeking ways to celebrate without the buzz. Yet, ditching drinks often means sacrificing the social rituals and enjoyment that go hand-in-hand with a clinking glass. Enter Karlyta Williams, founder of Mockery, a Detroit-based company brewing up a revolution in the world of non-alcoholic beverages. Her mission? To prove that a sober January (or any month!) doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, fun, or connection.
Mockery’s story began, like many good things, with a daydream. During quarantine, Williams yearned for the normalcy of gatherings and shared drinks, but the usual Zoom wine downs simply left her feeling out of sync. Instead, she started crafting her own “little sips,” a return to the childhood joy of mixing mocktails at Chuck E. Cheese. Soon, fresh-pressed juices, homemade syrups, and a dash of experimentation gave birth to Mockery.
But the magic really happened when Williams discovered zero-proof spirits. The idea of elevating mocktails into sophisticated, handcrafted experiences ignited a spark. “I loved the ritual of cocktails,” she explains, “but not the way alcohol controlled it. Mockery is about reclaiming that joy, offering everyone a beautiful, complex drink, no matter their reason for choosing not to drink.”
For those navigating Dry January’s social scene, Williams has a message: Embrace the adventure! Ditch the “something fruity” request and dive into the world of non-alcoholic options. Most bars are brimming with possibilities. Get creative! Order a fizzy pomegranate and cranberry concoction with a squeeze of lemon, a touch of orange peel syrup (bonus points for sniffing out fun syrups hidden on the menu!), and a festive garnish. Boom! You’ve got a delicious, celebratory drink that keeps the buzz alive without the hangover.
But Mockery isn’t just about barside adventures. They offer a full-service zero-proof experience, from crafting bespoke menus for restaurants and cafes to shaking up the party at celebrations of all kinds. And in 2024, they’re launching fun, educational classes to empower everyone to become their own mocktail mixologist.
For those tackling Dry January at home, Williams recommends leaning into the fresh start energy. “Broaden your horizons,” she encourages. “Try our ‘Wake Up Call’ mocktail: a burst of sunshine in a glass with vibrant cara cara orange juice, ginger zing, and a touch of sparkling yuzu. It’s the perfect mood-booster to kickstart your day, sans booze.”
Wake up Call
3 oz fresh pressed cara cara orange juice
1 oz ginger simple syrup
1/2 oz fresh pressed lemon juice
1.5 oz Fever Tree sparkling lime & yuzu
**Optional 2 oz of Ritual zero proof gin alternative
-combine juices (and gin if utilizing) with syrup over ice in shaker (or glass if that’s what you have handy)
-stir lightly to combine
-strain into fresh glass and top with Fever Tree
-garnish with lemon disc and enjoy!
Remember, Dry January isn’t about deprivation; it’s about choice. With Mockery, you can choose flavor, connection, and celebration, all without compromising on experience. So ditch the guilt, embrace the fizz, and let Mockery show you that sobriety can be the most sparkling sip of all. Cheers to a delicious, vibrant Dry January!
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