Dry January at Tapa Toro Orlando and Mocktail Recipes for Easy Entertaining at Home.
Looking for an alcohol-free beverage or Craft Mocktail to serve at your next gathering? Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant at ICON Park is featuring inventive mocktails to enjoy throughout “Dry January.” Thankfully, they were kind to share some of the recipes with me.
Are you following a “Dry January?” Or, here’s a new term I just learned, are you part of the “sober-curious” movement? If so, read on.
I find mocktails are usually very sweet. Therefore I was pleased when Tapa Toro invited me to sample their new alcohol-free line-up and found them to be well balanced and refreshing. These mocktail recipes are perfect for your next party or if you’re like me and sometimes want to have a good time with friends without a hangover.
I loved the fact that they looked just like craft cocktails, so you don’t feel like the odd one out sipping this at a party.
What is Dry January?
If you’re wondering what is Dry January, it is the annual movement through which millions of people give up alcohol for the month of January. It began with the charity Alcohol Change in the UK and has caught on around the world.
If you had one too many cocktails over the holidays or vowed to quit or reduce drinking as part of your New Year’s Resolutions, you might consider the benefits of participating in Dry January.
Why Serve Craft Mocktails At Your Next Party?
When entertaining at home, it’s always a good idea to serve a non-alcoholic option that is just as tasty as your boozy selections. Your designated drivers and those following a sober lifestyle will thank you for the craft mocktails. They will also pair nicely with a Spanish Paella. Check out this recipe for Everything But The Kitchen Sink Paella, also from Tapa Toro.
Barceloneta Beach Mocktail Recipe
The refreshing blend of grapefruit and ginger made the Barceloneta Beach my favorite Tapa Toro mocktail. It also looks so fancy with rosemary sprig and dehydrated lime garnish. Tapa Toro uses Q Grapefruit soda which adds to the layers of flavor with a nice fizz.
A refreshing alcohol free cocktail with grapefruit and ginger with fragrant rosemary sprig garnish
- 2 ounces Grapefruit Juice
- 2 ounces Q Grapefruit Soda
- .5 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- Fresh rosemary sprig
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Mix all ingredients with ice
Fresa Maria Mocktail Recipe
Fresh strawberries and ginger come together nicely in this mocktail.
This sweet tart mocktail made of fresh strawberries and ginger beer is a refreshing beverage to serve at your next gathering
- 1.5 ounces strawberry puree
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 2.5 ounces Sprite
- 1 squeeze lime
- 1 dehydrated orange (or you can garnish with fresh strawberry)
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Mix strawberry puree, ginger beer and Sprite in cocktail glass and stir
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squeeze fresh lime
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Add ice and garnish
Bright & Sunny Mocktail Recipe
If you’ve had a Dark & Stormy or even a Moscow Mule, this is the alcohol-free version. The dash of bitters is key to give it that feel of a true cocktail.
The alcohol free alternative concoction to the tropical "Dark & Stormy" with Ginger Beer, fresh lime and bitters.
- 5 ounces ginger beer
- 1 squeezed lime
- .3 ounce homemade Tapa Toro bitters (use bitters of your choice)
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Mint leaf
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Mix all ingredients in glass with ice
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Garnish with fresh mint
Non-Alcoholic Sangria Recipe
A fruity sangria is must for a true Spanish affair. But if you don’t want a boozy one, this craft mocktail was a nice alternative.
- 3 ounces Pineapple juice
- 3 ounces Orange juice
- 1 ounce Cranberry juice
- Fresh Fruit (use oranges, lemons, limes for garnish)
- Splash of Sprite
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Mix all ingredients in glass with ice
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Garnish with fresh fruit
About Tapa Toro in Orlando
Located at ICON Park, smack in the middle of touristy International Drive, Tapa Toro features tapas-style dining, a paella pit where you can watch their signature paella being made, a full-service bar and Flamenco dancing each night. The restaurant may be surrounded by the many chain restaurants which visitors usually associate with Orlando, however Tapa Toro is a local hidden gem.
Locally owned and operated by Katerina and Vassilis Coumbaros, the dynamic couple also own Taverna Opa in Pointe Orlando and will be opening KAVAS Taco & Tequila in 2020. Chef Frank Galeano’s creativity takes traditional Spanish dishes and elevates them. If Spain is on your travel bucket list, Tapa Toro is a great place to keep the dream alive.
For more information, visit their website.
Craft Mocktails at Tapa Toro this January
Throughout the month of January, Tapa Toro has featured two mocktails each week, priced at $9 each. Here’s the remaining mocktails line up for January 2020. Some may still be available afterwards based on availability of ingredients, so don’t hesitate to ask the bartender.
January 17-23:
- Bright & Sunny: the alternative to a Dark & Stormy with Ginger Beer & Lime
- Hole In One: a take on Arnold Palmer with Iced Tea, Lemon and Pomegranate
January 24-31:
- La Piña Picante: a spicy Pineapple Juice and Ginger Beer with Habanero & Lime
- Fresa Maria: lovely combo of fresh Strawberry and Ginger Beer
Plan an outing to Tapa Toro and enjoy their fantastic Spanish tapas and paella and daily live Flamenco dancers. They even have some lighter fare and vegetarian options on the menu so you can keep your New Year Resolutions. (the gazpacho and Impossible Meatballs get two thumbs up!)
Whether you’re entertaining friends at home or going out around O-Town, I hope you’re inspired to go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time.
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
Disclosure: I was a hosted media guest for this event for promotional purposes. I am under no obligation to share this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share with you products and experiences I love to inspire you to get together with family and friends (virtually for now), celebrate life and go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time! You can read more about my guidelines in my disclosure policy. Cheers!
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