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28 culturecheesemag.com DRINKS WITH CHEESE 202 3 O T H E R W E A R E N O W F I R M L Y E N T R E N C H E D in the New Temperance movement, in which grown-ups who enjoy a stiff drink can do so but can opt out of the impairment (and the party pooping). Unlike teetotalers of the Prohibition era— during which the renunciation of alcohol was much more political than personal—today's "dry" campaigners do not demand that the party stop. Alcohol-free libations are meant to be sipped leisurely, before or after dinner, and give the drinker something more to contemplate besides bubbles. They are nuanced and refined, often bearing names reminiscent of a Victorian-era pharmacy. These non-alcoholic craft "spirits" can be just as pricey as their alcoholic counterparts, but the price reflects their careful conceptualization and execution. As such, they are not meant for chugging, but rather should be measured out as you would a premium spirit: one or two ounces at a time, finished with a mixer or a large cube of ice. ARTIKAAS PARÈGGIO + Ghia Apéritif CAPRIOLE GOAT CHEESE O'BANON + Curious Elixirs No. 5 QUESO OAXACA + Lyre's Agave Reserva Spirit MEREDITH DAIRY MARINATED FETA + N/A Amaro #1 (See recipe) O A X A C A Sober Spirits M A RGA R E T L E A H Y, S pri ng 2 0 22 PHOTO: Fabián Montaño, Adobe Stock N/A AMARO #1 This recipe can be amended to suit your own tastes (i.e., less gentian root if you don't like bitter flavors). Experiment by swapping in your favorite herbs or spices! Makes about 4 cups 1 tablespoon dried orange peel 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel 1 tablespoon gentian root 1 tablespoon dried rosebuds 1 tablespoon juniper berries 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half handful crystallized ginger, torn into pieces Peel of ½ orange, sliced into strips (save the orange) 2 oranges, juiced ▶ Combine all ingredients except the orange juice, add 3 cups water, and seal in a glass Mason jar. Place in the ref rigerator and steep for 1 week, shaking occasionally. ▶ Strain out solids and add the orange juice. ▶ Enjoy chilled over a large ice cube or mixed with seltzer, preferably citrus-flavored.