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Innovations in Behavioral Health

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the Smirking Betty

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An elevated recipe perfect for coffee lovers, these soft shots are rich and sweet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot espresso (about and ounce)
  • 1 oz caramel syrup
  • 1 oz almond milk
  • 1 oz vanilla syrup (recipe below)
  • Sea salt
  • Whipped cream

Instructions:

Fill two shot glasses with equal portions of espresso and caramel syrup, creating two separate layers. Carefully pour the almond milk on top of the caramel syrup, being careful not to disturb the other layers. Drizzle the vanilla syrup on top of the almond milk, creating a swirl effect. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each shot. Top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream.

This shot combines the bold flavor of espresso with the sweet and rich flavor of caramel. The almond milk adds a touch of nuttiness and creaminess to the shot, while the vanilla syrup adds a sweet and comforting flavor that balances the bitterness of the espresso. The sea salt adds a touch of saltiness and helps to enhance the sweetness of the caramel and vanilla syrups. The whipped cream adds a final touch of airy sweetness.

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Raging Velvet

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Coming from the idea of elevating a traditional tea-based cocktail, making it more premium and sophisticated while removing the alcohol, the Raging Velvet is strong, rich, fresh, tangy, and complex.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz black tea syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz yuzu juice
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters
  • Splash of ginger beer
  • Grapefruit twist, for garnish

Instructions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the black tea syrup, grapefruit juice, yuzu juice, and orange bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined and chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Top with a splash of ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

The grapefruit juice and yuzu juice add a tart citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the black tea syrup and balances the bitterness of the orange bitters. The ginger beer adds a spicy and effervescent touch that lifts the flavors and enhances the mouthfeel. The grapefruit twist adds a burst of flavor and aroma, making this drink truly premium and enjoyable. If you wanted to modify this recipe, try adding a dash of honey or agave syrup to enhance the sweetness or adding some fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, to provide more complexity and freshness.

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the Precious Mobster

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Perfect for a business meeting, this cocktail was inspired by a smoked Manhattan. This is a unique NA take on the spirit-forward cocktail that is bound to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz black tea syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz cold-pressed pomegranate juice
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Dash of orange bitters
  • Dash of liquid smoke
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the black tea syrup, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, orange bitters, and liquid smoke to the shaker. Shake the ingredients until well combined and the shaker is cold to the touch. Strain the mixture into a chilled lowball glass. Express the oil from an orange peel over the top of the drink by holding the peel over the drink and giving it a good twist, releasing the oils into the drink. Rub the rim of the glass with the orange peel to release more oil. Drop the orange peel into the drink as a garnish.

The black tea syrup in this recipe provides a rich and flavorful base, while the pomegranate juice adds a sweet and tangy flavor. The lemon juice provides a bright citrus flavor, and the orange bitters add a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness. Rounding us out, the liquid smoke adds a flavor that mimics the taste of aged spirits, while the orange peel provides a sweet and zesty aroma that complements the smoky flavor.

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the Noble Hyena

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Another staff favorite, this is a great option for anyone looking for a drink that’s a bit more complex and interesting. It’s bright and refreshing, with a nice balance between sweet, sour, and bitter notes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 strawberries
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup (recipe below)
  • 1/2 oz vanilla syrup (recipe below)
  • 1/2 shot espresso (about 1/2 – 3/4 oz)
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz tonic water (preferably Fever Tree)
  • Ice

Instructions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle one of the strawberries in the syrup. Add the remaining ingredients except the tonic water and garnish. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake well. Fill your highball glass with ice and add the tonic water. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a strawberry and serve.

This cocktail has a sweet, fruity taste with a tart citrus kick from the lemon and grapefruit juice. The pineapple juice provides a slightly tropical note, while the shot of espresso adds a rich and bold flavor with a caffeine boost. The tonic water contributes a slight bitterness to the drink, which is balanced out by the sweetness from the simple and vanilla syrups.

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Espresso Martini

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This non-alcoholic, elevated version of an espresso martini still offers all the rich and indulgent flavors of the original, but without the alcohol.

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso
  • 1 oz vanilla syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 oz heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 oz cold brew coffee
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

Brew two shots of espresso and let it cool to room temperature. In a shaker, combine the cooled espresso, vanilla syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, heavy cream or coconut cream, and cold brew coffee. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined and the shaker becomes frosty. Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans and serve immediately.

The vanilla syrup and unsweetened cocoa powder add sweetness and depth of flavor, while the heavy cream or coconut cream provides a smooth and creamy texture. The cold brew coffee provides a hint of bitterness, while the espresso provides a strong and bold coffee flavor.

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the Wicked Librarian

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Ideal for those who enjoy bold and unique flavors, the Wicked Librarian is a berry-based cocktail with a touch of espresso (and heat). Beautifully garnished, this cocktail becomes a visual masterpiece, making it a great option for impressing guests.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz fresh blackberries
  • 1 shot espresso (about an ounce)
  • 1 oz vanilla simple syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Blackberries and lemon wheel for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

Muddle the fresh blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or puree them in a blender or food processor). Add to the blackberries in your shaker: cold brew espresso, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, and the cayenne. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 20 seconds. Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with a few blackberries and a lemon wheel.

The combination of sweet and tart flavors from the blackberries and lemon, balanced with the richness of the espresso and vanilla syrup, creates a drink that is both satisfying and invigorating. The cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that would normally come from alcohol, adding a touch of excitement to the drink.