This is a mocktail that I made in honor of my late mother, Loida. It is not only Mother’s Day today, it is also her birthday. This time of the year is especially hard for my family but I wanted to honor her. I want to celebrate her. Since Mocktail Wiz is now a part of my life, I thought “Why not make a mocktail recipe dedicated to her?” So here it is.
My mom was not a drinker. The only time I remember her drinking was with our neighbor friends just one time. They had “Gin Pomelo”. This drink was popular in the Philippines back in the day and it is very easy to make – it’s just pomelo juice powder, water, gin, and lots of ice. This recipe pulls inspiration from that. The closest I can get to fresh pomelo is fresh grapefruit so that’s what I used. I also used rose syrup because she LOVED red roses. I still have a voice memo of her thanking me for the roses I sent her.
I miss her every day but especially around this time. Last year, I drank heavily to numb. This year is different. I have not had a drink for more than 11 months. This year, I am honoring her memory with full clarity. I am going to be present and I am going to feel all the feelings. The love and the grief. After all, grief is just love with no place to go.
Here’s to you, Nanay. I miss you. I love you.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin Alternative
- 1 ½ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- ¾ oz Rose Syrup
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- Grapefruit wedge or an edible flower for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except for garnish.
- Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with grapefruit wedge or an edible flower.