NaSommelier

I recently joined Tyra Majors on KOMO-TV to share a secret for guests dining out: how to order a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink even when there isn’t an NA menu. The trick? Ordering within Cocktail Families.

The Professional Perspective: The “language” of the bar hasn’t changed since Jerry Thomas; it was simply codified for the modern era.. think great books like Cocktail Codex. Whether it’s a Sour, a Daisy, or a Collins, these templates are the DNA of balance.

For hospitality pros, this is your greatest tool. You don’t need a “mocktail” section—you need to apply the same rigor to your NA bases that you do to your spirits.

The Strategy: Use high-tannin teas, verjus, or botanical infusions as your “base.”

The Result: When your team understands templates, your NA offerings become repeatable, profitable, and structurally sound.

The Guest Takeaway: If the NA options are lacking, look at the signature cocktail list. Find a flavor profile you love and ask the bartender for that “template”—swapping the spirit for a strong tea or house-made shrub. You aren’t asking for something “off-menu”; you’re speaking the bartender’s native language.

The Bottom Line: Understanding the architecture of the cocktail makes the alcohol optional, but the craft remains intact.
Big thank you to ,
, for letting me nerd out on your show! Always so fun, and nerve racking to be on live tv. Check out full segment at link in bio

Wait… an alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc with real structure?

This New Zealand bottle genuinely surprised me. The acidity is lively and beautifully integrated, giving the wine shape, body, and a clean, lingering finish. There’s that classic grassy lift, bright lemon zest, and a thread of tropical fruit that adds just enough roundness without tipping into sweetness.

It feels complex and intentional — layered rather than linear. Not “good for NA.” Simply good. And easily one of the most compelling alcohol-free Sauvignon Blancs I’ve tasted to date. Thanks for having such great taste and sharing with me!

✨ Dry January Giveaway — Tomorrow at We Rise Wine Bar ✨

To celebrate Dry January, I’m giving away a complimentary ticket to my hands-on mocktail and NA Wine class tomorrow at We Rise Wine Bar.

We’ll taste some cool, women owned NA Wines and learn how to make thoughtful, non-alcoholic cocktails with them together in a warm, welcoming space—equal parts learning, tasting, and connection. It’s a lovely way to explore what elevated alcohol-free drinking can look like.

To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow and
3️⃣ Tag a friend you’d love to bring (each tag = one entry)

Bonus entry: Share to your Stories and tag me.

Winner will be announced tomorrow earlier in the day.

I’d be delighted to have you there. ✨

No makeup. Sweatpants on. Hair doing whatever this is. 🍷
That weird space between Christmas and New Year where time doesn’t exist, the snacks are constant, and I’m absolutely not getting dressed for wine.

Luckily, Tralcetto 0.0% Rosso from Abruzzo doesn’t require effort either. Made by Cantina Zaccagnini, this is an alcohol-free red that still feels like real wine — bright red fruit, a little spice, soft tannins, and a smooth, slightly quirky finish that works whether you’re eating cheese, leftovers, or just standing in the kitchen.

It’s dealcoholized thoughtfully to keep the aromas and character intact, which means I get the ritual, the flavor, and the vibe… without needing mascara or a plan tomorrow.

End-of-year wine energy. Zero proof. Full comfort.

Dry January, elevated. ✨

Still searching for a thoughtful last-minute holiday gift? Our Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Class at We Rise on January 15th is a memorable, experience-forward option—perfect for the sober-curious, mindful drinkers, and flavor lovers alike.

Join us for an engaging evening of tasting, education, and hands-on exploration of beautifully crafted zero-proof cocktails.

🎁 Digital tickets make an easy, meaningful gift. Link will be up on WeRise site!
⏰ Very limited spots remaining
📍 We Rise | January 15

Sipping on Sea Monster NA White today and waxing poetic….
Pleasant stone fruit and tropical notes, a little vanilla sneaking in on the finish. I did wish it had a bit more acidity to keep things lively, but paired with fish tacos? Totally worked. 🌮✨
Big shoutout to Tim at Vehrs for always picking yummy things and letting me taste my way through them. Big thanks to Tim and the team at Vehrs for always choosing yummy things and giving me tastes of them.

Small Business Saturday is the perfect moment to show some love to Cheeky & Dry in Phinney Ridge — a tastefully curated, women-owned non-alcoholic bottle shop that makes exploring NA beverages truly joyful.

And if you’d like to take that support a step further, I’ll be back at Cheeky & Dry this Wednesday teaching a Holiday Mixology class, a cozy, hands-on evening of building zero-proof cocktails with the products they carry.

It’s a great way to support two women-owned small businesses in one go.
Would love to see you there.