The Andalusia Cooler brings the sunny lightness of southern Spain into the glass – entirely alcohol-free. Instead of Cream Sherry and Cherry Liqueur, we use an alcohol-free Sherry substitute and a touch of almond syrup to emphasize the cherry note. The acidity of the lemon juice meets the sweetness of the orange juice, while Bitter Lemon provides a refreshing fizz. A mocktail that tastes more complex than it looks – perfect for warm evenings or as an accompaniment to tapas.
And here’s what you need for the Andalusia Cooler – alcohol-free
5 cl alcohol-free Sherry substitute (e.g. grape-based with oxidative notes)
2 cl almond syrup (replaces the cherry note and rounds off the Sherry substitute)
5 cl freshly squeezed orange juice (preferably blood orange for added depth)
1 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice (not from a bottle)
10 cl cold Bitter Lemon (to top up)
1 thin slice of orange (including peel)
2 cocktail cherries (preferably with stems for garnish)
The key to success
The trick lies in the almond syrup: it not only replaces the sweetness of the Cherry Liqueur but also adds a subtle marzipan note that perfectly complements the oxidative depth of the alcohol-free Sherry substitute. It’s important that the Sherry substitute has actually undergone sherry-like aging – simple grape juices taste too flat here. If you can’t find almond syrup, you can use 1 cl orgeat (almond syrup with rose water), but then reduce the amount of lemon juice to 0.75 cl to maintain the balance. The ice in the glass should be frozen clear – preferably homemade using filtered water to prevent the drink from becoming cloudy.
Variations
- Andalusia Spritz — For a lighter version, build 3 cl of the alcohol-free Sherry substitute and 2 cl almond syrup with 5 cl orange juice and 1 cl lemon juice in the glass over ice. Top up with 8 cl cold alcohol-free Prosecco substitute and garnish with an orange slice. Less sweet but more refreshing.
- Andalusia Smash — For a more intense fruit note, lightly muddle 4 fresh mint leaves with 1 cl lemon juice and 2 cl almond syrup in the shaker. Add 5 cl alcohol-free Sherry substitute and 3 cl orange juice, shake, and serve over crushed ice. Garnish with mint leaves and an orange slice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the alcohol-free Sherry substitute with grape juice?
No, simple grape juice tastes too sweet and flat. The Sherry substitute should have an oxidative note – similar to real Sherry. If you can’t find one, use 3 cl alcohol-free port substitute and 2 cl apple juice for added complexity.
Why does my drink taste too sour?
This is usually due to the lemon juice. Use freshly squeezed juice and measure the amount precisely (1 cl). If it’s still too sour, reduce the lemon juice to 0.75 cl and increase the almond syrup to 2.5 cl.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
The mixture of Sherry substitute, almond syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice keeps in the refrigerator for 12 hours. However, the Bitter Lemon and garnish should only be added just before serving to preserve the fizz.
