Ross Kelly, The Sober Mixologist, on crafting the perfect non-alcoholic cocktail at home
Head Mixologist at Lyla’s, Kilkenny, Ross Kelly is one of Ireland’s leading voices in the zero-alcohol cocktail movement.
In 2022, Ross Kelly gave up alcohol entirely, and is now an advocate for mindful drinking, wellness, and alcohol-free celebrations.
Working at three of the country’s most exciting hospitality venues, including Lyla’s in Kilkenny Ross is at the centre of a growing shift in how Irish people celebrate, socialise, and enjoy flavour without relying on alcohol.
Give us a little background on your journey to becoming The Sober Mixologist.
My journey in becoming The Sober Mixologist started in earnest around 2022. I had been going away from alcohol for a few years prior but divorced from it completely around 2022. That’s when I started experimenting with non-alcoholic beverages.
Was there a particular moment that made you realise there was a gap in the market for sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails?
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact time but I realised that there was a shift in the way people were drinking from 2020 onwards. People seemed to look for alternative ways to enjoy themselves without having to drink alcohol. I also noticed that the advertising campaigns from big companies promoting non-alcoholic beers more than ever before, so I knew that the market was shifting.
What has surprised you most since entering this space?
What has surprised me most is the speed in which the non-alcoholic cocktail and other zero-alcohol beverages have taken off. When I started in the bar trade over 20 years ago we had one non-alcoholic beer in the fridge—Becks Zero, I think—and one case would usually last the year. That was the appetite for zero alcohol beverages. Now, there is zero wine, prosecco, beer, spirits of all kinds including gin, vodka and whiskey. It has exploded in a very short period of time compared to the nature of how trends usually go.
What changes have you noticed in people’s attitudes toward drinking?
The attitude has shifted dramatically over the last few years, younger people are more health conscious about the effect of alcohol, people I feel are looking after their health and fitness more and leaving having a drink to the odd occasion instead of the cultural norm.
Do you think we’re witnessing a cultural shift, or is sober curiosity still a niche lifestyle choice?
It’s hard to say if we’re seeing an overall cultural shift, or if people’s attitude towards alcohol has shifted slightly. I see more people swapping the pint for the fruit smoothie these days, which would indicate there is a movement towards better health and not just a splash in the pan trend. I think it’s a genuine move towards better and healthier living.
Why do you think younger generations are approaching alcohol differently from previous generations?
It’s hard to say for sure but I don’t think alcohol is glamourised in the same way it used to be. I also think social media promotes healthier living and alternative ways to enjoy yourself, the big emphasis on sauna living at the moment being a perfect example. So I think the younger generation are seeing this and gravitating towards it.
Could you please share some tips for making great alcohol?free drinks at home?
Making alcohol-free drinks at home is very easy and fun and you don’t need much equipment. I would suggest starting with the basics: a juice squeeze, a cocktail shaker and strainer and you are off. Basic ingredients to make delicious drinks most people would have at home: citrus fruits, sugar, ice, soda water and you have the foundation of many tasty non-alcoholic drinks.
How can hosts create inclusive experiences for everyone at the table?
Getting people involved in the fun is the best way to get people included in making cocktails. Have fun, experiment, see what works, what doesn’t. It’s something everyone can have a go at and see what works.
What’s your go-to alcohol-free cocktail?
My personal favourite would be a non-alcoholic Mojito. There is nothing more refreshing than the combination of lime, mint, sugar, crushed ice topped with soda. Delicious on a hot day.
Where’s your favourite place for a great alcohol-free drink?
I don’t have an exact go-to place as there are many hotels, bars and restaurants that do great alcohol-free cocktails, but for quality, Lyla’s in Kilkenny do fantastic alcohol-free cocktails with fresh, vibrant ingredients, so that would definitely be on the list.
What’s the most underrated alcohol-free spirit?
I would say gin. There is such a good variety of zero gins on the market that can be the bedrock for making fantastic alcohol-free cocktails. You have rhubarb infused zero gins or elderflower zero gins. The list is expansive.
What’s one ingredient every home mixologist should have?
If I could only have one ingredient for making an alcohol free cocktail it would be lime. There is not a drink you can’t make more refreshing with the humble lime to add that splash of zing, or a lime wedge garnish to squeeze into your drink.
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