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What makes a great mocktail? (2018)

Wouldn't it be great if you could sip a mocktail that looks and tastes just like the real thing? Today, we'll look at the science of how alcohol actually tastes, how to mimic it, and whether this is a good idea.

If you've been following along, you may have concluded that you should be brewing up a batch of bitter, spicy, slightly sweet tea the next time you serve as designated driver. That's because the true allure of alcohol isn't really derived from its own taste characteristics, but rather how it interacts with other compounds to create otherwise unattainable flavors. Think of bitterness, astringency, and spice as creative ways to accent an already tasty mocktail, to add lend the slight feeling that you might be sipping an actual cocktail.

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