Proteau is a new zero-proof botanical drink unlike any other. Complex in taste and ready to pour right out of the gorgeous bottles. The Rivington Spritz, or the Ludlow Red, will enhance any special gatherings you celebrate this year. With Valentine’s (and Galentine’s Day) right around the corner, the Rivington Spritz and Ludlow Red are the perfect pairings for a cozy night-in with your special someone.
Maybe you’re celebrating a sober anniversary for yourself or one of your close friends or family. Perhaps you haven’t stopped celebrating the new Potus and Madam VP? Whatever your reason to celebrate, even if it’s just a Me party of one, Proteau is the equivalent of sipping liquid luxury.
Not just a pretty face
But damn, if these bottles aren’t gorgeous…
Created by award-winning mixologist, author, and worker-rights advocate John deBary, Proteau stands apart from other non-alcoholic spirits. It is ready to drink right from the bottle—no mixing required.
JdB has serious street cred thanks to the unsurpassed culinary diversity available in New York City, the place he calls home. He challenged himself to remove alcohol from the equation. The result? These ultra-luxe botanical beverages prove you don’t need an alcohol-based drink to have the same intellectually engaging, food-friendly experience. To that, we say YES!
If that’s not enough, these expertly designed beverages are low-sugar with no preservatives. Since there’s no need for additional mixers, you’ll look like a bartending pro just by the visual presentation of the bottle paired with some gorgeous glassware. I gasped in delight when the package arrived at my house.
Rivington Spritz
Proteau Rivington Spritz is a sparkling botanical drink that is refreshing and bright. Enjoy chilled ice cold anywhere people drink delicious beverages. Hibiscus and chamomile flowers, Chinese rhubarb, gentian, strawberries, and a touch of artisanal vinegar perfectly match a hot day on the patio or a sunset rooftop bar.
Ludlow Red
Proteau Ludlow Red is a botanical drink that pairs effortlessly with food and friendly company anytime, day or night. Uniquely combined notes of blackberry, chrysanthemum, black pepper, and dandelion open and reveal themselves, engaging the senses as it is savored. It is perfect with a savory meal or, on its own, slowly sipped as you wind down the night.
Serving Suggestions
Ludlow Red and Rivington Spritz should be served chilled—with or without ice. Enjoy straight from the bottle or mix your own cocktail. Proteau plays well with others.
Rivington Spritz
- Chill the bottle in the fridge for at least 2 hours before opening.
- The white wine glass is ideal, but a tumbler or highball glass works, too! Sober Curator Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pop those tags and get your thrift shop on! I found the glass pictured above at Value Village for $2. It doesn’t have a mate, nor do I, so it works perfectly for me! Plus, I love how the weight of this glass feels in my hand, and the color is lovely.
- Ice Ice Baby! The ice brings out the fizz in this drink. Are you feeling extra fancy? Slice up some strawberries or use some dried, edible flowers and freeze them in an ice cube tray ahead of time. Oh-la-la!
- Garnishes are always optional, but a fun way to make your drink Instagram-worthy! Add an orange wedge or luscious strawberry
Food Pairings:
- You can never go wrong with a Charcuterie and cheese board
- Tomato and watermelon salad with feta, mint and balsamic
- Thanksgiving Dinner, prepared by my adorable mother this past holiday season, was made even more special
Ludlow Red
- Chill the bottle for about 45 minutes in the fridge before serving, or if it’s been in for longer, let it sit at room temperature before serving
- Red wine glasses are ideal, but again, any glass that brings you joy will do
- There is no need for ice, but if you enjoy things on the colder side, a cube or two will do
- This one plays well with others! Mixes nicely with soda, tonic, ginger, or go extra fancy with an excellent non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- Feeling spicy? Mixes well with apple cider or hot tea
Food Pairings:
- Steak!
- Again, you can never go wrong with a Charcuterie and cheese board
- Your favorite pasta
- Fig salad with goat cheese, arugula, and walnuts
Get off your screens!
After you catalog your beautiful Instagram beverage and food shots, put your phone down! We spend far too much time in front of or behind screens of all sizes.
This past Thanksgiving, after enjoying an amazing home-cooked meal with my family, we played a new board game I found thrift shopping called Royal Bingo. Note, this game retails for $29.99 on Amazon, but I found it at the Seattle Goodwill in mint condition for only $3. (and no pieces were missing!) Since my mom and I spent the week binge-watching the latest season of The Crown on Netflix, it felt like a good idea to keep our luxury theme going.
After all of the years I caused my mother sleepless nights and worry due to my alcoholism, it feels like such a treasure to spend quality time with her now, just being in the present moment. Since I don’t contribute much to preparing a meal, the least I can do is show up with some fun alcohol-free drinks, do the dishes, and plan a fun interactive activity.
Drink What You Want
If you love collecting coffee table-style cocktail books as much as I do, here’s another one to #ADDTOCART by John deBary. The illustrations are fabulous, and John continues delivering on his 100-proof personality. (Sober Curator Pro Tip: His lipstick game alone is enough reason to follow him on Insta @jnd3001 ) Just go in knowing that this book is not specifically an alcohol-free recipe guide. Available at Penguin Random House and of course, Amazon.
In conclusion, I am confident that if you enjoy botanical bubblies that are rich and complex in flavor, Proteau is a beverage brand you should check out.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
