We’ve got a brand new collab with Tonix.Mocktails called “Just a Merry Mocktail Monday!” Get excited! After following @Tonix.Mocktails on Instagram and TikTok, I knew I wanted to become besties with Nik Popkow. Five seconds into my first zoom with Nicole and I knew we were sober kindred spirits. Nik dreams of one day opening up her own sober bar in the LA area and I hope to be there and watch her cut the ribbon when it opens.

**Welcome, Nicole of @Tonix.Mocktails to The Sober Curator Fam!**

Dry since 11.14.2019, Nik brings phenomenal skills as a bartender to the alcohol-free cocktail table. Fun fact, she’s also a hairstylist, which explains her great taste. Chatting away and brainstorming ideas, our first zoom hour together blew right by. Time does fly when you’re having sober fun. Nik is sober and far from boring. Totally our kind of people!

Personally, I struggle when it comes to learning how to mix a mean mocktail. Full disclosure, I really only have a kitchen because it came with the place. As I have started to venture out into the zero-proof beverage world, armed with a stack of alcohol-free recipe books, I still find it a little intimidating. That’s where Nik is coming in to serve as my mocktail lifestyle coach! (although we will come up with a better title than that, just give us time)

What’s with the name?

Cue the music! “6 o’clock already we were just in the middle of a dream. We were mixing booze-free mocktails like they were an Italian soda stream…” Clearly, I have a bit more work to do on re-writing this 80s classic to fit our new Monday collab, but you get the idea of where the inspiration is coming from.

Just a Merry Monday Monday – Class 101: Sparkling Waters are a staple

Curious about mocktails and don’t know where to start?
Mocktail aficionado and just love all things NonAlc?

Well, my darlings, you are in the right spot!

Let’s chat about the absolute STAPLE to have on hand… Sparkling water!! Yep! It may sound too easy but it is what it is. Working behind the bar, I would often get asked to serve soda water with lime to any nondrinker. For some, they may be tired of that old song and dance. Although let me tell you, it’s a GO TO!

The bubbles bring effervescence to any creation you may have in mind. You can also just simply enjoy it as is. Pick it up a notch – pour it over ice, grab a herb sprig and/or fruit wedge. Voila! You did it!

Another great thing about sparkling water is there are so many flavor options! “Variety is the spice of life”, isn’t it? I mean, that’s what my ex-boyfriend seems to think! Oowww! But, in all seriousness, having a few choices will take your creativity to the next level.

I would highly suggest picking some up on your next grocery run… or maybe for those already “in the know”, pick up a flavor you don’t normally gravitate towards and see where it takes you! If you get inspired, TAG ME! I’d love to see what you do! #justamerrymocktailmonday

Here’s where you can find me!

Cheers, Nik

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