Cocktails anybun? Yes, you read that right! Who doesn’t like to celebrate the holidays or any special occasion for that matter with a deliciously crafted cocktail? So, why limit them to the humans in the house? I promise, your bun will LOVE you for this!
I’m sure, like me, when you hear the word “treat” for your bunny, you automatically think of baked, foraged, raw or no-bake items. Cocktails for buns are basically mocktails and what exactly is a mocktail? A non-alcoholic beverage made from fruits and veg…the perfect combination treat for a rabbit!
Crafting a great mocktail is really pretty simple. All it entails is combining various ingredients to achieve a blend that is pleasing to your bun. Be willing to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and tweak recipes to suit your bunnies taste preferences. Cheers!
The Art of Bunny Cocktails
Before you begin, you’ll need to seek some inspiration. Look at classic cocktails and adapt them into non-alcoholic versions. Mocktail creation is all about experimentation and finding the right balance of flavors to create a delightful treat for your bun!
1. Choose a Base:
Start with a flavorful base such as fruit juices, veggie juices and herbal teas. I highly recommend making your own juice by using a blender or juicer. This way it will be fresh without any added preservatives. Plus often the skins (think apple) are full of wonderful nutrients!
2. Balance Sweetness:
Use natural sweetening agents like sweeter fruits to help balance out any tart flavors. For example you could pair orange with cranberry.
3. Experiment with Syrups:
Create your own flavored “syrups” by infusing spring water with herbs, spices, or fruits. By boiling and reducing you will naturally create a syrupy consistency. Remember to cool completely before using!
4. Consider Aromatics:
Just like in cocktails, a few dashes of aromatic elements (like orange zest or aromatic herbs) can enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Use Muddled Ingredients:
Muddling fresh ingredients, such as berries or herbs, can release their flavors and add complexity to the mocktail.
6. Garnish Creatively:
Garnishes add the finishing touch. Consider using orange twists or zest sprinkled on top, fruits, herbs, or edible flowers for a an added texture. Highlight some of the juiced ingredients by placing a small piece of the original form on top.
7. Name Your Mocktail
Just like cocktails, giving your mocktail a creative name can make it quite memorable. It adds a personal touch. I like to name mine after my buns!
Beyond the Juice
Herbs
There are a couple of ways to use herbs in cocktails: muddling (crushing herbs with a pestle to release the oils for flavor), garnishing or both! When choosing herbs, you need to think about the fruit or vegetable you are using. Is the juice sweet or sour, bold or bland? Do you want to highlight that flavor or have it be a light accent? Herbs also have a lot of health benefits.
Mint:
Mint adds a refreshing quality. Muddle it gently to release the flavor or use it as a garnish. Mint can be a bit strong so I suggest just using 1 large or 2 small leaves to begin with.
Basil:
Basil pairs well with fruits like strawberries and citrus. It adds a slightly peppery and sweet flavor.
Rosemary:
Rosemary has a piney flavor. A sprig as a garnish or infused in a tea can be delightful if your bun likes this flavor.
Thyme:
Thyme adds an earthy, slightly lemony flavor. It works well with citrus or berries.
Cilantro:
Cilantro can add a fresh and herbaceous note to cocktails, especially those with a savory or spicy profile. This would pair well with celery or carrot juices.
Sage:
Consider using it in fall-themed cocktails. Juices apples & squashes would pair nicely with sage.
Tarragon
Tarragon has a very subtle, anise-like flavor and pairs well with strawberry, blueberry and blood orange!
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has a bright herbaceous lemony flavor. This herb would work well in whatever you would pair with a lemon.
Flowers
Garnishing with edible flowers is a fun way to add a bit of texture and diversity to your bunnies cocktail! But you don’t have to limit yourself to the garnish. Flowers can be muddled just like herbs!
Lavender
Lavender-infused syrups or garnishes can lend a floral and aromatic quality to cocktails. Be cautious with the quantity, as it can be potent.
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus petals can be used to make a vibrant and tart tea, or they can be added directly to cocktails for a visually stunning effect.
Rose Petals:
Rose petals, fresh or dried, can be muddled or used as a garnish. They add a subtle floral note to cocktails.
Violets:
Violets can have a delicate, sweet flavor.
Chamomile:
Chamomile tea can be used in cocktails for a soothing and floral element.
Other flowers to consider: echinacea, pansies, nasturtium, dandelion, fleabane, asters, true jasmine and raspberry leaves. Believe it or not Ginger root comes from a flowering plant and is safe for rabbits. You can use the leaves to muddle or garnish and you can grate in a small amount to a savory cocktail like carrot juice.
Cocktail Recipe for “The Grilly”
The Grilly is a tropical sunrise type of drink. It combines fresh strawberries, pineapple, raspberry tea and mint. To prep the fruit I washed and hulled the strawberries and cut the pineapple. Next I blended them separately. I pressed the strawberries through a strainer to remove the little seeds. Then I brewed and cooled some raspberry tea.
To create the cocktail, I muddled 1 large mint leaf in a shaker and poured in the pineapple juice. I topped it off with some herbal tea, shook it and strained it. Lastly I topped it with drops of strawberry puree and garnished with a mint leaf.
While cocktails look stunning in cut crystal glasses, I do not recommend serving it this way lol! I poured Grilly’s cocktail into a flat saucer for easier drinking!
Tips for Crafting a Bunny Cocktail
*Having a blender or juicer and shaker set will make crafting easier!
*Create herb or flower-infused syrups by boiling in spring water and reducing by half. Let steep then strain before using.
*Place a sprig of an herb, a few edible flowers or some bite size fruits on top
*Use flowers, herbs and fruits in ice cubes!
