Alcohol consumption seems to be on the decline, at least according to many recent trends that promote alcohol-free drinks and even alcohol-free bars. Proteau is the first drink of its kind that doesn’t contain any alcohol. It’s a botanical aperitif that’s designed to be enjoyed by itself, without mixing it into cocktails or adding ice.
The creator of proteau is John deBary, a longtime bar director at Momofuku and an ex-bartender at PDT in NYC. The first type of proteau is called Ludlow Red and it’s made of blackberry juice, fig vinegar, chrysanthemum, black pepper, and licorice root. It has a similar color to red wine and tastes like nothing you’ve tried before.
Speaking for Food and Wine, deBary said: “Whatever everyone else is doing, I try to do… not that. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to make this is because there’s such a lack of credible nonalcoholic drinks—that’s changing, but it’s still nowhere near the craft renaissance we’ve seen in wine, beer, and spirits.”
