Better Than Catnip wraps up our Dry January series with a bold finale. Don’t let the name fool you—it may sound innocent, but this cocktail has bite. The crisp cucumber aroma and honeyed sweetness draw you in, but the heat hits at the finish, and suddenly you’re hooked on the irresistible sweet-and-spicy combo.
The secret? Jalapeño. This fiery ingredient pairs beautifully with cooling cucumber, zesty lime, and a touch of honey syrup. I prefer mine hot enough to catch in your throat, but it’s easy to adjust the spice and sweetness to suit your own preferences.
Goodbye, Dry January
This may be the last feature in our series, but it’s a drink worth enjoying any time of year. We set out to cut the alcohol—not the flavor—and we succeeded.
If you’ve been following along, you already know how I feel about the word mocktail. These aren’t imitations; they’re real, vibrant, and deserving of their place on any menu.
Better Than Catnip might be the series closer, but it’s far from forgettable. If you missed The Virgin Man, Bug’s Treat, or The Purple People Pleaser, now’s the time to catch up.
January may be ending, but Sober October will be here before you know it. Print
Better Than Catnip
Cucumber, lime, honey and jalapeno
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 2 oz freshly squeezed cucumber juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup ( you may substitute agave or simple syrup)
- 2–4 pea-sized dollops of jalapeno pepper puree
- Small jalapeno slice – garnish
- Nick & Nora glass
Instructions
- Chill your glass in the cooler
- Add the cucumber and lime juice, honey syrup and jalapeno puree to a shaker with ice
- Shake until the puree has time to integrate with the other ingredients and chill
- Double strain and pour over a rock in the glass
- Garnish with the jalapeno slice on a cocktail pic