All the fun, none of the booze: The details behind Bonhomme’s new no-proof cocktails
When Bonhomme Hospitality Beverage Director Jesse Filkins went looking for inspiration for his new-and-improved no-proof cocktail programs, he didn’t have to go far.
From Exec Pastry Chef Shannah Primiano’s love of a fruit-forward tea and Group Founder & Creative Director Daniel Alonso’s annual detox to a food memory from chef Manny Calderon now head bartender at Porto, Jesse had plenty of ideas right in front of him to kickstart the creative process. And then the real work began.
Starting with an intricate grid, Jesse mapped out flavors and ingredients that he thought could go well together. He then tapped into products and techniques that Bonhomme’s culinary teams are excited about, something he already does for his traditional cocktails. “I always want my drinks to walk hand in hand with our dishes,” he says. At the forefront of his spirit-free programs — which started with Beatnik, Beatnik On The River and Porto with other Bonhomme venues to follow — is an emphasis on wellness. “Being able to drink something that has health benefits, whether for the mind or body, is an important aspect of these drinks,” says Jesse. An apothecary-like approach with herb extracts, infusions, spices and a 24-hour vacuum-sealed process are all part of the time-consuming and on-going research.
Of course, creating no-proof drinks that are just as exciting as ones with alcohol was equally important. “I want to show respect to those who choose not to partake in alcohol, whether it’s a lifestyle or just for the night,” says Jesse.
“I want those guests to have just as much an experience as someone who is drinking a spirit-based drink.”
At Beatnik and Beatnik On The River, Jesse has focused on no-proof cocktails that mirror the restaurants’ globetrotting vibe with equally worldly ingredients. For his Orange Is the New Health, Jesse combines fresh carrot juice with ginger, passion fruit, lemon and pineapple.
Spices include za’atar, Seoul matcha, turmeric, Chinese five spice and vadouvan curry, the latter of which is combined with a local honey. A colorful looker for sure, this drink also offers restorative qualities, including vitamin C (pineapple, lemon, passion fruit), digestion aid (ginger), and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits (turmeric).
