The end-of-year festivities are synonymous with tradition, but also with a desire for renewal. By offering original non-alcoholic beverages to your guests, you can break the mould and create a surprise.
The end-of-year festivities often evoke deep-rooted traditions: hearty meals, champagne at midnight and moments shared with family and friends. Yet they are also an ideal opportunity to renew and add a touch of originality. Why not surprise your guests with non-alcoholic drinks that are as elegant as they are tasty? With creative alternatives such as refined mocktails, festive infusions or sparkling juices, you can offer a unique experience that will delight lovers of novelty and lightness alike.
these options respect everyone's tastes and choices, while adding a touch of boldness to your celebrations. An innovative and inclusive table is the guarantee of a convivial moment that will be remembered for a long time to come! Here are three aperitif ideas you can bank on:
Fresh Bloom, Artonic
Music leads to everything, as demonstrated by the story of Larry Skoller, a blues guitarist from Chicago who discovered the world of spirits in Cognac during a concert. With two French acolytes, Jean Pasquet and Marion Duband, he first launched a range of tonics before moving into alcohol-free spirits. This botanical distillate opens with a fresh bouquet dominated by mint. On the palate, you can almost feel the texture of cucumber. Aromatic herbs support the tonic and slightly spicy notes. Combined with a tonic, the result is a refreshing drink with lemony accents. ▶ Price: €29 (70 cl)
Italian Spritz, Lyre's
Born in the UK, in just five years this brand has succeeded in developing the world's widest range of alcohol-free spirits. Designed to capture the essence of an Italian bitter spritz style, this "Italian Spritz" is stunning with its aromas of bitter orange peel, gentian, spices and flowers. Although the palate is sweeter than the original, the cocktail's aroma is still there. The material is not ostentatious, but realistic. With a "Classico Grande Case", a non-alcoholic prosecco from the house, the illusion is perfect. You'd think you were on a Venetian terrace. ▶ Price: €26.50 (70 cl)
Le Rouge Ardent, Osco
The brand's two founders, Laura Falque and Marion Lebeau, have opted for a product that is 96% made in France, with verjuice from the Périgord, infusions from French plants and aromas from Provence. With no preservatives or additives, their "Rouge Ardent" opens with cherry and fig, with the sweetness of prune. The palate is full-bodied before revealing a kick of ginger. Lightened with tonic, the balance revolves around red fruits and spicy notes, while spices participate in the lingering finish. ▶ Price: €25.90 (70 cl)
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The 9-storey Maison Heler is topped by a house inspired by 19th-century Lorraine architecture. From the 2nd to the 8th floor, the hotel offers 104 sleek rooms and suites. With concrete walls and pink marble, the décor is modern, elegant and poetic. The 9th floor boasts five private lounges, ideal for business events or relaxation, with a breathtaking view of the city.
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upstairs, La Maison de Manfred has a more subdued feel, with wood and leather furnishings, warm colors, a family dining room and panoramic views over Metz. Artist Ara Starck designed 19 stained-glass windows, including a monumental one, projecting cathedral-like light across the room. French contemporary cuisine is served à la carte or on a five-course menu. The more intimate Bar de Manfred offers a selection of original cocktails, including the M+R - a combination of truffle-infused cognac and cherry - as well as a wide choice of wines.
A world of its own
Maison Heler was inspired by the novel La Vie minutieuse de Manfred Heler , a novel imagined by, to accompany the architectural project. It follows the character of Manfred Heler, an orphan living alone in the family home, who occupies his time by dreaming up all sorts of inventions to escape boredom. One day, the earth begins to shake and his house rises above the city.
The hotel immerses visitors in this poetic universe. Surreal objects, nods to imaginary inventions and unusual details punctuate the spaces between dream and everyday life. An address that offers much more than a simple stay: an immersion in a story of its own.
Price: From 170 euros
Where? 31 Rue Jacques Chirac, 57000 Metz
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