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We love how Mockingbird mimics the taste and spirit of tequila by using authentic Mexican Blue Weber agave and functional adaptogens. Also, it smells amazing, which who would say that about the hard stuff!? Read more as founder Fern McCoy answers all of our burning questions.
What was your original inspiration to create Mockingbird Spirit?
McCoy: I was inspired by all the incredible alcohol-free spirits that came before Mockingbird. I saw such innovation and excitement brewing in the industry and it gave me the idea to create something unique to sit alongside these other trailblazing liquids and add a little something different to the scene.
What's your go-to margarita recipe?
McCoy: My usual Mockingbird Margarita goes like this: 50ml Mockingbird, 25ml Monin Curaçao Triple Sec, and 25ml Lime Juice. Serve in a salt rimmed glass over ice, and garnish with a wheel of lime.
Explain the importance of using Blue Agave as an ingredient in your spirit, and can you go into more detail about the seal of approval it has received from Mexico?
McCoy: Using Blue Agave as the base on which our spirit is built was the number one priority when creating Mockingbird. It was super important to give it an authentic nod to actual Tequila, just without alcohol. We use the 100% Organic Blue Agave plant—the common name is Agave (Latin Binomial: Agave Tequilana Blue Weber ). Only the heart is cultivated and harvested in Mexico after 4 - 8 years. It is a species of the family Agavaceae, originated in Mexican territory and comply with the origin requirements specified for the Mexican National Regulations. Only the best for y’all!
Can you share more about your family's love and connection to Mexico?
McCoy: Our heritage is Southern Californian, so growing up spending time in San Diego meant that I fell completely in love with the Mexican influence that is there. I remember taking trips over to Mexico from a super early age, and for as long as I know my favourite cuisine has been Mexican food. We just really enjoy and appreciate the flavours and the culture, and we wanted to make sure that was celebrated and highlighted.
Can you explain the functional and adaptogenic qualities of Ashwagandha? How is it important to your ingredient list?
McCoy: Ashwagandha is what gives you the ‘feeling’ of Mockingbird. Whereas the other ingredients are there for the taste, the adaptogen Ashwagandha is there for the relaxing qualities to help alleviate stress and anxiety. More often than not you can find yourself craving a glass of wine or a cocktail because of the way that first drink can take the edge off. When making a non-alcoholic spirit you don’t have the crutch of alcohol to lean on for that, so we used Ashwagandha for its functional properties and because it doesn’t have any negative side effects.
Where did the name Mockingbird Spirit come from?
McCoy: The name Mockingbird Spirit came to be because of the idea of embodying the spirit of the mockingbird. Famed for its quality of being able to mimic and imitate other birds, we were looking to emulate the nature and taste of tequila without actually being tequila. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, the reason it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird is because they do no harm… ‘’Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.’’ – That felt apt.
What has made you most proud on this journey of bringing Mockingbird Spirit into the world?
McCoy: The journey of bringing Mockingbird to life has been very humbling; the part which makes me most proud is the way it’s been received by customers from all over the world. Launching a business during a pandemic meant it was difficult at times to really connect to people on a personal level, and it’s something that we all missed greatly. Seeing pictures and receiving messages about how it is being enjoyed is what makes every single hour of every single day worth it.
Our motto at Boisson is seeing the Glass Half Full. How do you think alcohol-free alternatives like Mockingbird allows people to see the glass half full?
McCoy: Glass Half Full is the perfect way to describe the alcohol-free alternatives' effect. I’m always keen to stress to people that if you’re opting for a zero-proof drink, you mustn’t feel like you’re taking anything away—you’re actually giving yourself the gift of more positive energy and less hangovers. Focus on everything you’re gaining and enjoying living a freer and more (glass half) FULL life.
We couldn't agree more with that last statement.
