You might be wondering why I named this refreshing and thirst-quenching drink Mocktail Milwaukee, right? Well… because it’s a name that brings back fond memories. If you were young in the ’70s, you would have already understood. Milwaukee was the American city that provided the backdrop to one of the most beloved TV series of my adolescence: Happy Days, the super popular sitcom that narrated the adventures of the beloved Cunningham family. Back then, we called it a ‘telefilm’ and I never missed an episode (like everyone else). Sitting in front of the TV, I followed the adventures of Richie, Fonzie, and the other characters, and for half an hour, it seemed like I was living among the diners, leather jackets, and jukeboxes of the ’50s. And it was precisely thinking back to that carefree magic that I invented this sweet and sparkling non-alcoholic drink like those characters. The choice of ingredients was not random. I needed something that recalled that territory. Et voilà! The apple juice brings to mind the orchards and genuine flavors of the American Midwest, of which Wisconsin is rich. The ginger ale brings a light and spicy effervescence, just like the sodas served in ’50s diners. The maple syrup adds warmth and smoothness and is a homage to North American traditions. And finally, the cranberry juice imparts a tart note that balances the sweetness of the drink and recalls the sunsets over Lake Michigan. Oh my, what a poet I am and what great times! So… try it yourself! Let’s raise a glass to the sound of a jukebox and to the best memories… let’s toast with a Milwaukee!

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