It’s that time of year for basketball fans, the NCAA basketball championship tournament. Mixologist Edwin Medina shares his thoughts on cocktails, mocktails, and, of course, all that basketball locura.
Medina currently hones his craft at Vandal, one of New York City’s hottest lounges and is a veteran of the cocktail scenes at Surf Lodge, Rushchmeyer’s, Harbor, VIP Room, Kiss and Fly.

Have you been following the NCAA finals?
I’m a big basketball fan, I’ve been playing since I was a kid. As a Miami native, I’ve been following the University of Miami and their success this year. It’s been great watching their basketball team get some recognition since it’s usually all about football.

What are some tips for an NCAA viewing party?
Serve a signature drink, any of the four mocktails I created would be an excellent choice regardless of what team you are cheering for. There are other fun drinks besides beer and cocktails. When I was selected to create a series of mocktails, I was very excited. I love coming up with alternatives to cocktails so everyone can celebrate and enjoy responsibly. 

How do you get your boost of energy at work and for sports?
Given my line of work, I drink Red Bull when I need to step my game up. I drink the blueberry-flavored Red Bull Blue when I feel like spoiling myself. But, I’m always happy with a glass of Red Bull Sugar-free and a few dashes of bitters.  

What are some differences between crafting a cocktail vs. a mocktail?
The obvious difference is the absence of alcohol and the extra creativity it takes to replicate the flavor of a classic cocktail in a mocktail. I had fun creating these mocktails with Red Bull’s flavored editions, like the Courtside Colada with the tropical flavor. The Cosmic Red Rebound with cranberry-flavored Red Bull Red took some imagination, but I really enjoyed coming up with a mocktail twist to the popular Cosmo.

What ingredients should our readers always have on-hand in their home bar?
They should always have fresh citrus at home. Limes, of course, but especially lemons. It livens up your drink, water or breakfast tea. Add a squeeze of lemon to your Red Bull and taste the difference…boom! 

Following are four college basketball inspired mocktails created by Edwin Medina that will give you the energy you need for the championship series and for every occasion!

East:
Orange Edition: Orange Sunset Swish (pictured above)

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

1/2 Jalapeño Pepper

1/2 teaspoon Grenadine Syrup

6 oz Red Bull Orange Edition

Lime Wedge

Preparation

1.    Gently muddle the jalapeño and grenadine syrup in a hi-ball glass

2.    Add ice, pour Red Bull Orange Edition into glass and stir all contents together

3.    Squeeze lime wedge over beverage

South:
Yellow Edition: Courtside Colada 

Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients:

6 oz of Piña Colada Mix

1 cup (8oz) of chopped strawberries

2 whole strawberries

4 oz of Red Bull Yellow Edition

2 cups of ice

Preparation:

1.    With the exception of the 2 whole strawberries, place all ingredients into a blender and blend for 10 seconds

2.    Pour into (2) 16 oz Hurricane glasses and garnish each glass with 1 whole strawberry

West:
Blue Edition: Blackberry Buzzer Beater 

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

6 blackberries, reserve 1 for garnish

4 1/4 inch chunks of ginger root, peeled

Juice of 1/2 lemon

4 oz Red Bull Blue Edition

Preparation:

1.    Muddle the 5 blackberries and ginger in a low-ball glass

2.    Pour lemon juice to mixture and Red Bull Blue Edition into glass and add ice

3.    Stir all contents together and garnish with a blackberry

Midwest:
Red Edition: Cosmic Red Rebound 

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

8 red seedless grapes

2 basil leaves

Juice of 1/2 orange

2 oz Red Bull Red Edition

1 orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

1.    Muddle the red seedless grapes and two basil leaves in a cocktail shaker

2.    Add the orange juice and ice

3.    Shake vigorously for 30 seconds

4.    Pour drink into a martini glass

5.    Top with 2 oz Red Bull Red Edition and garnish with an orange slice