Latest news with #Ghia
Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Your guide to buying a reliable used Ford Focus
It really is the end of the road. Ford has confirmed that the hatchback that has helped move millions of families in style and comfort – and with a dash of driving pleasure thrown in – will be discontinued in November this year. That leaves a few months to get hold of a new one – but with tens of thousands of Focuses still on the road in the UK, finding a good used example isn't hard. And given that the Focus has been in production for 27 years, early examples are knocking on the door of classic status. Second-generation cars, meanwhile, make brilliant banger fodder, while third- and fourth-generation models are still commonly found on forecourts. In other words, as with the slightly smaller (and similarly discontinued) Fiesta, there's a Focus for everyone. Here's what you need to know before buying one. Mk1 – the original How old is it? This first-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 1998 to 2005 How much does it cost?* Prices start from £500 What's good about it? Sharp handling, lots of space, perky engines, extrovert styling, bound for classic status What's not so good? Cheap interior plastics, lacklustre 1.4, nasty diesels, fake wood on top-spec Ghia versions What's the Mk1 like? An absolute revelation when it was introduced to replace the stodgy old Escort, the original Focus was a radical departure for Ford and completed the company's turnaround from maker of moribund 'pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap' fleet specials to cars you'd actually want to buy. It looked like no other family hatchbaVk, both inside and out, while under the skin the honed suspension delivered a supple ride combined with handling that wouldn't shame the better hot hatchbacks of the time. Engines were smooth and responsive, while the swooping interior was light and airy. It wasn't quite as well built as the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, or even the Vauxhall Astra of the time – but it was much more exciting to look at and drive. Which is the best version? The best-seller was the mid-range 1.6 Zetec, a great option that showcases many of the Focus's talents. That said, upgrading to the 1.8 brings a welcome dose of extra power; those seeking thrills on a budget, however, might consider an ST170. The potent RS models are tremendously exciting – but also extremely expensive now. Is the Mk1 reliable? Yes, if it's been well looked-after – and there's the rub. Early Focuses have for so long been lodged firmly in banger territory that many will have been neglected, so finding one that's been serviced on time and on mileage, and had money spent where it was required, is tricky. If you can do so, though, a Focus should be dependable. What do I need to look out for? Rust is the greatest issue. Expect to find some somewhere, basically – and budget for frequent high-quality welding repairs over time. Also keep an eye out for sticky valves, dodgy fuel injectors and intermittent warning lights. Check all the electrics, too, as water can get into control units, and ensure the heater works on all fan speeds. Finally, erratic behaviour from the instrument cluster is a common problem, though easily fixable. We found 2001 1.6 Zetec, 44,000 miles, 12 months' MOT, £1,825 Mk2 – the thinking man's Focus How old is it? This second-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2005 to 2011 How much does it cost?* Prices start from £500 What's good about it? Great all-round blend of quality, equipment, comfort, driver enjoyment and space; brilliant performance models What's not so good? Some less reliable engine options, convertibles can be a liability What's the Mk2 like? Ford toned down the Mk1's zany styling for the second iteration, but in doing so it broadened the car's appeal, improving build quality at the same time and adding even more engine and body-style options, including for the first time a hard-top convertible. The Mk2 had greater space inside and although didn't have quite as much steering feel as the Mk1, it was still fun to drive, with lots of grip and a responsive chassis. Again, a hot ST version headed the range until the fire-breathing RS arrived; both had a characterful five-cylinder turbo engine sourced from Volvo. Which is the best version? Go for the Mazda-sourced 1.8 if you can find one; it has a timing chain, so doesn't need frequent belt changes. But the hidden gem is the 1.6-litre Ti-VCT; pilfered from the smaller Fiesta Zetec-S, it makes the Focus feel far peppier than it has any right to. As for the diesel options, 2.0-litres give a solid blend of power and economy and tend to be reasonably reliable, but avoid the 1.6. Is the Mk2 reliable? There's more to go wrong in the Mk2 Focus than in the Mk1; with some approaching 20 years old, it's no wonder they are starting to feel rather creaky. The most reliable engines are the 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols, or the 2.0-litre diesels. The 2.5-litre turbo engine in the ST is also robust, although avoid examples heavily modified for greater power. What do I need to look out for? Leaks around the rear end that allow rain water into the boot and rear footwell areas are not uncommon and can take time to trace. Dashboard displays stay lit for a while after the car is turned off, but beware those that stay on for over an hour. Sills and arches can rust. Ti-VCT engines can throw up problems with the cam timing module. Bonnet latches can break, making the bonnet tricky to open. 1.6-litre diesels are known for premature turbo failure. Folding hard-top roofs on convertibles can go out of alignment, leading to leaks and squeaks; they can also fail completely. We found 2008 1.6 Zetec, 80,000 miles, full service history, £3,000 Mk3 – the difficult third album How old is it? This third-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2011 to 2018 How much does it cost?* Prices start from £1,500 What's good about it? Sophisticated ride-handling balance; smart, modern looks; some generous equipment levels What's not so good? Bulky, plasticky interior fittings; small boot compared with rivals; cheaper versions very basic; later models had troublesome 1.0-litre engine What's the Mk3 like? If the Mk2 felt like an evolution of the Mk1, the Mk3 Focus was more of a radical departure. Gone were the high-level rear lights and squared-off styling, replaced by a more flowing and modern look (although some also saw it as more generic). The interior felt more fully realised, with chunkier fixtures, although these bigger, bolder fittings exposed the cheaper plastics to greater scrutiny. What was more, rivals offered more space in the back seats and in the boot – the estate was especially disappointing in this regard. But the Focus still provided the trademark blend of excellent damping and sharp handling. While the Mk3 didn't quite have the pin-sharp involvement of the original, it was still by far and away the driver's choice in its class. Which is the best version? Basic Studio (later renamed Style) models feel like an exercise in self-flagellation, so better to upgrade to Zetec or, better still, Titanium versions, which offered a lot more equipment. 1.6-litre petrols are commonplace but can feel a bit asthmatic; 2.0-litre diesels are better, while the 1.6- and later 1.5-litre turbos feel punchy. 1.0-litre petrols are great to drive, too, but suffer from reliability concerns (see below). Is the Mk3 reliable? Mid-table rankings in reliability surveys spoke to the Focus's average reliability record among its contemporaries, although these days it's helped by the fact that repairs are cheap and relatively easy. 1.0-litre petrols and 1.6-litre diesels are generally thought to be the least dependable engines; the former especially is difficult to recommend given its timing belt issues. What do I need to look out for? 1.0-litre Focuses had a timing belt that ran through the oil to keep it lubricated. Unfortunately this degrades with time, leaving rubber particles in the lubricant that then clog the oil pick-up and, if not dealt with, can lead to serious engine damage. The timing belt needs changing at 10 years or 100,000 miles. This can be a big, costly job, which is why this version of the Focus is usually best avoided. Powershift automatic gearboxes also have a habit of being troublesome. We found 2018 1.5T Titanium X, 50,000 miles, full service history, £9,950 Mk4 – evolution, not revolution How old is it? This fourth-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2018 to 2025 How much does it cost?* Prices start from £5,000 What's good about it? Modern technology, more space and that trademark Focus handling What's not so good? Cheap interior plastics and a firmer ride than before What's the Mk4 like? Possibly the least visually compelling Focus, the Mk4 doesn't sit quite as well as previous Focuses, its kicked-up window-line feeling like an attempt to mimic an old BMW 1-Series. But beneath the skin it is really competent, with more space than the Mk3 and an especially practical estate version. Inside, though, the Mk4 felt a little disappointing; while the cheap, scratchy plastics were no worse than the Mk3's, most rivals had moved upmarket, leaving the Focus behind. And despite the extra room, the Focus still couldn't match the best cars in its class for space. What was more, the Mk4 lacked the suppleness of previous Focuses, its ride firmer and more overtly sporting – especially in ST-Line form, which can feel rather crashy. The payoff was sharper handling than the Mk3's, with crisper steering and a steadfast refusal to lean over in bends. Which is the best version? Even mid-range models can feel stingily equipped; early cars especially lack some of the refinements you'd find in, say, the equivalent Volkswagen Golf. ST-Line models are too firm, meanwhile, making the best of all worlds the relatively plush Titanium version. Again, 1.0-litre models are best avoided as a result of their reliability concerns; the 1.5 turbo is therefore the one to have. Is the Mk4 reliable? Generally speaking, yes; in recent reliability surveys, the Focus finished toward the upper end of its class. There is some evidence that diesel-engined cars can be less dependable than petrol ones, however. What do I need to look out for? As with the Mk3, the Mk4 Focus range included Ford's 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, which suffered from timing belt degradation with serious potential consequences. Again, the timing belt needs changing at 10 years or 100,000 miles – a big bill worth keeping in mind. And again, the Powershift automatic gearbox is susceptible to problems. The Mk4 Focus was also on the receiving end of quite a few recalls – so check that all that the remedial work has been carried out. We found 2019 1.5T Ecoboost Titanium, 21,000 miles, full service history, £14,900
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A rare limo that once carried Jackie Kennedy and LBJ just sold to a private collector
A historic presidential limousine used by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and then by former President Lyndon B. Johnson has sold to a private collector. On Thursday, Daniel Schmitt & Co. Classic Car Gallery in St. Louis said it sold the 1964 Imperial Crown Presidential Limousine to a business executive. The vehicle was built by Chrysler (which is now part of Stellantis) and finished by Ghia of Italy, Schmitt & Co. said in a news release. Schmitt & Co., which is a dealership that acquires rare cars for buyers and sellers, said this limousine was used by Jacqueline Kennedy in November 1963 for the funeral procession to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia when her husband. President John F. Kennedy, was buried following his assassination in Dallas. She used it for a year after that as well. The vehicle was also used in Johnson's inauguration and by the White House motor pool and Johnson on numerous occasions. 'The vehicle is a piece of American history,' said Daniel Schmitt, owner of the collector car gallery. 'Interestingly, it was built on a Chrysler Imperial convertible chassis then shipped to Ghia's facilities in Italy where they were lengthened and reworked by a team of artisans." Schmitt said it took more than a month to complete the customization of the vehicle. Just 132 are known to have been made from 1957 to 1965, with most used in government or executive motor pools. This one sold for "around the asking price of $299,900," Schmitt said. 'We are excited to have secured this special vehicle and sold it to someone who appreciates the importance and rarity of this iconic motorcar,' he added. Schmitt said this vehicle was specially ordered by the White House and is one of only 10 produced in 1961. It has 15,115 actual miles on it. In its original condition, the limo has a 413 cubic-inch V8 engine, with leather black seats up front and gray wool seats in the back. The rear also has two pullout seats for use by interpreters traveling with foreign dignitaries. It has six power windows, rear seat radio control and other amenities. Schmitt has owned it for a few months, buying it from a personal collection. His spokesman said the previous owner did not want to be identified. Schmitt bought the car because, "(He) thought it would be a great piece of history for a museum or someone who really appreciates history and vehicles, and that is why he purchased it, to find the right special person who wished to own it," said Steve Turner, Schmitt's spokesperson. The car has spent some time in Michigan. After the White House was done with it, the vehicle was returned to Chrysler, which auctioned it to Hugh McVeigh, owner of Redford Chrysler, Schmitt said in a statement. McVeigh would sometimes use the car and feature it in his showroom until he realized its historical significance. The car was later acquired by Eppert Oil of Detroit and "used sparingly until eventually joining a world-class collection," Schmitt said. Schmitt & Co. regularly keeps an inventory of about 100 one-of-a-kind automobiles. Schmitt said the dealership has a large selection of 'investment grade' Porsches, Rolls Royces, Ferraris and more. Schmitt has also bought and sold dozens of cars driven and owned by celebrities including Elvis Presley, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Woody Allen, Dean Martin, Robert Redford and Steve McQueen, to name a few. Unlike other dealers of rare cars, Schmitt pays cash to the vehicle's owner rather than listing them on consignment. President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, at the age of 46. The open-air limousine he was riding in with the first lady that day was a 1961 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible code named X-100 by the Secret Service. It was built by Ford at its Lincoln plant in Wixom in January 1961, according to the Henry Ford Museum. Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati customized the car to function as a presidential parade limousine. Hess & Eisenhardt cut it in half, reinforced it, extended it by 3½ feet and made other modifications. Ford and Hess & Eisenhardt collaborated on engineering and styling for the final X-100, which debuted at the White House in June 1961. Ford owned the car and leased it to the Secret Service for $500 per year, but the Henry Ford said it would have sold for $7,347 as equipped at the Lincoln plant at the time. After customizing it, the car cost nearly $200,000. The X-100 remained in service until 1977 and it is now exhibited to the public at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. More: Ford has some pretty famous cars stored in a new fleet in Dearborn: Here's a peek at some More: Canada's autoworker union helping push Ford engines, GM vehicles over border ahead of tariffs Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sold! The limo that once carried Jackie Kennedy and LBJ
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Are What You Wanted As First Cars (And What You Got Instead)
We've all got automotive dreams and, for some of us, those dreams start before we're even able to drive. Once we get that license in our hot little hands, we'd pick up a dream machine that would make the world our easily accessible oyster. That didn't happen for a lot of us. Myself? As a girl who listened to indie music and read too much, I thought I'd get a quirky classic Volkswagen as a first car. My dad and I plunked $700 on a rusted out bag of German bolts in the form of an unloved, rusty Karmann Ghia. As soon as the flatbed arrived in our driveway, my naturally nervous mother said no. Absolutely not. Looking back, it was a totally fair call. Having driven a Ghia, I can say with coincidence I would have gotten in trouble in that little coke can of a car pretty quickly. Instead I got my mom's hand-me-down 1995 Dodge Avenger. And you know what? It was the right choice. Good call Patricia Marquis. If your ignore the whole teenager trying to pay insurance in pricy Michigan on what was laughingly called a "sports car" by State Farm, it was the perfect teenager car: low, slow and no back seat for shenanigans. It was just right. Sometimes, Mama knows best, it seems. We asked you about your dreams deferred and got a lot of comments. Here's a few of our favorites. Read more: These Are The Dumbest Looking Cars Of All Time, According To You '89 Dodge Caravan. At first this seemed cataclysmically awful, and I felt I was sent down a path to become a basement incel. But it ended up being the gift that kept on giving. Vans are about parties and life and road trips. When all the cool girls wanted to go road tripping with a safe driver, who did they call? Or nerd girls whom I liked better anyway. But the point is: me. They all called me. Clubs, Tijuana. Camping trips out to the mountains or desert. You name it. This was well before the age of Uber and such. A minivan in high school and college are the keys to a rich social life. And the cherry on top is this thing had a manual transmission. Always a conversation starter in a minivan. From Greg really really really wanted a 2nd gen Prelude, Talon or CRX. Actually found a 1990 CRX for $500 in the classifieds (remember those?) and called immediately, and the phone was busy and I had to get to school. Called the second I got home and it was sold. Still sore about that. Anyways, ended up with my dad's hand me down 89 ranger, had a 5 speed and it was brown and had a 302 with a cam in it so it wasnt a total loss. From JaredOfLondon i just got my first car, it's a 2014 Mazda 3 sedan. however, i wanted this beautiful 1977 buick Electra which was beige, everything inside and outside was beige, and it had the 3speed automatic slush box peak 70s imo. that or a '71 bug which was melon green and had the 4speed manual that mom also said no to :( From daci I wanted to buy my friends Grand National in 1995. He only wanted $3,000 for it. It was high mileage but my dad (who's a mechanic) said no. Instead he gave me a 1984 145,000 miles on it. Everyone in my family of 3 siblings had owned it at some point. My friends GN blew up 5 days after I passed up on it and that Camaro lasted me 3 years and 45,000 more miles. From J Hendrix I started driving in ~1995. I should state for the record that I am a Late-Gen X Kid with decidedly Boomer tastes. I don't know why, I can't help it, and neither can you. Anyway, I really loved (and still love) the look of the C3 Corvette. I know it's a bad opinion, but I won't lie to you all. I desperately wanted a C3 Corvette. What I actually got was a 1985 Honda Accord Coupe in the hatchback configuration. It was painted a color that was probably billed as "Champagne" with a reddish-brown interior and a slushbox. It ran for years, all the way out to 250,000 miles. It looked like this, only... considerably worse. From Give Me Tacos or Give Me Death WHAT I WANTED: My aunt's neighbor's 1967 Mustang hardtop, baby blue with a black vinyl roof and wire wheel covers. It looked like a secretary's car but it had a 390 under the hood and was a real sleeper. The owner was asking $1800 for the car in 1981, but i was right out of HS and did not have the cash for the car nor the insurance. WHAT I GOT: In 1983, i bought a 1973 Pontiac Ventura with a 250ci straight six and a two-speed automatic. I purchased the car in the parking lot of an Acme supermarket in South Philly from a guy who never confirmed he was the actual owner of the car. i drove the car for a year before the engine block cracked when the temperature plunged to below zero and stayed there for almost a week. From Earthbound Misfit I I was lucky. I didn't know what I wanted, and I got a '63 Rambler Classic 4-door. Mitt Romney might have seen his as a penalty box, but I considered mine a blank canvas. Which, considering it was off-white with a tan interior, wasn't far off the mark. I went to work on it, and it led me down the road of innocent cars turned into serious hot rods. I still enjoy that trip. From jrhmobile I got my license in 2007 and wanted an RSX-S. I thought it was the coolest car ever when it came out a few years prior, but ended up with my grandma's 1998 VW Cabrio instead. I did end up buying an RSX later on once I was out of college and it was every bit as great as I thought it would be. From BigRed91 In 1971 I turned 16 and got a 1963 Valiant convertible. It served up lots of fun for years. I had wanted a BMW 1600 that was available, but I didn't realize I could afford it. I probably dodged a bullet. From XL500 I loved cars with fins, so I really wanted a '59 Cadillac convertible. That or a '66 Lincoln Continental convertible with suicide door. I did get a car with fins, though. My first car was a '60 Chevy El Camino that my Dad dragged home from behind a bowling alley. He and I bodged it together, and I drove it all through high school and part of college. I eventually traded it for a "69 Lincoln Continental hardtop, so I did get the suicide doors I craved. Still haven't gotten the '59 Caddy, but hope springs eternal. From Stillnotatony I'm not really sure what I wanted for myself to be honest. My family had had several Corvettes over the years (73, 77, and an 84, the 73 before I was even born), and I was a fanboy for the 63 split window, though I knew we'd likely never get one of those. I had been bugging them about getting a chrome bumpered C3 for a while as the next Vette for the household. We went and looked at an orange 71 when I was 14 and my parents pulled the trigger on it. I ended up driving it part of the way home on my learner's permit with my mom and effectively called squatter's rights on it and it was "unofficially" my car from that point on. Granted I did a lot of work on it with my dad. It was probably more "officially" the family "fun" car, as we pretty much always had at least one fun vehicle in the garage growing up, but I drove it to high school and college and still have it to this day almost 25 years later. From MoparMap Unrealistically, I wanted a 2005 Mustang GT. I turned 16 in 2008, so these were three years out and selling hot. I did not have the cash to purchase a new-ish Mustang. Realistically, I had my eyes on a Chevy HHR. I liked the retro wagon look! Alas, the interior is deceivingly cramped for such a large greenhouse. Also could not find one in above average condition for the price range What I ended up getting From Greasetank I wanted a 65 Mustang, either coupe or convertible. I ended up with my mom's 76 Mustang II. Which let to me getting an 80 Mustang coupe, then an 85 Mustang coupe, then an 89 convertible (still have) and a 96 convertible (also still have). ...yet no 65 still. From FiveLiters1 Wanted a '65 Mustang coupe or late 80's Camaro IROC-Z. What I got was a hand-me-down 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier with a leaky sunroof. It was still decent performance for a Cavalier as it was a Z24 with the 2.8L V6 and wider tires. Then, as an adult, I looked up how much horsepower it actually had and was surprised it was barely over 100. From Michael Tonelli I wanted an SN95 era Mustang Cobra in that teal/blue/purple iridescent paint scheme. I wanted that Mustang right up until I was 20 and I got job where one coworker had an early aughts GT and another got a new C6. While that may not be a fair comparison, my first ride in that C6 effectively killed my love for the Mustang. What I got was a brown Taurus wagon. Considering my lack of coolness and social circle at the time, I definitely think I got in more shenanigans because of the wagon capacity than I would have in a fast car that probably would have just been crashed or license quickly suspended. From engineerthefuture Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The best canned mocktails: We tested 21 — these booze-free sips brought the party
If you're looking for all the fun of a cocktail minus the booze, you'll be delighted to know that there are dozens of brands that promise to quench your thirst. The zero-proof beer and cocktail market is booming — and while that's a good thing, especially now that the surgeon general has called for cancer warnings on alcohol — it means you could spend months sipping just to figure out the best canned mocktail for your tastes. To help, we gathered a group of Yahoo staffers and sampled 21 (the irony was not lost on us!) of the most popular ready-to-drink nonalcoholic cocktails. And I'm going to be honest with you: While we enjoyed many, most canned mocktails aren't great at replicating the complex flavors of a well-crafted drink. You're better off enjoying them on their own merits versus comparing them to a traditional cocktail. With that in mind, keep reading for the best mocktails, according to our blind taste test, plus all the glasses, ice cube molds and other bar essentials you need to serve them. More of a beer person? Check out our guide to the best nonalcoholic beers, and for more NA options, read our stories on the best zero-proof wines and the best nonalcoholic drinks overall. (Pssst, we'll continue testing more of the best mocktails this year and will update this story with our findings. Coming soon: St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and several NA canned cocktails from AF Drinks.) We gathered a total of 18 Yahoo staffers, all with different drinking preferences, for two blind taste tests. Some folks identified as teetotalers, others sober-curious and others avid drinkers. All were curious about the best nonalcoholic drinks on the market. We poured each NA canned cocktail into a cup labeled only with a letter to keep the test blind. Then came the fun part! Each tester sipped to their heart's content and filled out a rubric rating each drink from a scale of one to five on flavor, carbonation, accuracy (was it a satisfying cocktail replacement?) and overall enjoyment. We also asked the testers to jot down any thoughts they had about the samples. Mingle Mocktails Key Lime Margarita: This sparkler from the popular brand Mingle (Bethenny Frankel's an investor) came very close to making it to our top picks, thanks to its zesty flavor. "Tastes like a dessert," noted one tester (up to you if that's a good thing!). Strangely, two folks thought it tasted faintly of cinnamon. Mingle Mocktails Cranberry Cosmo: Though one tester correctly ID'd it as a cosmo and another said "it has a more interesting flavor than most," this drink didn't fare as well as the brand's margarita. Many folks thought it was too sweet and juice-like. Ghia Soda: Ghia makes one of the most popular NA aperitifs, and the brand's signature spritz did okay among our testers. It's meant to taste bitter, and some folks found it off-puttingly so. Many also noted a strong grapefruit flavor — though the citrus fruit doesn't appear in the ingredients list. ISH Paloma: While it didn't score as high as our top Ish picks above, this take on a Paloma did boast a strong grapefruit flavor. Ultimately, its bitter aftertaste was too much for our panel. De Soi Golden Hour: With ingredients like reishi mushroom and L-theanine, this spritz promises to help with mental clarity and relaxation. But most of our testers were distracted by the slightly chemical flavor (the lemony drink is also made with bergamot, rosemary and bay leaf extracts). Lapo's Negroni: Our panel found this drink from the Italian brand Lapo's bitter — too bitter in many cases. "Want to like it, but I don't," wrote one tester. That said, it's definitely reminiscent of a Negroni! Recess Lime Margarita: Sadly, this drink had too faint a flavor to win us over. It is made with adaptogens, though, and guayusa, which is rich in antioxidants. Recess Grapefruit Paloma: Testers were torn on whether or not the extreme bitterness of this drink was appealing. Several noted a gingery flavor and just one person thought it tasted reminiscent of an actual paloma. Recess Classic Cosmo: Some of our panel found this orange- and cranberry-flavored concoction pleasant; others not so much. We were also torn on the level of sweetness — who knew a non-alcoholic cosmopolitan could be so divisive?! Spindrift Cosmopolitan: It's best to enjoy this sparkling water as just that versus a cocktail replacement. All of our testers thought it was watery. Spindrift Nojito: This nonalcoholic riff on a mojito fared better than the brand's "cosmopolitan," but testers still found its flavor too watery. That said, it did earn some fans, with one person saying that they enjoyed the notes of lime and mint. Curious Elixirs No. 1 Pomegranate Negroni Sbagliato: An adaptogen-packed ode to the classic negroni, this drink tasted complex in a polarizing way. "It's too strong," said one person; "Tastes most like an actual cocktail," said another. As a third tester put it, "I'm not sure what to make of this." Curious Elixirs No. 6 Coconut Pineapple Painkiller: This scored the lowest of any drink we tested, partly because of its creamy consistency (a riff on the classic tropical cocktail, the painkiller, it's made with cream of coconut pineapple, citrus and oat milk). Some testers also found the inclusion of nutmeg offputting. Little Saints Ginger Mule: "Sparkling pine needles, but slightly sweet and sour. It's at least trying something," noted one of our testers of this drink that has notes of ginger beer, lime and lavender. It's made with reishi mushroom extract and botanical terpenes, which are derived from plants and are thought to have some health benefits. Little Saints Negroni Spritz: This Little Saints drink was less successful than the Ginger Mule. Most testers found its bitterness overwhelming. Little Saints Paloma: Three folks on our panel remarked on this drink's medicinal taste — two thought it reminded them of Pepto Bismol and one noted hints of Alka-Seltzer! That was enough to knock it out of the running. It's hard to pinpoint just one beloved mocktail, but if we had to narrow it down, we'd say the Shirley Temple and the Arnold Palmer. Also, don't forget about nonalcoholic versions of tropical drinks like a virgin pina colada and virgin daiquiri, which are typically made with the same ingredients as the traditional options minus the booze. Because they don't contain alcohol and are generally lower in sugar and calories than traditional cocktails, mocktails are generally better for your health. But keep in mind they can still contain added sugar or other flavorings you may not want to consume a lot of. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
