High-quality glassware really goes a long way when it comes to mocktails. Take it from this creation, Stonefruit Bubbles, from Cocktail Academy. Start by blending together clarified sour melon juice and citric acid, then combine with Seedlip Citrus Grove (a non-alcoholic spirit), peach tea, and simple syrup. Store in the fridge in a large container for 24 hours, then carbonate and bottle the mixture the next day before serving.Photo: Courtesy of Cocktail Academy
There are a multitude of reasons why someone attending an event might not be inclined to drink an alcoholic beverage. Aside from obvious ones like sobriety or pregnancy, an attendee might opt for a non-alcoholic drink because they want to cut down on calories, for medical or religious reasons, or because they've hit their two-drink limit.
But does that mean those who abstain from alcohol should be relegated to boring substitutes? Absolutely not. Take it from the folks at Cocktail Academy—a full-service beverage creative and activation agency based in LA—who say that fun, inventive mocktails at events are only growing in popularity.
“We've absolutely seen a rise in non-alcoholic cocktails over the last year, for a few reasons," Cocktail Academy CEO and founder Matt Landes said. "One, the spotlight on health in light of the pandemic. People are prioritizing health in an entirely new way. Two, there’s a direct reflection of the amount of non-alcoholic spirits that are now available on the market for mixing, and also with the legalization and popularity of CBD products like gummies and tinctures, people aren't just looking for a buzz necessarily, they're seeking fun, fresh, flavors with relative health benefits."
Ultimately, it's important to make all of your attendees feel included, and offering non-alcoholic beverages—in elevated glassware to boot—can make those who'd prefer not to (or can't) consume alcohol feel more comfortable as they socialize.
Scroll down for more inspiration and insights from F&B experts.
Pictured from left to right is a strawberry spritz with strawberry, basil, honey, lime, and sparking water; fresh-squeezed lemonade mixed with lavender (the blend makes for a photo-worthy hue); and a "Guava Nojito" with guava, fresh-squeezed lime, mint, and Sprite.
Pictured from left to right: The Tsurai features pineapple and orange juices, chili agave, serrano pepper, and grapefruit tonic; the Sparkling Strawberry is made with lemon juice, strawberries, simple syrup, and soda; Sweet Sensation combines lime juice, coconut and blackberry puree, simple syrup, and soda; and the Refresh features cucumber tonic, ginger beer, mint, and lime.
