More consumers want something innovative and refreshing to lift their spirits—without spirits.
Sure, bartenders can just take out the alcohol from a standard cocktail, but why not provide something more original?
Bartenders are increasingly putting as much craft into zero-proof beverages as their booze menu. This shift comes as consumer demand soars for alcohol-free options. Datassential SNAP! found that mocktails have grown over 383 percent on U.S. menus in the past four years, and 83 percent of bartenders rated low-alcohol drinks as popular.
Whether it’s to prepare for Dry January or reach a growing clientele, bars and restaurants are looking to create flavorful zero-proof concoctions. We have some tips to elevate non-alcoholic menus.
Remixed Classics
There are only a handful of widely-known mocktails out there. Giving these drinks a unique twist could be a great starting point for bars and restaurants looking to expand their non-alcoholic options. Some classic mocktails in need of a new spin include:
Arnold Palmer: The simple combination of iced tea and lemonade makes for a refreshing back-porch beverage. Try different kinds of cold-brewed tea, like jasmine green tea for fruity, floral notes or white tea for a subtle, refreshing taste. Throw in different types of fruit and juice for a tropical take.
Shirley Temple: One of the original mocktails, the Shirley Temple was too sweet even for its namesake. For a less saccharine version, consider pomegranate juice instead of grenadine or experiment with the ginger ale and lemon-lime soda ratio. Another option is to add orange juice for a citrus tang.
Virgin Mary: Just like the Bloody Mary, this beverage can be transformed into an entire meal with bacon, shrimp, and even donut skewers. To modify the drink itself, add hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick. Go green by using green tomatoes or tomatillos as the base of the mixer. For a thin, refreshing take, use tomato water instead of juice.
Quick Tip: Simply taking the alcohol out of a cocktail could mess with the flavor. One mocktail ratio to try is four parts base (like soda or iced tea), one-half part sweet, and one part sour.
Healthy Alternatives
More consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Zers, are looking to develop healthy habits. For some, that includes limiting alcohol consumption. But many zero-proof beverages rely so heavily on sugar that they can’t pass for a healthier alternative.
Bartenders have more than enough options to make nutritious, booze-free drinks. Several healthy ingredients offer refreshing flavors and even replicate characteristics of alcohol. A few of these items include:
Ginger: In addition to soothing muscle pain, boosting the immune system, and supporting heart health, ginger mimics alcohol’s bite. Ginger beer and ginger ale is a common base for virgin beverages. Ginger juice can be combined with apple cider vinegar, honey, and water to make a delicious switchel for fruity mocktails.
Citrus: The vitamin C in citrus supports immune health and nourishes the skin. Lemons, berries, and other citrus fruits have the bitterness and acidity of alcohol, making them a great addition to mocktails.
Kombucha: Kombucha is packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and other health benefits. Though it has trace amounts of alcohol, it has become a popular substitute for hard beverages because of Its sophisticated taste, slight acidity, and variety of flavors. These three ingredients—grated ginger, muddled citrus fruits, and kombucha—combined make the perfect mocktail.
Quick Tip: Everyone likes a cheeky drink name. Mocktails provide plenty of inspiration for clever names. Who can resist a “no”jito?
Toasty Beverages
With winter approaching, consumers will be looking to toast with something warm and toasty. While most non-alcoholic hot beverages are intended as a sweet treat for kids or a morning dose of caffeine, there are other options for adults looking to unwind in the evening:
Whipped coffee, or dalgona coffee, has been the go-to drink of the pandemic. Add the whipped coffee topping on a virgin eggnog or hot White Russian for a twist on holiday classics.
Adult hot chocolate doesn’t need a drop of booze. Mix different kinds of chocolate and cut through the sweetness with raspberry, mint, or turmeric to elevate this childhood favorite.
Alcohol or no alcohol, nothing warms up consumers during the winter better than a hot toddy or apple cider. Hibiscus, basil, cayenne, or chili can give these drinks a twist. For sweet tooths, add honey butter or maple syrup to apple cider.
There’s more to add to hot tea than honey and milk. Cardamon, apple juice, berries, peaches, botanicals, and other ingredients can transform hot tea into a sweet mixed beverage.
Quick Tip: Encourage consumers to try out the non-alcoholic menu by having sober happy hours or offering special deals.
Your Sourcing Solution
Mocktail inspiration is everywhere. The cucumber in the crisper drawer, the salt on the spice rack, the honey in the pantry—just about anything can be used to make the perfect booze-free drink.
To transform these ingredients into mocktails, stock up on Dot Foods’ syrups, juice, mixers, and more. Prove that zero-proof beverages can be as sophisticated as cocktails.