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Just a few years ago, it was virtually unthinkable to find a non-alcoholic cocktail or drink in most clubs or bars. Even if there was one, asking for it seemed to be seen as a kind of offence.
But all that has changed, especially after the pandemic hangover, which revolutionised the way we think about the world in general, and alcohol in particular. Since then, the industry has also changed its vision, and started to launch non-alcoholic iterations of its drinks, while bartenders started to create mock cocktails, experimenting with all the possibilities offered by this healthier universe.
Some experts point to Generation Z, known for dictating all the trends of the current era, as the driving force behind the rise of non-alcoholic options, mainly due to the mental destabilisation that hangovers can cause and the prioritisation of their health, reflecting this generational desire to drink less.
A mix of factors
The factors behind this rising trend come from society’s growing concern for its health, the search for healthier options, leading to mocktails becoming a successful option when it comes to enjoying a cocktail, the glamorous spirit it exudes, and all the non-alcoholic flavours it dilutes without calories.
Most of them are made with fresh fruit, herbs or organic, sugar-free mixers that are dissolved in healthy options such as spritzes or shrubs.
Another reason for the popularity of mock cocktails is the rise of the ‘sober curious’ movement. That is, people looking for alternative ways to socialise through non-alcoholic drinks.
The art of experimentation also plays a role in this change. This replication of cocktails leads bartenders to explore new ingredients, flavours, special formulas and techniques with which to create non-alcoholic but equally delicious drinks.
A trend that is often served on glassware or in designer vessels that reflect attractive and aesthetically elevated presentations that continue to elevate the mocktail craze, along with other factors such as being a healthier, more inclusive and creative alternative to traditional mixology.
