Event Essentials: Cheers to Mocktails
Cheers to the new year! Dry January is almost over, and whether you opted to participate or your new year's resolution was to drink less, you weren't the only one looking to cut back on alcohol indulgence. One big trend we saw in bar service in 2022 was the request for more and more mocktail options. These non-alcoholic drinks are everywhere – from celebrity endorsement elixirs to classic cocktails - hold the booze - for whatever reason, guests choose to opt out of alcohol, it's a trend we love. Read on for our top three tips to including a fun mocktail option at your next event!
If you got it, flaunt it!
Mocktails are in, so don't hide them! Just as you would display a signature cocktail on your bar menu, highlight your non-alcoholic craft options – they are a signature "cocktail," after all. Treat your mocktails as you would a fancy, showy cocktail. They should fit seamlessly into your bar setup with the same production level as alcoholic drinks.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
Mocktails can serve as a canvas for the same creative embellishments that cocktails can. Use a custom, branded ice cube, add an edible flower, use dry ice or add a smokey element! Cocktails are made for adults, so make sure your mocktails feel like a fun adult drink too -- not something you ordered off the kid's menu.
'Tis the season!
Fun and festive drinks are all the rage! Mocktails are a great vehicle for flavors of the seasons the same way you curate themed cocktails. Whether it's a warm and cozy mug of spiced *not spiked* cider during chilly months or a twist on refreshing classic lemonade as it heats up, play to the season.
When planning your bar menu, we typically recommend you have options for everyone – something for the wine drinker, dark liquor options like whiskey and light options like vodka or gin --but you don't have to go overboard with mocktails. Often people are surprised and delighted just to see one option. So cheers to your next event being *slightly* less boozy, but still a killer time!