The rising trend of abstaining from alcohol has prompted bars and restaurants globally to jack-up and stock up on their non-alcoholic beverages on drinks menus.
Parties and events often revolve around drinking booze, equating alcohol with fun, which leads many to order cocktails and shots to enhance their mood, especially in crowded spaces. While bar, club, and restaurant menus are filled with enticing alcoholic options, the selection of non-alcoholic beverages has traditionally been limited, leaving non-drinkers feeling sidelined amidst jokes from drunk friends and colleagues. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, teetotaler can enjoy a diverse selection of alcohol-free beverages, including zero-alcohol beers from leading producers like Corona.
Trendy Non-Alcoholic Beverages
People can choose not to consume alcohol for many reasons: they have health problems, they are pregnant, or they just don`t like it, and that is already a good reason. Consuming non-alcoholic beverages doesn`t mean you can`t enjoy your time at a party or in the company of your friends at the bar.
Sobering Up To Parties
Sober parties are gaining popularity, reminiscent of the water-only raves from the ’90s, where the focus was on connection and memorable experiences (with the help of designer drugs) rather than alcohol.
This shift reflects the rise of the sober movement and a growing emphasis on health, prompting bars and cafes to expand their offerings with a variety of enticing alcohol-free options tailored for non-drinkers and sober individuals. As a result, these gatherings foster an atmosphere of genuine enjoyment and creativity, proving that fun can thrive without substances.
This alcohol free guide for the sober souls on earth features marvelous mocktails and other refreshing non-alcoholic drink variations to throw back at the bar, next time you hangout with the drunk bunch.
Vanilla Latte
The Irish latte is a popular after dinner drink and nightcap among coffee and whiskey drinkers. Similar to the Espresso Martini but not quite, an Irish latte typically contains espresso, milk, and Irish whiskey. The latte can easily be adapted for non-drinkers by simply omitting the whiskey. All you need is the best coffee machine, vanilla pods and organic maple syrup to boost your health. Believe me, it is as tasty as the classic Irish option, less the hangover.
Poorman’s Fanta Spritz
If you’re a fan of Aperol Spritz, you will also love its non-alcoholic version that includes fresh grapefruit and lime juice, club soda, and some cinnamon. Much more labour intensive than Aperol, but a refreshing spritz that will keep you cool and sober from alcohol during a heatwave. Good old Fanta Orange, known by some as the poor man’s Aperol when adding vodka, will also do the trick. Just ditch the vodka and replace it with sparkling water.
The Devocion Tonic
Who would have thought that combining grapefruit juice and espresso could create something so tasty? Turns out this unexpected pairing named the Devocion Tonic makes for one helluva impressive mocktail! Ask the bartender to shake up lemon juice, sweet vanilla syrup, tonic, cold brew, and, of course, grapefruit juice. Prepared to savour every invigorating sip while all the drunks at the bar admire you in envy.
Hibiscus Iced Tea
Hibiscus, a vibrant flower used to make a refreshing beverage, is not only visually stunning but also packed with intriguing health benefits. Medical Today’s studies suggest that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some medications, making it a great natural remedy for hypertension. Additionally, its bright red color is derived from anthocyanins, which have been linked to improved heart health and enhanced cognitive function. While Hibiscus iced tea may not steal the spotlight at a house party or be a staple at bars, its unique flavor profile definitely earns it a deserving spot on the menu of fancy high tea establishments.
Mulled Cider
The Mulled Cider Mocktail is a perfect combination of clove, some spicy black pepper, and some anise complemented with cinnamon. This alcohol-free concoction not only warms you up but also aids in detoxification! Even Jamie Oliver is converted and swears by his own Mulled Cider recipe.
Orange Creamsicle
When craving sugar, ask the barman to pop some orange juice , lime, vanilla, hazelnut syrup, tonic, and ice into a blender. Served with an orange slice and topped with cream, the Orange Creamsicle mocktail is as sweet as the spot it will hit!
Shirley Temple
A taste so familiar with childhood: for the world’s oldest mocktail, all it takes to make a Shirley Temple is grenadine, a bottle of Sprite, and a cherry on top! An award-winning combination of a sweet and tasty drink, inspired by and named after one of the first and greatest child stars to rule Hollywood way back then.
Roy Rogers
A more masculine alternative to the Shirley Temple, a Roy Rogers drink consists of coca-cola, grenadine syrup, and one maraschino cherry, which makes it taste like a cherry coke. Nevertheless, it looks like a real drink without the whiskey or rum. Better yet, nobody will ever guess that the buzz you get is not caused by alcohol. Who is Roy Rogers and why is there a drink named after him? Wikipedia labels Roy Rogers as a multifaceted American entertainer, singer, actor, television host, and rodeo performer dubbed the King of the Cowboys during his prime in the 1940s. The drink that bears his name pays homage to this country legend, a dedicated teetotaler who, like many other celebrated figures in Hollywood, abstained from alcohol.
Cinderella Mocktail
Named after the famous fairytale, the Cinderella mocktail is one of those non-alcoholic beverages that will turn you into a very sweet and very sober princess. Made with club soda, lemon and orange juice, grenadine and a bit of pineapple juice, Cinderella is sweet AF, but it will bring a royal sparkle to your eyes when the clock strikes 12 and everyone is beyond wasted.
Mock Champagne
At celebrations like birthdays and weddings, when guests raise their glasses of champagne or sparkling wine, you can effortlessly opt for grape or apple juice instead. Top it up with a dash of sparkling water and this alcohol free alternative not only mimics the appearance of champagne but also delivers on taste. This way everyone feels included and allowed to partake in toasts at weddings and other festive celebrations.
Ginger Shot
If you are tired of watching your friends drinking a too many tequila shots in a row, getting trashier by the minute, ask the barman for a liver-friendly shot of ginger and lemon juice, and sweet honey. This alcohol free ginger bomb is the go-to shot for non-drinkers who likes to hang out with alcoholics at bars. No judging!!
Boozeless Freedom
A “virgin” cocktail or mocktail is just like any classic cocktail, only it comes with a dash of common sense and garnished with a sprinkle of self-control! If you are the friend who by default becomes the designated driver, so be it! The drunks will all be grateful, even though they will probably not remember your kind acts the morning after the night before.