Mocktails aren’t a new approach to cocktail hour, but they certainly have gained popularity in recent years. And we can’t help but wonder why restaurants, bars, and social media are suddenly buzzing about these drinks. Let’s examine why so many people are now all about the mocktail life.
From a Health Aspect
If you’re out and want a mixed drink but want to make healthy decisions, mocktails are perfect. Mocktails hydrate, whereas alcoholic beverages dehydrate. Mocktails are non-addictive, nor will they impact your decision-making.
Sober Curiosity
The sober-curious trend, which entails people exploring their relationship with alcohol, is gaining momentum. While sober curiosity isn’t a totally alcohol-free lifestyle, it welcomes those who aren’t planning to give up alcohol but instead see what it’s like not to consume alcohol on a night out.
TikTok, Ya Don’t Stop
If you spend time scrolling your FYP on TikTok, there’s a chance you’ve come across someone sharing a delicious-looking mocktail recipe. Admittedly, we’re easily influenced, so social media platforms make it easy for creators to share recipes that inspire us.
One World: Inclusive
Mocktails don’t discriminate. Anyone can enjoy a handcrafted mocktail – whether they don’t drink, are pregnant, or are the designated driver – without the after-effects.
ABC: Always Be Creating
Mocktails give bartenders a way to flaunt their skills. And thanks to their creativity, restaurants and bars can now offer full mocktail menus.
Zero Effects
Consuming alcohol makes it harder for the brain to control balance, memory, speech, and judgment, all of which can lead to injuries and other negative outcomes. On the other hand, mocktails won’t lead to any of those things, and you won’t have to worry about that hangover.
How to Make a Mocktail
If we’ve convinced you to try mocktails, the basic formula is four parts base, one part sour, one part sweet, and garnish.
- Base ideas: tea, coconut water, sparkling water, fruit juice, ginger ale, or kombucha
- Sour ideas: lime juice, lemon juice, tart cherry juice, grapefruit juice, or cranberry juice
- Sweet ideas: apple, pineapple, maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup
- Garnish ideas: fruit, rosemary, cranberries, mint, or basil