Buzzing On Alcohol Free Drinks

The term "alcohol-free alcohol" may seem contradictory, but it’s a growing trend in the beverage industry. We’ve even seen a pop-up alcohol free bar in Greytown, a growing trend in the UK, and dry July has become bigger every year in New Zealand, some evidence people are seeking an alcohol free break.

Keep reading for some interesting mocktail recipes!

Alcohol-free drinks have been on the rise in recent years, as more people are choosing to abstain from alcohol or reduce their alcohol consumption for health, personal, or religious reasons. This has led to the emergence of various non-alcoholic beverages that cater to these preferences, including non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits, mocktails, and other creative alcohol-free cocktails. Many bars and restaurants are also beginning to offer alcohol-free drink menus or designated non-alcoholic sections of their menus to accommodate this trend. Additionally, the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks aligns with the growing focus on wellness and mindfulness, as consumers seek out healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

1. Non-alcoholic beer and wine: With more people seeking alcohol-free options, breweries and wineries are producing a wider range of non-alcoholic beer and wine products, which offer the taste and experience of traditional alcoholic beverages without the alcohol content.
2. Mocktails: Creative non-alcoholic cocktails, known as mocktails, are becoming increasingly popular in bars and restaurants, offering a wide variety of flavours and ingredients to cater to different tastes.
3. Spirit alternatives: Several companies are now producing non-alcoholic alternatives using a variety of botanicals and herbs to create complex and interesting flavours. These are great substitutes for traditional spirits and mimic the taste and aroma of their alcoholic counterparts.
4. Low-alcohol drinks: Beverages with a lower alcohol content are becoming more popular, such as wine spritzers or beer with a lower ABV, allowing consumers to still enjoy a drink while reducing their alcohol intake.
5. Health and wellness focus: Many consumers are choosing alcohol-free options as part of a healthier lifestyle, with more emphasis on wellness, mindfulness, and moderation.

Whether it’s alcohol-free, mocktail or cocktail hour or refreshing long drinks, you should stock a wide range of glassware to show off your creations. From stemware to double old-fashioned, cocktail tumblers to hot beverages, the selection of glassware is almost endless and in stock now.

Simple Blackberry Fizz Mocktail

Mocktail Ingredients

• Blackberries 5 + 3-4 for Garnish
• Lime Juice 1 Tablespoon
• Mint Leaves
• Honey (optional)
• Kombucha or Soda Water
• Lime slice for garnish

Making Your Mocktail

1. Simply muddle blueberries, lime, mint and honey (if using) until the deliciousness of the blueberries is obvious
2. Add gourmet ice cubes 
3. Top with your favourite kombucha or soda water
4. Garnish with blueberries, mint and lime slice