Make Mine a Mocktail
There is an innate human desire to be sociable, a need powerfully clarified during the quarantine. Historically and across most cultures, sharing a drink has been one of the most common things people would do to unwind and spend some time together. But a bitter aftertaste has become associated with the practice— largely because of a barrelful of consequences related to overindulgence.
For a variety of reasons, we are drinking less—whether to reduce our intake, to save up for better booze or to find alternate means of stimulation and stress relief. Here’s the twist: Many drinkers and non-drinkers alike (not just pregnant or sober folks) are choosing cocktails that are sans spirits, hence the name mocktails.
THE BUZZ
But what exactly is a mocktail? Put simply, it’s a non-alcoholic mixed drink, but they’ve become anything but simple. Recent trends have brought a demand for high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship in food, and drink offerings are catching up. Consumers are willing to invest in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients; modern, innovative methods of infusion and extraction—and more. Some restaurants are even beginning to offer tasting menus with non-alcoholic pairings, which is a welcomed challenge for creative mixologists who are willing to shake things up.
Menus for mocktails often read like recipes for a cleanse or smoothie, with fresh citrus and other fruits and immune- boosting superfoods. Kombucha, shrubs, tonics and elixirs are showing up as mixers in these non-alcoholic beverages, as are unique combinations of fruits and herbs.
Mocktails that are visually appealing and made with good-for-you ingredients are especially popular with discriminating, health-minded folks whose routines may include yoga and meditation. An occasional glass of wine from their favorite winery can fit into their lifestyle, but if having drinks with friends means a heavy dose of alcohol and sugar, they are increasingly turning to mocktails as a solution.
THE UPSHOT
Of course, there is also the appeal of these drinks to those aware that traditional drinking habits can blur the moment and end in self-loathing. With a night of mocktails, they may find that they have more meaningful, memorable conversations or can even responsibly work while enjoying a drink. Mocktails are about changing the culture of drinking and offering alternatives.
JUST ONE MORE
Let’s face it: The quarantine, with days blending into one another, Zoom happy hours and general melancholy and malaise, has been the perfect storm for a surge in drinking, as shown by the spike in demand for alcoholic beverages in stores and online. But mocktails may also see a surge as the taste for traditional booze fizzles. And in our new and unpredictable reality, we may find comfort in choosing a mocktail that brings all the social and flavor benefits of an alcoholic drink but without the side—or after—effects.
So, next time you’re out, and hopefully that’ll be soon for the sake of our local restaurants and bars, ask the bartender if they serve mocktails, and then feel free to skip the alcohol, without giving up on socializing with friends or enjoying a delicious drink.
