Step into a bar five years ago, and chances are every glass was filled with either a stiff drink or a boring club soda. But times have changed. In the past few years, there’s been a noticeable shift in what people are sipping on. Today, a significant portion of these drinks mimic cocktails in every aspect except one – the alcohol! Welcome to the era of mocktails, where zero-proof alternatives are taking center stage in the beverage industry. In this article, we’ll explore this shift and the factors driving the growing demand for mocktails.
What Exactly is a Mocktail?
According to Merriam-Webster, a mocktail is a usually iced drink made with ingredients such as juice, herbs, and soda water, but without alcohol – in simpler words, a nonalcoholic cocktail.
Whether you call them mocktail, nonalcoholic, zero-proof, or spirit-free, there’s no doubt they’ve been gaining popularity. Google Trends shows a noticeable increase in interest for “mocktails”, with searches hitting an all-time high at the start of 2024. Although interest may have dipped since Dry January ended, it remains higher than it was this time last year.
Behind the Mocktail Movement
As younger generations come of age and wield greater buying power, their habits and preferences start to shape market trends. Millennials and Gen Zs are embracing a more health-conscious lifestyle, expressing concerns about the effects of alcohol on the body and mind. Studies have highlighted the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, prompting individuals to reconsider their drinking habits and embrace the “sober-curious” lifestyle. In 2023, Mintel found that nearly 4 out of 10 American consumers closely or occasionally follow a sober-curious lifestyle, with 39% saying they follow/would follow this lifestyle for physical health reasons and 29% for mental health reasons.
As individuals explore their relationship with alcohol, alternative ways to socialize and have fun without it have been dominating consumers’ social media feeds. The hashtag #mocktails currently has 80.5k posts on TikTok with over 1 billion views combined. Even celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Katy Perry have already jumped on board with their own brands, demonstrating zero-proof sips can be just as enjoyable. Whether it’s Blake Lively endorsing her own line of non-alcoholic fizzy drinks on Instagram or Courtney Cox sharing her favorite alcohol-free recipe on TikTok, the visibility of mocktails is on the rise, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
Mocktail Market Today
Rest assured, mocktails aren’t just a passing social trend. According to Forbes, in 2019, 83% of bar managers surveyed in Los Angeles acknowledged that zero proof drinking is a growing trend. Bars and restaurants have already embraced the spirit-free fun. When establishments offer mocktails as an alternative, it acknowledges those who wish to feel included during social outings while choosing not to drink, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment while boosting sales – a true win-win for everyone.
Additionally, the surge in new non-alcoholic beverage product launches, doubling since 2016, reflects the growing demand for innovative, non-alcoholic options (Innova Market Insights, 2020). From alcohol-free bars and bottle shops sprouting across the country to a growing array of zero-proof products ranging from whiskey to rum, the landscape of non-alcoholic beverages continues to evolve. So next time you step into a bar, expect more of those glasses to hold mocktails.
Introducing Galvanina Mocktails
In keeping with the trend, we’re glad to announce the addition of Galvanina’s new line of mocktails to our catalogue. These sparkling beverages come in 3 tasty flavors, mimicking some of our favorite cocktails: Organic Bellini (sparkling peach), Organic Mimosa (sparkling orange and perfect for brunch), and Organic Spritz (similar to an Aperol Spritz). Each and every one of these are crafted with organic fruit juices and flavors for a satisfying refreshment.
Merchandise them in your beverage aisle, or build a special display to celebrate an Italian, hangover free Spring!
As we raise a glass to the rise of mocktails, it’s evident that this trend is here to stay. So, whether you’re enjoying a tasty mocktail at your favorite bar or filling your fridge with Galvanina Mocktails to dive into the excitement, here’s to the vibrant spirit of spirit-free refreshments. Cheers!