Unboxed: 12 mocktails for spring celebrations
The zero-alcohol drinks category continues to grow, providing several options for this season's graduations, weddings and more.
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With zero sugar and L-theanine, Gorgie Energy Drinks will perk up consumers' taste buds as well as their brains. Each 12-ounce can has 150 mg of green tea caffeine, as well as biotin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Available in Sparkling Watermelon Crush, Sparkling Electric Berry and Sparkling Peachy Keen.
Move over tasteless and/or sugar-ridden cocktails. Avec is here to give drinks more flare without all the not-so-good-for-you stuff. This jalapeño and blood orange-flavored drink is a fun take on a spicy margarita but with only 15 calories and 3 grams of sugar. All of Avec's drinks are low in sugar, ranging from zero to 6 grams of sugar and naturally sweetened with only 100% all-natural ingredients.
Figlia makes space for those going zero-proof for any reason. This gorgeous bottle is deemed to be put front-and-center on the shelf for all to see. The floral, bitter and aromatic aperitivo is meant for sipping to celebrate the ritual of slowing down.
De Soi puts the fun into functional by creating non-alcoholic apéritifs made with natural adaptogens. The earthy, botanical flavors are reminiscent of classic alcoholic beverages and prompt similar feelings. This bottle of Champignon Dreams has juicy jam and bitter notes. Functional ingredients like reishi mushrooms, passionflower and L-theanine promote relaxation, making this the perfect nightcap.
Frescos' packaging could easily be mistaken as something from the hip local brewery. The cans are cool and colorful, and the taste is that of traditional agua fresca but with bubbles for a modern twist. It's the perfect drink for celebrating in warmer climates.
Mocktail Club takes its mixology seriously. Even though the brand doesn’t use spirits in its drinks, there's plenty of spirit in the flavor formulation. Antioxidant-boosting organic ingredients give it a tart twist. A blend of blackberries, ginger, pear shrub and apple cider vinegar creates a taste reminiscent of sophisticated cocktails layered with complex notes and tannins.
Ruby's sparkling organic hibiscus water is zero calories, zero sugar and 100% flair. With its bright packaging and the drink's beautiful deep red color, this beverage would be a hit at any casual get-together or sophisticated cocktail hour. Ruby sources its hibiscus from an ethical farm in Burkina Faso. The tart flavor profile is reminiscent of black cherries, and the hibiscus provides various benefits, including a wealth of antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamin C.
Sara Delaney created Sarilla to find great-tasting, better-for-you beverages free from alcohol, sugar and artificial ingredients. The Tulsi Lime Infusion is unsweetened, has zero calories and contains relaxation-supporting ingredients such as chamomile. In addition, Sarilla makes zero-proof imbibing even more accessible to consumers by offering its products on tap at breweries and bars.
No need for hard seltzers or spiked sodas to get the party going. SkinTē's new wellness sodas contain just the right amount of caffeine for an energy boost. In addition, ingredients like black tea lend focus and hawthorn berry support mood. Consumers looking to get even more benefits from their drinks will also be pleased to see collagen and horsetail for supporting skin, hair and nails, as well as vitamin C for immunity support.
For those in the mood to get out and socialize, Three Spirit's Social Elixir is the perfect companion to any party. Functional ingredients of lion's mane, yerba mate and damiana helps put nerves at ease. The herbal beverage is full-bodied and bittersweet with a savory aftertaste, great on the rocks or in a mocktail.
Made from all-natural ingredients and low in calories, Töst offers consumers not looking to drink alcohol a more elevated and sophisticated option than sparkling water. The Rosé Singles are designed to bring more depth and complex flavors, making them an elevated and sophisticated drink of choice. The beverage is crisp and dry with notes of white tea, white cranberry and ginger.
While any of With Co's cocktail mixers would add a splash of flavor to one's choice of alcohol or soda, the brand calls out these three flavors—Ginger Mule, Hey Girl and Bouquet—for use in mocktails. Each bottle contains enough mix for 30 drinks. Ginger Mule includes fresh ginger and fresh lime juice; Hey Girl features fresh lime juice, cucumber and mint; and Bouquet offers a lemonade flavor with a kick of rosewater and lavender.
While any of With Co's cocktail mixers would add a splash of flavor to one's choice of alcohol or soda, the brand calls out these three flavors—Ginger Mule, Hey Girl and Bouquet—for use in mocktails. Each bottle contains enough mix for 30 drinks. Ginger Mule includes fresh ginger and fresh lime juice; Hey Girl features fresh lime juice, cucumber and mint; and Bouquet offers a lemonade flavor with a kick of rosewater and lavender.
As parents, college graduates and soon-to-be newlyweds plan their upcoming milestones, they'll want to be prepared for the sober-curious crowd to have some fun, too. It’s exciting to see more RTD beverage options bringing the fun without the alcohol. Not only are these bevies zero-proof, but the category is also awash in sophisticated new offerings that are sure to be a huge hit at any gathering.
This growing demand comes from a consumer desire to feel better and optimize health. Ditching the booze can keep the mind clear and improve focus. In addition, living alcohol-free offers other health benefits such as better sleep, weight loss and reduced risks for certain cancers and other diseases. Scanner sales data for the 52 weeks ending Sept. 10 showed a 289% increase in alcohol-free sales compared to average sales over the past three years, NielsenIQ Product Insight reported.
Not drinking is still pleasant
In addition to their potential health benefits, the expanding selection of enticing non-alcoholic beverage options can help make the pivot away from booze feel more like a pleasure than a sacrifice.
Today’s zero-proof natural beverages mimic flavors and include ingredients that soothe with the familiar sensations of favorite libations—think non-alcoholic botanical spirits, hop-infused water and fermented juices. Brands are conjuring the taste and aromatic experience of alcohol through botanicals. The mocktails of 2023 will take this concept even further, with more brands harnessing the power of functional ingredients to enhance mood and promote relaxation.
Check out these 12 drinks that bring all the good vibes without the hangover.
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