The Rise of Mocktails and Why You Should Hire a Mocktail Bar

A Shift in Drinking Culture

Over the past decade a notable shift has taken place in how people approach alcohol. In Canada and many other countries fewer people are drinking regularly. For example a 2023 survey found two-thirds of Canadians aged 18-22 reported no alcohol beverages in the past seven days. British Columbia a reported 9 % decrease in one year marked the largest drop since records began. Rising costs of living, wellness trends, concerns over health and changing social expectations all play a role.

In response to this cultural shift the beverage world has adapted. The term “mocktail” is increasingly relevant not just for those who are sober but for anyone who wants a thoughtful, alcohol-free option. The word “mocktail” itself has a curious history. The term was popularised in the late 1970s after appearances in advertising, and while non-alcoholic mixed drinks date back much further the modern vocabulary began emerging then. One of the earliest famed examples is the drink known as the Shirley Temple — layered grenadine, soda or ginger ale and orange juice — created for a non-drinking child star at a restaurant in Hollywood.

What is especially interesting is how the mocktail concept has evolved. What started as a simple “virgin” version of a cocktail is now becoming a serious craft beverage. Bars that offer zero-proof spirits, fresh ingredients and dedicated non-alcohol-only menus are popping up around the world. For example in Montréal there is a dedicated mocktail bar inside the Time Out Market Montréal featuring an original zero-alcohol menu crafted for that space.

This is not just a passing trend. Non-alcoholic drinks are seeing double-digit growth while alcohol consumption drops in many segments.
‍

All of this points to why hiring a mocktail bar is a timely idea for modern events.

What Makes a Good Mocktail

Many mocktails simply feel like a cocktail with the alcohol left out. But the best ones are more than that. They are crafted with clarity of vision, quality of ingredients and attention to detail.

Here are some key hallmarks of a good mocktail:

• Fresh ingredients: fresh citrus, hand-made syrups, herbs and quality mixers make a big difference.
• Thoughtful flavour balance: sweet, sour, bitter and aromatic elements should work together. A mocktail should not taste like “just juice with ice”.
• Creative base liquids: instead of simply removing the alcohol from a classic recipe you might use sparkling water, zero-proof spirits or fortified tinctures. This is something you learn in our group mixology courses where we teach how many great cocktails with delicious ingredients can simply use water or a zero-proof substitute as the swap for alcohol.
• Presentation and experience: glassware, garnish, ice style and service matter. A mocktail should look and feel as considered as any cocktail.
• Inclusivity and choice: a good mocktail option means non-drinkers are not sidelined but fully included in the event experience. It also helps people who are drinking but want to slow down or moderate.

It’s worth noting that mocktails serve more than just non-drinkers. Many guests choose a mocktail because they want to participate socially but avoid the alcohol. Psychologically this works because the ritual is similar, holding a well-crafted drink in hand, sipping slowly, feeling included. Socially it helps maintain inclusion in a gathering without the effects of drinking. That’s especially useful during daytime parties, wellness-focused events or portions of an event where people would prefer a lighter drink or want to stay sharp.

Why a Mocktail Bar Service Makes Sense

Bringing in a mocktail-bar service adds value and elevates the guest experience in ways that regular beverage service may not. Here are key benefits:

1. Inclusive for all guests
   A dedicated mocktail bar sends the message that non-drinking guests matter. It removes the “what should they drink” awkwardness and gives everyone a high-quality option.
2. On trend and modern
   With wellness culture, mindful drinking and zero-proof spirits on the rise, a mocktail bar signals that your event is aligned with current tastes and values.
3. Daytime and wellness events
   For brunches, corporate events, wellness retreats or daytime gatherings where heavy drinking is not appropriate, a mocktail bar offers a stylish alternative. Guests feel they are enjoying something special, without alcohol.
4. Branding and aesthetics
   Whether for a launch, an upscale gathering or a themed event the mocktail station becomes a visual and social focal point. The setup, glassware and service contribute to the whole atmosphere.
5. Tactical moderation for drinkers
   For events where alcohol is served but you want to encourage moderation a mocktail bar offers an elegant “slow-down” option for attendees who want to take a break from alcohol but stay in the social flow.

When you hire a bar service experienced in mocktails you avoid the token “just-juice” fallback. Instead you get a curated menu, proper tools, and a stand that feels as intentional as the alcohol bar. For hosts this also reduces guesswork: you get a defined mocktail offering that matches your event’s tone.

Final Thought

The rise of mocktails is not just about skipping alcohol. It is about choice, craftsmanship and inclusion. In a world where fewer people are drinking and more guests expect non-alcoholic options that taste as good as cocktails the mocktail bar is no longer the after-thought — it is the feature.

For your next event in Montréal consider how a mocktail bar can transform the guest experience. Whether you want to cater fully alcohol-free or simply offer a premium non-alcohol option alongside classic service a well designed mocktail menu gives your host a powerful tool to create a memorable moment.

If you’d like to explore mocktail bar services or learn more with some friends through our group mixology classes drop us a line and we’ll help you design an event everyone remembers.