It’s no secret: consumers are drinking less. In fact, alcohol consumption is reportedly at its lowest level in more than 50 years, with Australians 18-44 twice as likely to consume zero and low strength alcohol compared to those over 45.
Nowhere is the trend more obvious than during July, when non-drinkers and drinkers alike unite for a good cause. For some, it’s a continuation of a habit, and for others it’s a chance to take a break.
Whatever the reason, it’s becoming increasingly important for venues to ensure there are interesting, delicious alcohol-free drinks on the menu.
To help you, we’ve curated a selection of the best winter ready mocktail recipes that cater to a diverse range of tastes. Whether they enjoy citrusy delights or deeper flavours, you’ll find something you can add to your menu tomorrow.
No-groni (Non alcoholic negroni) Negroni
It’s the most consumed cocktail in the world for a reason. Three ingredients, mixed well with an orange twist at the end. It’s bitter, it’s sweet, it’s smooth…it’s everything a cocktail should be, even in its non-alcoholic form.
Ingredients
- 30ml Non-alcoholic Dry London Gin
- 30ml Non-alcoholic Aperitif Rosso
- 30ml Non-alcoholic Italian Orange
- Ice
- Orange to garnish
How to make it
- Stir ingredients briefly over freshly cubed ice.
- Serve in an old fashioned glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Virgin Margarita
No matter what, no matter when, a margarita makes you feel like you’re on holiday. There’s a reason people order them, even in winter – who doesn’t want to imagine they’re on a beach in Tulum?
The best part? The non-alcoholic version is even more refreshing than the original.
Ingredients
- 45ml non-alcoholic agave or tequila spirit
- 15ml non-alcoholic triple sec
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 7.5ml agave syrup
- Salt
- Lime wedge (garnish)
- Salt (on the rim of the glass)
- Add all of your ingredients (excluding the garnish) into a cocktail shaker with ice and shaker
- Create a salt rim on the glass by running a lime wedge along the rim and rolling it in salt.
- Strain the mixture from the cocktail shaker into the glass and add ice
- Garnish with lime
Espresso No-tini (Non alcoholic Espresso Martini)
The original version is the marriage of caffeine and alcohol, a buzz-filled union that keeps punters up all night. The No-tini is a little softer, but still ticks all the boxes: an energy-kick, a wonderful coffee flavour, and enough sweetness to keep you coming back.
Ingredients
- 45ml Lyre’s Coffee Originale
- 15ml Lyre’s White Cane Spirit
- 45ml fresh espresso or cold drip coffee
- 10ml vanilla syrup
- Ice
- Coffee beans
How to make it
- Add Coffee Originale, White Cane Spirit, fresh espresso/cold drip coffee and vanilla syrup into a shaker and dry shake.
- Half fill the shaker with ice and shake briefly.
- Fine strain the drink into a martini glass and garnish with a coffee bean.
Warming Hot Toddy (non-alcoholic version)
Oh baby, it’s so cold outside…unless of course, you’ve got a hot toddy in hand. This must surely be the queen of winter drinks - and your customers will thank you. Many venues forget how comforting a drink like this is, whether or not your customers are tee-totalling.
Ingredients
- 207 ml hot tea (use any you like)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Garnish: lemon wedge
How to make it
- Prepare your tea according to the usual instructions.
- In a mug, add honey, lemon juice and spices.
- Top it up with hot tea and stir.
- Add a lemon wedge as a garnish and enjoy
