The Power of the Menu
What You Do and Do Not Put On Your Menu Matters.
I really don’t like the word “mocktail”, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it for being the recognizable term for an alcohol-free cocktail. These keywords are important when learning more about the alcohol-free space and finding the products available to us, but that doesn't mean we can't flip the script as we go and start giving these drinks the respect that they deserve. Changing up the phrasing on menus is a great way to start.
I may like the term “virgin” cocktails even less. For me, I think, “I’m a grown up. I am an adult looking for an adult drink, and I don't want the kiddie menu handed to me just because I don't want alcohol on my night out.”
I don’t want coke (not looking for anything full of sugar OR fake sugar), I certainly don't want lemonade, and as much as I love water, sometimes, I really just want something elevated! I want an adult non-alcoholic cocktail. When I drink, it’s always the deep red wines, old fashioned’s, and negroni’s. I like strong; I like bold; I like full-bodied and rich flavors.
You’re probably thinking - she’s crazy if she thinks she's gonna get that without alcohol, but you’ll be wrong. I can, and I do– but sadly at home and not out where I want to socialize. Just because I’m not guzzling booze, doesn't mean I’m no fun. I still like to go out on the town and hang at the bar with everyone else.
This confuses a lot of people I talk to. They think that sobriety equals early nights and mornings and typically, you’re right. We are drinking less alcohol in order to take better care of ourselves. It means that yes, we are honoring ourselves and our health but that also means we are very well aware of how important socializing is.
We are still looking for a sense of community. People need people, and restaurants and bars were built to bring us together.
It’s not home. It’s not work. Bars were built for socialization. It’s the place in between home and work where we get to enjoy ourselves and feel companionship. Mindful drinkers, pregnant women, and the fully sober all deserve the same care and attention as anyone else. Just because we aren’t drinking doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be included and given a seat at the bar.
Putting Alcohol-Free On the Menu
With the right products and a business that cares, restaurants and bars now have the opportunity to create a truly elevated and inclusive drink menu for everyone. When it comes to inclusivity, that means PUT IT ON THE MENU! And please, not a separate one either! Instead of using terms like ‘mocktail’ or ‘virgin’, consider ‘alcohol-free’, ‘no & low’, ‘zero proof’, or simply, ‘NA options’.
There are a few different key components that you need to consider when building out your menu:
List out your Zero Proof cocktails but make sure that they include alcohol-free spirits, and aren’t filled with just juice and sugar.
Make sure that it’s well-rounded and provides a mixture of traditional options like margaritas, old fashioned’s, spritz’s, and some wine alternatives.
Try to add something functional! At home, I drink mostly Rasāsvāda because of how rich and full-bodied the flavors are but also because of its benefits. There are amazing options available to us that are full of adaptogens. Make sure you consider them.
Alcohol-free spirits can be listed along with the rest of your spirits! That way, when choosing a cocktail, all your guest has to do is pick the spirit they would like.
Wine & Beer. Try to have at least one or two of each.
If you haven't been introduced to bubbly wines, I highly recommend giving them a try. Also, verjus! Set up a consultation with me and we can get you samples to try!
There are so many phenomenal beers out there today. Please don't just pick an IPA and call it done. Having two or three options will really set you apart.
Don’t let it be overwhelming! I started up Untoxicated Consultation to make it easy for you to feel educated and prepared for this cultural shift in the way we think about drinking.
Price it accordingly! If you are using alcohol-free spirits to create something unique and special for us, we are more than happy to pay the same price as a full-proof cocktail. Especially if it’s functional!
The statistics don’t lie. People are drinking less all the time with 80% of people saying that they want to cut back on their alcohol intake. Taking the time to create an inclusive menu will pay off in more ways than one! It will bring more people in, keep them longer, and create healthier, safer environments for us all.
Alcohol-free sales are up by over 300% and rising with Dry January 2024 projected to have more participants than ever before. It’s time to get non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu and in a way that looks good and feels good to everyone.
You won’t be sorry you did.