Not everyone drinks alcohol — and that’s perfectly normal. I’m one of those people. Whether it’s for personal values, health reasons, or simply not liking the taste, I’ve never felt drawn to it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy going out, being social, or sipping on something thoughtfully crafted. In fact, that’s where mocktails have truly changed the game.
Mocktails — or non-alcoholic cocktails — actually have a much richer history than most people realize. During Prohibition in the 1920s, when alcohol was banned in the U.S., bartenders and hosts got creative. People still wanted that elevated drinking experience — the glassware, the flavors, the moment — even without the alcohol. So “temperance drinks” were born: fizzy, fruity concoctions that offered the spirit of a cocktail without the spirits themselves.
Over time, especially in the late 20th century, mocktails became a little… forgotten. If you didn’t drink, your options were often limited to soda, juice, or overly sweet, syrupy “mock” versions of popular drinks. But in the last several years, everything’s changed. There’s been a cultural shift toward wellness, mindfulness, and inclusivity — and with that, mocktails have evolved into something genuinely sophisticated and satisfying.
Now when I go to a bar, I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all. I’ve enjoyed mocktails with layers of citrus, spice, floral notes, herbal infusions — drinks that are just as intentional and beautiful as any cocktail on the menu. Whether it’s a smoky lapsang tea base or a lavender-rosemary syrup mixed with fresh lemon and bubbles, it’s not just a substitute — it’s a whole vibe.
Not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the bar scene. I love the energy, the music, the conversation — and having a drink in hand that feels grown-up and stylish makes the experience even better. Mocktails offer a way to be fully present, fully included, and still savor the ritual of going out, minus the hangover.
They’re proof that you don’t need alcohol to raise a glass and feel part of the moment.