Mocktails on the Rise: Cheers Without the Buzz

Not long ago, ordering a non-alcoholic drink at a party or restaurant meant choosing between soda, juice, or water. Today, the story is very different. Mocktails—creative, alcohol-free beverages—are taking the spotlight, and their popularity is skyrocketing across Canada and beyond.

Why the shift? More people are choosing wellness and balance over heavy drinking. Health-conscious lifestyles, the growing “sober curious” movement, and a desire for inclusive social spaces have made mocktails not just an alternative but a trend in their own right. They offer all the sophistication, flavor, and presentation of a cocktail—minus the hangover.

Restaurants and bars are catching on, too. Menus now often feature dedicated non-alcoholic sections, where drinks are crafted with the same care as their boozy counterparts. Think fresh herbs, infused syrups, muddled fruits, and sparkling waters coming together in Instagram-worthy glasses. Mocktails are no longer an afterthought—they’re an art form.

The best part? You don’t need to be a mixologist to enjoy hem. With a few simple ingredients, you can create refreshing, flavorful mocktails at home. Here are three recipes to get you started:

1. Cucumber Mint Spritz

Ingredients:

4 slices cucumber

6 fresh mint leaves

1 tsp honey or agave syrup

Juice of ½ lime

Sparkling water

Directions:

Muddle cucumber, mint, honey, and lime juice in a glass. Add ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a cucumber wheel and sprig of mint.

2. Tropical Sunrise

Ingredients:

½ cup orange juice

½ cup pineapple juice

Splash of grenadine

Ice

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in orange and pineapple juice. Slowly drizzle grenadine so it sinks to the bottom, creating a layered “sunrise” effect. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry.

3. Berry Basil Smash

Ingredients:

4 fresh strawberries

(or raspberries or

blueberries)

3 basil leaves

1 tsp simple syrup

Juice of ½ lemon

Club soda

Directions:

Muddle berries, basil, and simple syrup in a shaker or glass. Add lemon juice and ice, then top with club soda. Stir gently and garnish with basil.

Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, driving, or simply craving something refreshing, mocktails deliver fun, flavor, and flair—without compromise. Raise your glass and toast to a trend that’s here to stay.