Alcohol has played a long-standing role in American culture, from colonial taverns to modern bars. Spirits, from whiskey to beer and wine, are an American tradition. But many people in the country, for various reasons, are now looking for zero-proof options during Happy Hour.
Bars and Restaurants Are Getting Involved
Bars and restaurants aren’t just sitting on their laurels. The best in the business have now created menus that feature non-alcoholic cocktails. Mixologists have worked to develop healthy mocktails that provide the feeling of having a drink. These are some of the driving factors behind the rise of zero-proof mixology.
There is a Health-Focused Reason
There are believed to be some health benefits to drinking certain alcohols, and people have long been aware of them, but over the last few years, there has been a spotlight shined on how dangerous overdoing it with booze can be for your health. Many younger people have chosen not to drink at all anymore.
You Could Still Have Fun on a Night Out
But just because you’ve chosen not to drink alcohol anymore doesn’t mean that you don’t want to go out with your friends. You don’t even have to stop drinking altogether, and may wish to have a zero-proof cocktail that night.
The Products Are Rapidly Improving
A decade ago, bartenders’ hands were mainly tied when people requested a non-alcoholic beverage, as very few options were available. Today, however, many brewers across the nation have released a non-alcoholic option, and non-alcoholic spirits have thrived as well.
There is a Large Variety of Options
The most prominent brand in non-alcoholic spirits is Ritual, which produces rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey. Another brand, Seedlip, focuses on botanical-based flavors. And there are now replacements for important mixers as well, as many companies have formed that offer interesting ways to liven up that non-alcoholic cocktail.
Zero Proof Mixology is Very Inclusive
There is always going to be a concern about people who stopped drinking because of an addiction problem. And zero-proof mixology may not be right for them if it could trigger a relapse. There are, however, many reasons why someone would choose not to drink alcohol and for many of them, N/A cocktails could be a perfect solution.
Non-Drinkers Have a Reason to Visit the Bar
This means that so many people who may not otherwise have a reason to visit a bar can now do so. Zero-proof mixology incentivizes non-drinkers to come to the bar for a drink with friends. The bar also benefits from people eating and paying a premium for mocktails.
The Movement Allows Bartenders to Show Off Their Skills
Bartenders all over the country get tired of making the same drinks over and over or just handing out bottles of beer and glasses of wine. Real and amateur mixologists want to come up with their own drinks, and the advent of the non-alcoholic boom has given them many more chances to do so.
How Do You Make a Great Mocktail?
The art of making a great mocktail means that it won’t have alcohol but still provides an impressive flavor combination. In some cases, that might mean creating an N/A take on an already classic drink, but it could also mean coming up with a recipe that is exclusively your own.
CBD and THC Drinks Can Be Cocktails Too
As of this moment in 2025, cannabis is now legal for recreational use in 24 states, very close to half the country. For many of those people, it’s not about smoking marijuana, but consuming it in other ways. That could be in vaporized form, or by eating an edible or by drinking THC drinks.
Where Can They Be Purchased
THC and CBD-infused seltzers are very popular and available at liquor stores and bars in many states. There is also liquid THC, which can be used to create different cannabis-infused cocktails. Popular versions of the Moscow Mule, margarita and Aperol Spritz are among the most common.
The Mornings Are Just So Much Better
When you are in your 20s or early 30s, you may be able to get up the next morning after a heavy drinking session. That rapidly changes as you enter your late 30s and 40s, when hangovers can feel like a brutal ordeal.
Still Getting Something Out of the Deal
The great part about zero-proof mixology is that there will never be a hangover the next morning. And while you might not get the traditional buzz, you can still taste finely crafted mocktails. There is really something to be said about just having a drink in your hand.
You Get The Night You’re After
It is pretty standard for people to go out to see their favorite band, only to have so much to drink that they don’t remember the experience. This could be true in several other situations, such as having dinner at an exclusive restaurant, seeing a movie or getting together with friends.
You Can Still Go Out
Zero-proof mixology allows you to attend the event you were looking forward to and maintain all of your memories. Even better, you’ll go home from the likely expensive occasion with more money in your pocket.
The Money is a Factor
Let’s face it, alcohol is expensive. When people go out for a night, they can spend a ton of money and get nothing for their hard-earned cash. In the end, many are left to wonder whether the alcohol is worth it.
Mocktails Aren’t Free, But They Don’t Cost That Much
When you go out to a restaurant, a mocktail will come at a similar cost to an actual drink. However, while people will continue to have alcoholic beverages throughout the night, one mocktail is usually enough to enjoy the experience.
Your Kids Will Thank You
If you are a person who has children, zero-proof mixology can be a wise choice. The kids will have a parent who is more present and involved when booze isn’t getting in the way.
Will You Live Longer?
The way that alcohol affects your body changes as you get older. And if you are drinking heavily into your later life, it can have a profound impact. The health risks could potentially be reduced by looking into zero-proof spirits.
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