Today, virgin drinks are being rebranded. No longer are liquor-free mixed drinks merely juice. Now they've been rebranded as mocktails, bringing the booze-free fun to everyone, regardless of age.
In an opportune turn of events, a new social media health craze is influencing people to put away the alcohol and try a non-achoholic, fizzy twist. While there is no problem with drinking alcohol responsibly, people are finding that its booze-free sibling is just as good, if not better for you.
What is a mocktail?
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink, also known as a virgin drink. Instead of worrying about the effects of a boozy beverage, these drinks only aim to emit the same taste without any consequences. Many of them are mixes of fizzy sodas, juices and fruit. Some even have added supplements and vitamins to boost health benefits.
Why all the buzz?
Mocktails are not a new idea. They have been listed on menus for years as an alternative for those under the legal drinking age or those who prefer non-alchoholic drinks. If you've ever had a virgin piña colada on vacation or a Shirley Temple at a restaurant, then you've already experienced the wonderful world of mocktail making.
The recent rise in popularity of mocktails is due to social media. TikTok, in particular, has taken a keen interest in the "new" drinking option. The hashtag "mocktails" has 84.1k posts, with the top-liked video in the category by Olivia Noceda gaining a whopping 1.1 million likes. Social media are a great place to share new mocktail recipes and even stories about why people made the switch. Mocktails are a great option for people in recovery, those who are not of legal drinking age, pregnant or simply looking for a fun drink.
Health benefits
The most obvious benefit of mocktails is the lack of alcohol. Alcohol can negatively affect liver health, metabolism and attentiveness. Mocktails can cut out all the negative effects of enjoying drinks in a social setting.
Not only are mocktails hydrating and non-addictive, but they also give the space for added supplements and nutrients. Think of all the benefits of fruit or vegetable smoothies; these can easily translate to mocktails. It is important to note that mocktails can also steer into the "unhealthy" sphere for some given the amount of sugar found in certain sodas and juices. Ultimately, it's up to you how these drinks fit into your lifestyle depending on the ingredients you decide to put in them.
Mocktails can also be a fun and easy way to implement healthy habits for any age. Many people drink soda or juice daily. Even those who are trying to cut down their alcohol intake find themselves stuck with ginger beer or soda as their go-to at bars and social events. Mocktails can be the healthier, more discrete saving grace for the people who would prefer a non-alcoholic beverage.
Want to give it a try?
Thanks to the media attention mocktails have gained in recent months, there is a plethora of recipes to try. The newest mocktail sensation is none other than the "Sleepy Girl Mocktail." This is usually a combination of a light soda, tart cherry juice and various supplements to enhance healthy rest. See how this drink is made specifically on Kayla Gresh's TikTok.
As always, be cautious with recipes you find online. If supplements or additives are included, research the item before ingesting. However, there are plenty of supplement-free choices to choose from. Everything from a mock Moscow mule to a honeydew cucumber slushy is all up for grabs.
Whether you want to try out mocktails this weekend, or simply recommend them to a friend or loved one, they are a great swap out from alcoholic drinks. Not only can they have health benefits like stress relief and boosted metabolism, but they are also stress-free. There is no need to choose a designated driver after five of these and everyone can enjoy them.
