The hottest cocktail of the summer isn’t a cocktail at all: 2024 is the year of the mocktail! More and more people are choosing to chill out without getting tipsy, and you can see that trend reflected in the growing mocktail sections of tons of hip restaurant menus. These aren’t your average soft drinks– a mocktail combines the craft quality of a cocktail, but leaves out the alcohol. Count on a fun garnish, a unique flavor combo, and beautiful glassware.
The secret ingredient for unique mocktails? Why, coffee and tea, of course. The intersection of non-inebriating buzz and complex flavors make them a great starting point or addition to any N/A concoctions you’re whipping up– whether you’re a home barista, a busy bar or a specialty coffee shop. Follow along for our tips for great mocktails.
Use What You’ve Got
You already have coffee and tea on the menu, so why not get a little extra mileage out of them? Likewise, if you have flavored syrups, herbs or spices that you use elsewhere, it’s that much easier to incorporate them into something else. Use the zest of citrus that would otherwise go to waste to add flavor or make garnishes. Waste not, want not!
Give it some Pizzazz
A great way to elevate a boring drink is to add an unexpected element. Fruity flavors are nice, but pairing them with a complimentary coffee or espresso pumps up the volume and complexity. A glass of iced tea can be great…. but why not start with an interesting iced tea, like our Hella Cool, then muddle some cucumber and lemon into it to boogie with the minty goodness! A salt or sugar rim on the edge adds some crunchy contrast to your flavors, but innovative rims like tajin or za’atar are popping up on mocktail/cocktail menus, too. Get wild and let your creativity roam free!
When in doubt, Remix!
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel– just up the ante on a classic drink. Mix our Daystruck tea (iced) with ginger syrup, a squeeze of lemon juice and top with seltzer and you’ve got a grown-up version of gingerale. Burst Mode tea paired with vanilla syrup, an orange slice and soda water has a creamsicle vibe that just might whisk you away on waves of nostalgia. Take inspiration from existing cocktails, meals or desserts and add unexpected or unique twists to take your drink to the next level.