Don’t mock mocktails

By Meaghan Falconer

Whether you observe Dry January, abstain from alcohol entirely, or simply want to add more moderation to your alcohol consumption mocktails are a great alternative if you are looking to enjoy a drink with your friends without the buzz of alcohol. 

There is an unnecessary and counterproductive stigma around not drinking alcohol; if you have ever rejected a drink or stated you were choosing not to drink the question of “but why” almost immediately follows. In college especially alcohol consumption often seems integral to social life, especially when weekends are defined by going out to bars, sports events, and restaurants. You do not need to explain why you are choosing not to drink alcohol, it's an invasive and personal question that warrants no explanation unless you feel inclined to share. Many people like to get a soda with lime or some mixture of fruit juice or soda to avoid being called out. But non-alcoholic drinks should not be to placate others, nor should not have to be boring. Mocktails, until recently, have been a symbol of cultural stigma and secrecy. Luckily social shifts are occurring and talking about and celebrating sobriety has become increasingly open, inclusive, and uplifting.

You deserve to have a fun drink regardless if there is alcohol in it; there are so many fun beverage options on the market now to explore, so here are some options to bring to your next pre-game, party, or event. 

Olipop and Poppi are two prebiotic soda brands that have gained popularity over recent years, especially on social media. They have fun branding and offer traditional flavors with a healthy twist! Both sodas are full of prebiotics which feed the good bacteria in your gut, so they are not only delicious but also a healthy option. These are a great and quick option to enjoy, and your friends will be asking you to share! 

Ghia is a non-alcoholic apértif that can be used in many different mocktails. Their apértifs add nuanced and complex flavors to any mix. Their website shares a slew of yummy recipes to mix with different seltzers and juices to create both fancy and beautiful mocktails. 

Betty Buzz touts gourmet sparkling beverages in a variety of flavors that can be siped or mixed to create a delicious and refreshing mocktail. Their drinks are low in sugar, vegan, allergy-friendly, and naturally made. Their website also offers recipes to follow to create fun mocktails like a Shirly temple or Spicy Sparkling Mock-arita. 

Mingle Mocktails are another great option, especially to bring to parties or tailgates. The cans have fun designs and are reminiscent of many hard seltzer brands so you will fit right in. They offer many great flavors including Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini, Cranberry Cosmo, and Key Lime Margarita. Whether you are bringing them to a tailgate, party, BBQ, or picnic they will be a hit! 

Cheers!