Alcohol-Free Cocktails and Mocktails on Your Menu
More and more guests are consciously drinking less or no alcohol at all, and expect more than a glass of cola in return. A well put-together mocktail offering feels just as considered to them as the regular drinks package, and it can earn you a margin you shouldn't underestimate. In this article we show how to add mocktails to your offering without turning it into a separate cost centre.
Why demand for mocktails keeps growing
Not drinking, or drinking less, is no longer the exception at a party or corporate event. Designated drivers, guests who consciously moderate, and people who simply don't like alcohol all want something better than the standard choice between water and soft drink. Caterers with no answer to that leave those guests standing at the sidelines, while the drinks package is exactly the place where you can earn a decent margin.
Building mocktails with a good margin
A mocktail doesn't need to be expensive to feel considered. Work with a limited, fixed base of syrups, fresh herbs and fruit you already buy for other dishes, rather than sourcing separate expensive ingredients for every mocktail. Cost it out just as sharply as your other drinks.
Presentation matters as much as taste
Guests who consciously skip alcohol don't want to feel like they're getting a consolation prize. Serve mocktails in the same glassware as the regular cocktails, with the same attention to garnish. A handful of well-developed recipes your team can nail every time beat a long menu with inconsistent quality.
Building mocktails into your drinks package
Include mocktails as a standard option in your drinks package, rather than a separate add-on guests have to request. That way it becomes part of the normal pricing structure instead of a separate negotiation, and guests don't have to flag themselves separately to get something alcohol-free.
Frequently asked questions
Are mocktails cheaper to make than cocktails?
Often yes, since you're not buying expensive spirits, but that doesn't mean you should price them lower. Ingredient quality and prep time drive the price just as much as with a regular cocktail.
How many mocktails should I offer at minimum?
Two to three well-developed recipes are often enough. A small, consistent menu works better than a long list your team can't all execute equally well.
Do I charge for mocktails separately?
You can, but it often works better to include them as standard in the drinks package, so it's not a separate add-on guests have to actively request.
Do I need special equipment to make mocktails?
Usually not. A shaker, a good stock of syrups and fresh fruit are enough for most recipes, the same base you likely already use for regular cocktails.
Want to build mocktails and other drink options easily into your quotes? Try Catermonkey and put together your drinks package per event.
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