Zero-Proof And Low-ABV Summer Cocktails

Summer cocktails should be light and refreshing, and after a day of playing in the sun, you should be able to quench your thirst without getting knocked on your behind by the alcohol. Fresh ingredients and creative combinations are taking precedence over a big hit of alcohol—that’s why today’s bar professionals are creating zero-proof and low alcohol by volume (ABV) cocktails that are easy to love on warm summer days.

What Are Zero-Proof And Low-ABV Cocktails?

Zero-proof cocktails (commonly called mocktails) are made with fresh produce, juices, tonics, and other mixers, but no alcohol. Low-ABV cocktails contain elements of vodka, tequila, gin, or other spirits, but in smaller amounts than the typical cocktail.

Why Are Cocktails With Low Or No Alcohol Content So Popular Right Now?

Kiddie cocktails are for kids. Non-drinkers—pregnant women, designated drivers, and others—want something more sophisticated and interesting than soda and lemonade.

Zero-proof and low-ABV cocktails are perfect for brunch. Read all about the brunch cocktail trend.

Low alcohol content drinks are easier to pair with food. Think street tacos, banh mi, and snacks by the pool. This Chile Lime Cooler will still taste great with little or no tequila.

Mocktails fit into a healthful lifestyle. Now you can do Dry January, Whole 30, or just maintain a regular low-calorie diet and still participate in your social life with a fun glass in your hand. Check out this Whole30 approved alcohol-free Paloma.

Plus…zero-proof cocktails are a good way for restaurants and bars to boost sales from non-drinkers.

How To Build Flavor

Fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, and roots are a given, but there are a lot of additional options these days. Use these ingredients to build flavor and quench thirst this summer.

Amaro And Vermouth
Amaro (“bitter” in Italian) is an herbal liqueur that is grape brandy, spirits, or wine infused with a blend of herbs, roots, flowers, and spices and then aged in casks or bottles. Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. Bitter and slightly sweet, they both impart bracing flavor to any cocktail.

Seedlip
Made with botanicals like hay and fresh herbs, Seedlip is the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit. It adds the dryness and complexity of traditional spirits, without the alcohol.

Aperol
Aperol is an Italian apéritif made of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. It has less alcohol than Campari, it’s less bitter, and it’s the star of everyone’s favorite summer cocktail right now…the Aperol Spritz.

Shrubs And Bitters
Shrubs are made with vinegar combined with fresh fruits or herbs. Bitters and concentrated concoctions made of various aromatic herbs, bark, roots, or fruit. A little bit of either goes a long way to a more interesting low or no-alcohol cocktail.

To Sum Up

Today’s consumers, including the younger 20-somethings, are less motivated by Rum & Cokes and Sickly Sweet Margaritas. A restaurant brand interested in gaining the attention of trendsetters must look to add low alcohol or no alcohol drinks to the menu.

Read more about what’s coming up in the culinary world with the latest in FDR Food & Beverage Trends!