Mocktails: So Much More Than Juice

How the Narrative on Alcohol is Shifting & Where to Find Delicious N/A Drinks in Indianapolis

Sober living isn’t just for the recovering alcoholic.

“I’m never drinking again!” This thought might have crossed your mind after waking up from a night of fun, bleary eyed and with a throbbing headache. Have you ever wondered if drinking was really worth the hangover?

Maybe you’ve considered simply cutting back on your binge habits or even thought about going sober after one too many nights of overindulging on margs. You’re not alone. More and more Americans are opting to skip the alcohol without having to sacrifice flavor or a celebratory feel by choosing mocktails and N/A wine and beer instead.

With new research confirming that no amount of alcohol consumption is healthy, coupled with younger generations’ penchant for a healthier lifestyle, it looks like the sober-curious movement will continue to grow at an exponential rate. As more people prioritize their mental and physical well-being, the alcohol-free-drink industry has exploded, becoming a $13 billion market in 2024.

The sober-curious movement has shown up on the Indy scene recently too. You’re likely to find mocktails or zero-proof drinks on bar menus everywhere these days, and Indy is in step with that trend. From expertly crafted wines that will make you double-take to spirits and liquors that are shockingly similar to the real deal.

Dalton Lineback, beverage director of BODHI, is part of the team bringing an impressive zero-proof menu to the stunning Thai restaurant in the Mass Ave neighborhood. Drinks like the Water Lily Dessert, which features Fre Rosé, lychee jelly and Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, are a take on beverages also offered on their cocktail list, something that Lineback is particularly proud of.

“It’s important that, if someone is looking for a drink, we have something to offer them. I also think it’s fun and important to have N/A options for your actual cocktails,” said Lineback. “It allows us to kind of bridge that gap where people can talk about what they’re drinking together.”

BODHI’s alcohol-free drink menu, with Phony Negronis and Jasmine Banana Piña Coladas, is further proof that mocktails and no-booze options aren’t boring. The alcohol-free drink market seems to be constantly dreaming up new ideas, and curiosity about them is only increasing, something Lineback has seen firsthand.

“I think that a lot of people are very curious about the benefits of sobriety while still looking to order a drink. With the wide range of N/A products that have come to the market over the past couple years, on top of the advancements in culinary and technical approaches with cocktails, I think that mocktails have become quite intriguing.”

It’s easy to see the need for more alcohol-free options across the beverage industry. In 2023 a survey conducted by NC Solutions revealed that 28% of Americans 21 years and older didn’t drink at all, while 34% were trying to reduce the amount they drank. The main reason behind this shift in consuming alcohol? They simply don’t want to.

And it looks like future generations are likely to continue the trend. A report by World Finance magazine showed that Gen Z drinks 20% less than Millennials, opting for low-ABV drinks or zero-proof beverages instead of alcohol. Even Millennials drink less than previous generations.

Whether you’re simply wanting to drink a little less or make a major lifestyle change, it’s easier than ever to satisfy cravings for booze with alcohol-free bevies in 2024. Aside from mocktail menus, booze-free bottle shops are popping up, too, stocked with ingredients that will take your homemade alcohol-free (AF) drinks up a notch.

With years of experience in the N/A industry and three years of sobriety under their belts, sister duo Kris Patrick and Andee Simpson are the owners behind Orangily (formerly Loren’s AF Beverages).

On a mission of “disrupting the narrative that alcohol is essential to celebrate, relax, or network,” Patrick and Simpson’s excitement about the N/A industry is infectious. When asked about what makes them so excited about the N/A industry, Patrick said, “New alcohol-free products launch every week, and it’s exciting to learn how brands are innovating with ingredients and processes.”

Sober living isn’t just for the recovering alcoholic. Health benefits are an increasingly common motivator for kicking liquor, including better sleep, clearer skin and a clearer mind. Whatever your motivation, sleeping more soundly and having a better frame of mind sounds pretty great, something that Andee Simpson can attest to.

“I quit alcohol in June of 2021 and haven’t looked back since,” she said. “At the time, I craved clarity in mind, body and spirit. I was surprised to discover all of the ‘side effects’ that came with sobriety, such as great sleep, improved skin and a big boost in creativity.” One of the most common gripes for the sober-curious is the pressure to drink from loved ones.

If you feel a little anxious about the idea of going sober due to pressure from friends and family, Patrick recommends “social camouflage.”

“We’re thoughtful about curating drinks with packaging that doesn’t scream non-alcoholic. Let’s face it—the social pressure to drink alcohol remains huge. That said, no one seems to care once you get past ordering! ‘I’m not drinking tonight’ should always suffice as an answer! No explanation required.”

If you happen to stop by either of their N/A bottle shops, sign up for their newsletter, Sparkling AF, a stunning digital zine to help inspire your zero alcohol sips. Or you can go straight to the source and ask Kris and Andee what their favorites are. As the notoriously boozy holidays approach, head for Orangily to pick up all the ingredients you’ll need for a festive mocktail.

So, is it just a fad or an enduring trend? It seems the obvious answer is that fun N/A drinks and zero-proof versions of your favorite alcohol-infused sips are here to stay. Whether you’re abstaining for health reasons or simply want a clearer frame of mind, grab a mocktail the next time you’re out on the town and start reaping the benefits of more sober moments.

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MIGHT WE SUGGEST A MARMALADE MOUSSE FROM SEEDLIP?

Made with their Grove 42, which puts an emphasis on the traditional Christmas flavor of orange peel, combined with an N/A sparkling wine. The gals over at Loren’s AF suggested using either French Bloom Le Blanc or Jøyus Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine — and gave us some words of wisdom: “…it’s important to not save these wines for special occasions. Busy weeknights are just as deserving!” We’ll toast to that!

MARMALADE MOUSSE

25ml of Seedlip Grove 42

10ml of marmalade cordial

Mix 300mg of orange marmalade with 2,000ml of hot water and strain. Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to host. Be sure to use it up within 2–3 days.

Non-alcoholic sparkling wine of choice