Gen Z is perceived to be one of the tamest and most serious generations as they would rather prioritize their hobbies and wellness over having a wild night in the club. Rather than socializing or partying, Gen Z is going to bed earlier, relying on their smartphones or laptops for entertainment, and drinking less than older generations. If they do go out, chances are they won't be ordering a beer or tequila shots. Instead, they may have a cocktail made with vegetable juices, or go zero-proof with a delicious and sophisticated mocktail.

According to a recent survey examining the drinking habits of 1,000 Millennials and 1,000 legal-age Gen Z, 61 percent of Millennials will order a beer on a night out, while 55 percent of Gen Z will choose a non-alcoholic beverage, like a mocktail. The poll also revealed that young adults of legal drinking age will go for a mocktail to avoid the side effects of alcohol while still enjoying the experience of having a drink. Apart from this though, Gen Z has other reasons why they prefer to have a spirit-free drink when spending time with friends. Here's why young consumers are igniting the mocktail boom. 

Health and Wellness

Wellness is highly prioritized by Generation Z, and rather than just adopting a few healthy habits, they treat wellness like a lifestyle as they integrate it in every part of their daily life. They also won't hesitate to spend money on products or services that will improve their health, and it's why wellness accounts for 41 percent of their annual budget. Rather than spending money on non-essentials, Gen Z would rather invest in gym memberships or fitness classes, wellness treatments, and health supplements. They also find ways to have nutritious food as often as possible, and it's why they sign up for healthy meal subscriptions and pair them with wholesome beverages like gluten-free organic cane sugar soda. 

This emphasis on wellness carries over to Gen Z's drinking habits. While on a night out with friends, they may order mocktails infused with healthy ingredients like coconut water for hydration, or kombucha, which is rich in probiotics. They may also go for non-alcoholic drinks made with organic fruit juice, mixed with botanicals like lavender or ashwagandha which promote calm and relaxation. As these drinks provide hydration and nutrients, mocktails become more than just a sweet drink as they evolve into beverages that support health and wellness. 

Sophisticated Flavors

Back in the day, mocktails used to be safe, sweet, and somewhat predictable as they were simple and easy to make at home. Think about classic mocktails, such as a Shirley Temple or a Roy Rogers, or non-alcohol versions of traditional cocktails like a Virgin Pina Colada or a Virgin Margarita. But nowadays, some of the best and newest mocktails have the same complex flavors as trendy cocktails, which are designed to please Gen Z's sophisticated palate. 

Instead of making just straight up sweet drinks, bartenders are whipping up interesting concoctions with bitter, savory, and herbal notes. In major cities across the country, Gen Z drinkers are ordering innovative mocktails like The Golden Hour, a specialty drink that's on the menu of NYC's Soft Bar + Cafe. This non-alcoholic mixed drink is made with alcohol-free Champagne, apple, orange, and pink peppercorn shrub for a mildly peppery taste that offers a delicate warmth. Meanwhile, at the Thunderbolt bar in Echo Park, Los Angeles, Gen Z customers are enjoying mocktails like Pride of Oxnard, made with juiced and clarified strawberries blended with juniper and jasmine teas. These mocktails prove that non-alcoholic drinks don't have to be one-note or boring as there are lots of ingredients that can add complexity and depth to zero-proof beverages. 

Social Media-Friendly Aesthetic

Gen Z has a shared habit of posting attractive food and drinks on their Instagram pages. Since mocktails have a social media-friendly aesthetic, young consumers make it a point to order some of the most colorful and attractive drinks to impress and influence their followers. Think color-changing drinks like Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade, which transforms from a deep blue to a stunning purple when lemon juice is added, or mocktails poured into large, clear glass ‘handbags.’ 

For a fun-looking non-alcoholic drink, try ordering a Royal Hawaiian from the Three Dots and a Dash bar in River North, Chicago. You'll get a beverage made with Earl Grey tea, blanc verjus, pineapple, lime, almond orgeat, and orange marmalade. The best part? It's served in a vessel that's shaped like a pineapple (think Spongebob's house) and garnished with a bunch of fresh leaves. Don't forget to take a picture of your drink and post it on the ‘gram!

With Gen Z driving the unstoppable rise of mocktails, it's clear that the zero-proof era is off to a great start. As more young drinkers choose non-alcoholic options, expect to see more drinks with healthy ingredients, sophisticated flavors, and Instagram-worthy visuals in bars and restaurants all over the world. 

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