We are living in a drinking renaissance!
The global beverage industry is undergoing a transformation, with non-alcoholic drinks taking centre stage. From mindful drinking to wellness-focused lifestyles, more people are choosing low-alcohol and alcohol-free options that deliver on taste and experience.
In recent years, non-alcoholic beverages have moved from an afterthought for producers to a major force in the beverage industry. More people are “sober- curious”, and young people seem to be drinking less overall. This has helped fuel major growth in non-alcoholic drinks, from spirits and cocktails to wine and beer.
Why Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Trending?
Health-Conscious Lifestyles
Health considerations and lifestyle choices are driving a shift towards more inclusive dining experiences. With more people prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing, alcohol-free options allow consumers to enjoy social occasions without compromising their health goals.
Mindful Drinking Movement
There are also changing social norms around the acceptability of seeming out of control, expectations of professional behaviour at work events and the need to be inclusive of people who abstain for a range of cultural reasons.The Evolution Drinking Habits
Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are embracing beverages that align with their values and lifestyle. Initial research suggests that younger generations are drinking less. It may be too early to draw firm conclusions. However, the way some young people are choosing to abstain could reshape the landscape in the long term.
Flavour Without Compromise:
Consumers want sophisticated flavours and premium-quality drinks that deliver a full sensory experience, even without alcohol.
Inclusivity:
Non-alcoholic drinks make social gatherings more inclusive, ensuring everyone has something exciting and delicious to enjoy.
Nic Zhou from Boston Consulting Group claims that “People will still want to pair their meal with a drink that isn’t water, and they will still want to drink something while watching sports on television. The question is how those choices will change as people become increasingly conscious of health and wellness.” Nic Zhou, Boston Consulting Group
What Are the Options?
Of all the options, mocktails have evolved to occupy their niche on alcohol-free menus. These drinks are designed with the sophistication of cocktails but without alcohol, using premium ingredients like organic juices and exotic herbs to appeal to a wide audience.
South Africans have always been known for our wine and brandy-making skills, but over the last few years, we’ve also shown our expertise in the world of craft beer and gin – yes, the alcohol-free and de-alcoholised variety, too!
With that in mind, we had a sniff through the cocktail shakers and stirrers of the online world and got creative with some old favourites. These fun, frothy and fizzy options will bring on the local-is-lekker low- or no-alcohol cheer!
The Ficksburg Fizz:
Representing the Free State, the Ficksburg Fizz was inspired by a recipe we found on delish.com. The original drink was made from plum wine, cherry syrup, prosecco and lemon with a dash of bitters. Our take is more refreshing and of course, local!
Mix or shake:
- ½ cup of cherry or berry juice (Ficksburg or Clocolan’s cherry farms offer several options)
- 4 tablespoons of cherry syrup
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- A dash of bitters (Optional – there is alcohol in bitters)
Fill your favourite party glasses with cubes or crushed ice and add 1 cup of de-alcoholised sparkling wine or Cap Classique
Pop in a cherry – fresh or not – and enjoy!
Mpumalanga-Mosa:
There are no prizes for guessing the inspiration behind this one! A well-known brunchtime favourite the world over, the mimosa has always been refreshing and light. Our version doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just gives it a ‘lekker’ twist.
Pick your fruit juice of choice – orange, mango, peach, lychee, whatever is grown locally and tickles your taste buds. Choose a de-alcoholised sparkling wine and mix to taste – easy-peasy!
You can, of course, add a fruit stick as a swizzle stick for extra cheer…
Buy-A-Donkey:
Who wants a Gin Mule when you can have a donkey? We’ve replaced the traditional vodka with non-alcoholic gin – go and have a look – South African distillers are making wonderful gins with an absolute tongue-tantalising variety of flavours!
We’ve added a ‘platteland’ sensibility by serving it in a tin mug. Of course, you can stick to a glass if you prefer.
- Fill the mug to the top with
- Pour 50ml of alcohol-free gin over the
- Add some lime or lemon juice to
- Top up with ginger beer – there are wonderful homemade options available at most supermarkets.
Garnish with fresh mint, kick back and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Cutting back on alcohol isn’t just a seasonal trend—it’s become a year-round movement, with the term “sober curious” popping up all the time.
Interestingly, many people aren’t going completely alcohol-free. Instead, they’re finding a balance by swapping between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to keep things in check (thanks, NielsenIQ, for the insight!)
Whether you’re skipping the booze altogether or just mixing things up, the most important thing is to stay safe and drink responsibly. And hey, if you do decide to enjoy a “real” cocktail, taking two MYRKL* tablets beforehand might just help keep those morning-after blues at bay.
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
