Mocktail: Cocktail Mockery Or Something More?

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by Sophie She

Mocktail: Cocktail Mockery Or Something More?

23 Feb 2024

This brief exploration dives into the history of mocktails, dating back to the Prohibition era in the United States and moving on to the contemporary mocktail scene in the Middle East.

So, what is a mocktail? Basically, it is a mixed drink without alcohol. First invented in the US, this trend gained more popularity over time culminating these days in the form of sober bars that one can find in Dubai.

Primarily, there are two directions of mocktails: when alcohol is evaporated, ridding the liquid of alcohol, or when the taste palette of the classic alcoholic beverage is repeated with non-alcoholic ingredients

In the last few years, this has been a significant trend in the beverage culture of the USA, India and the Middle East.

Is “mocktail” cursing?

Did you know that these days, it is a true crime to call light drinks a “mocktail” in front of a bartender? This is because many bartenders dislike the "mock" part of the term.

Many have shared that this may lead people to think that “mocktail” is a somewhat improper drink, thus it cannot be highly-priced.

What is more important, as some bartenders mention, in the Western culture, people often are mocked for choosing the non-alcoholic alternative and calling this alternative a mocktail doesn’t really help. Simply, this may provoke one’s self-consciousness, making a person go for the alcoholic alternative in order to “fit in,” even if the stakes are high.

But what do we call it then? Mixologists’ community came up with some positive titles like “zero-proof” and “no-ABV”, making it sound more sophisticated and friendly.

To answer your question, “no” or “low-ABV” refers to how non-alcoholic drinks are defined. The rule of thumb is that a beverage has to contain less than 0.5% abv in general, or less than 1.2% abv if based on a fermentation product (go fermented milk products!).

The history of mocktails.

First appearance

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first recorded use of the term “mocktail” was as early as 1916, although the fact that many people credit the alcohol-free, sweet Shirley Temple drink of the 1930s for making mocktails famous.

In fact, modern mixology can be traced back to the English punch houses of the 1700s and to the famous cocktail-recipe book of the 1800s, composed by an American barman, Jerry Thomas. His handbook, The Bar-Tender's Guide (1862), J. Thomas mentioned “temperance drinks”, the original term, in a brief section of 15 alcohol-free drink recipes. That said, one may conclude people are enjoying their booze-free drinks as long as the alcoholic ones.

The 15-recipe chapter mentions a lot of what we know these days — from fruit-filled lemonade to ginger wine. Besides those, you can find some fun inventions like the Drink for Dog Days, a soda water bottle poured over lemon ice, and the Soda Nectar, a mixture of lemon, water, and sugar that is slightly carbonated to make it foam.

Prohibition Era (1920–1933)

Photo: Unseen Histories

In the US, “temperance drinks" were a creative response to the ban on alcohol. These early concoctions (more like potions, though) laid the foundation for the modern mocktail.

During Prohibition, bars had to find inventive ways to maintain the festiveness of shared drinks and socialisation without alcohol. So, establishments attempted to create liquor-free drinks, like the famous “Virgin Mary,” which was Bloody Mary without alcohol.

Besides alcohol-free mixes, this distancing from alcohol was also a huge kick for the soda industry. For instance, 7UP was founded in 1929, initially claimed to be something like an antidepressant. Eventually, it ended up as one of the favourite drinks on the occasional table.

Just to note, if you would like to taste the “kids-friendly” version of good old and very popular at a time Bee’s Knees — here you can find a recipe to have a sip of the past in your own kitchen.

Post-Prohibition

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the interest in flavourful non-alcoholic drinks has shifted. Many recipes and a great deal of knowledge had been lost.

Although some cocktail manuals continued to acknowledge various kinds of lemonades, in a bar, your options for a kickless drink were restricted to soda brands like Dr Pepper, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi, or "kiddie cocktails" like already mentioned Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers, which were syrupy concoctions named after Depression-era movie stars and spiked with grenadine.

Photo: Unseen Histories

Contemporary Mocktails

Fast forward to the present day, despite all odds, mocktails have become integral to the global beverage landscape. The modern love for wellness has driven the popularity of alcohol-free cocktails.

Instagram: @nolodubai

In an era where people prioritise a healthy lifestyle, the demand for non-alcoholic options has skyrocketed. Take the “Dry January” trend — truly, the trend of abstaining from alcohol has gained some fame, leading to a surge in demand for high-quality, non-alcoholic options like the “sleepy girl mocktail”.

Restaurants, bars, and beverage companies have responded by offering a diverse range of mocktails not just as alternatives but as visually appealing creations that cater to many.

The Middle East

Our region, characterised by a rich kaleidoscope of cultures with a predominant influence of Islamic heritage, has seen the emergence of a thriving mocktail culture.

Instagram: @moonrise.xyz

Deeply ingrained in Middle Eastern culture, socialising often revolves around shared meals and drinks. The preference for non-alcoholic options, particularly mocktails, has seamlessly integrated into these social norms without undermining one’s lifestyle because of the "peer pressure" to drink.

The UAE

It is fair to say the UAE has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the no-ABV drinks phenomenon. The development of the hospitality and tourism sectors has provided a platform for creative mixologists and bartenders to showcase their skills in booze-free stadiums.

Nowadays, mocktails continue to enjoy widespread popularity in the UAE. The hospitality industry has embraced the demand for non-alcoholic options, with many spots offering an extensive selection of mocktails (i.e. NoLo, all info below).

Events and festivals frequently feature dedicated mocktail bars, solidifying their status as a mainstream and well-loved beverage choice, promoting the choice in one’s diet.

Instagram: @11woodfire

Where to find the best mocktails in Dubai

Now, after the deep dive, if you are excited enough, here is a list of some spots for you to have a guilt-free sip.

Zuma Dubai

Zuma is renowned for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, and the mocktail menu follows suit. Expect a selection of elegantly crafted non-alcoholic beverages that harmonise with the restaurant's sophisticated ambience.

Location: Gate Village 06, DIFC

Instagram: @zumadubai

Moonrise

Solemann Haddad, the highly acclaimed chef behind Moonrise in Dubai, has been recognised as the city's most promising young chef. Moonrise is renowned for its exceptional eight-course omakase, thoughtfully paired with four non-alcoholic beverages.

Location: Eden House, Al Satwa

Instagram: @moonrise.xyz

11 Woodfire

Michelin star awarded, 11 Woodfire distinguishes itself with a flame-driven menu and a notable absence of alcoholic beverages. Instead, the restaurant takes pride in its signature mocktails, meticulously crafted to match the sophistication of its exceptional grilled meats.

You would be surprised by the look and the taste of reinvented French 75, featuring vanilla rooibos, bergamot, and bitter lemon, served in a champagne flute.

For those missing the red, two house “wines” are also available, offering a choice between a pale chrysanthemum flower and chamomile blend or a rich red hibiscus and plum concoction.

Location: Villa 11 75B St, Jumeirah 1

Instagram: @11woodfire

NoLo

NoLo is Dubai's first completely dry bar. Infused with Thai flavours, the venue combines Mediterranean and Asian influences in its stunning interior.

This place promises a diverse range of mocktails, providing the ideal spot for a complete alcohol-free drinking experience.

Location: 24th floor at Dusit Thani Dubai

Instagram: @nolodubai

by Sophie She