Pubs were traditionally seen as the one place where people could celebrate, commiserate and everything in between and all of these get-togethers typically involved alcohol. So what’s changed for ‘Boozy Britain’?
Drinking habits are changing and this can be partly attributed to the rise of the millennial now becoming the UK’s highest spending category with 29% of Millennials and Gen Z now identifying as non-drinkers, meaning there’s a huge market to
tap into. Alcohol-free options, therefore, are growing in popularity and more and more brands are releasing low or no alcohol options to satisfy this newfound demand for a healthier way of life.
From alcohol-free spirits to beers to ciders and everything in between, outlets are also creating mocktail options across their menus for those who value premiumisation but without the added alcohol. The festive season, particularly, provides operators a perfect chance to cater to the non-drinker as venues see footfall increase throughout the month; with family get-togethers and Christmas parties bringing in more people. So, how can you tailor your Christmas offer to cater to non-drinkers?
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Pears
- 2 Lemons – one sliced, one juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Caster Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Mixed Spice
- 400ml White Grape Juice
- 275ml Marlish Ginger Ale
- 500ml Marlish Sparkling Water
- Ice
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Rosemary Sprigs (to serve)
Put the pear, lemon slices, mixed spice and sugar in a large bowl or jug and chill for around an hour to infuse. Next, add the lemon and grape juice and stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour in the Marlish ginger ale and sparkling water and add some ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary.
Mulled Low Cider
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Litres South West Orchards
- Low Alcohol Cider
- 6 Cloves
- 3-4 Star Anise
- ¼ Nutmeg (grated into the pan)
- Juice of One Orange
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- Monin Gomme (Sugar Syrup)
Add all ingredients to the pan and heat. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and leave for five to eight minutes. As everything infuses, you’ll get delicious layers of flavour. Taste and add sugar, as needed.
No-Jito
INGREDIENTS
- 4 Tablespoons Caster Sugar
- 100ml Lime Juice
- 28g Fresh Mint Leaves
- 20 Ice Cubes (crushed)
- 2 Limes (cut into wedges)
- 1 Litre Marlish Soda Water
Add the sugar and lime juice into a jug or bowl. Crushed the mint leaves to release flavour and add these also. Half fill the jug with crushed ice and add your lime wedges. Stir, then top with Marlish soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Sparkling Waters
Alternatively, sparkling water cans are ideal for those who want a refreshing, simple drink with minimal fuss and that can be enjoyed instead of the usual fizzy drinks orders such as cola or lemonade. Marlish sparkling flavoured spring water cans come in a range of flavours including Raspberry, Sicilian Lemon, Brazilian Orange and Elderflower. They all contain less than seven calories per can making them ideal for the health-conscious, the designated driver or the non-drinker and they’re also sugar-free making them ideal for children who want a tasty treat during their festive family outing.