Torie Gehlmeyer, proprietor of Tea for Torie, specializes in herbal-infused drinks she serves at private parties, events, and in-person and virtual classes. “I have a clinical herbalism background, and all my drinks are formulated to offer functional benefits or provide a buzz without the booze,” says Gehlmeyer, who notes there is a growing interest in drinks that deliver benefits like relaxation or enhanced energy. “People are looking for mocktails that are low in sugar and more refined than a traditional Shirley Temple. Simple choices like ginger beer and mint aren’t cutting it anymore.”
Gehlmeyer says mocktails are especially popular at baby and bridal showers and among health-conscious Gen Z consumers. “In the event space, I typically see a 60/40 ratio between drinkers and non-drinkers. Interestingly, many who consume alcohol also enjoy mocktails, so it’s not strictly a 40 percent sober demographic.” One summer favorite is the Watermelon Blush, “a fun and refreshing drink with aphrodisiac qualities, made from watermelon, mint, lime, and damiana. It has a flavor reminiscent of a watermelon Jolly Rancher, but without any added sugar.” TeaForTorie.com
Already celebrated for exciting cocktails and comfort food, Evie’s in Westerly is offering a delicious selection of seasonal mocktails for patrons of all ages this summer. “They are popular among older children and teenagers who may want something more than a Shirley Temple, as well as adults who might be making a personal choice not to drink alcohol but are still looking for a refreshing addition to their meal while out with friends,” says managing partner Heather Lavoie.
Lavoie relays that the most popular mocktail at Evie’s is the Watermelon No-Jito, made with house-squeezed fresh watermelon, muddled mint, and limes. “We also offer a sparkling Blueberry Basil Lemonade, made with fresh blueberry puree, basil simple, lemonade, and Sprite, as well as the Ruby Refresher, with strawberry puree, grapefruit juice, honey chamomile syrup, club soda, and a floral salt rim made in the style of our Patio Paloma.” Lavoie says that interest in mocktails continues to grow, making up between 10-15 percent of bar sales at the restaurant. Westerly, EviesRI.com
Mocktails are not just a fad, but a sensation at Union and Main, a popular Main Street eatery. “A lot of people are hopping on the mocktail trend,” says bar manager Christina Paulo, who has noticed that more and more customers are ordering non-alcoholic drinks for a range of reasons. “People are always looking for something fun and different.”
On the new summer drink menu, the Siren’s Song is a popular choice. “We use a dragon fruit and elderberry refresher mix, which is made with green coffee extract and coconut water, and mix that up with some coconut puree, lime juice, and top it with soda water to create fun bubbles. It’s fruity, light, and refreshing, making it a perfect sipper for relaxing after the beach.” Other favorites include the Mango Rizz with pureed fruit and soda, and the Paradise Oasis, made with muddled cucumber, strawberry puree, white cranberry, mint simple, lemon, and soda.
East Greenwich, UnionAndMainRI.com
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