Mocktails Get a Makeover: The New Name Trending This Year

The old-school term “mocktail” is slipping out of style, and honestly, it’s about time. People want drinks that feel grown-up and exciting, even if they skip the booze. That’s why you might see menus ditching “mocktail” in favor of terms like ‘zero-proof cocktails,’ ‘no-proof drinks,’ ‘spirit-free cocktails,’ or just plain ‘non-alcoholic cocktails.’ It’s not just wordplay—these new names pack in more respect and flavor than anything labeled “mock.”

If you’ve ever felt a little awkward ordering a mocktail at a bar, you’re not alone. The word itself can feel childish or like a second-class substitute. Now, with the rise of the sober curious movement, people want something that sounds just as fun and premium as regular cocktails. It’s about enjoying the ritual, not skipping the experience. You get stylish presentation, complex flavors, and no buzz… unless it’s the one from excitement.

Even big brands and top bars are swapping out “mocktail” because customers expect more. These new names highlight creativity and a focus on serious flavors—not just orange juice with a cherry. If you spot ‘zero-proof’ or ‘spirit-free’ on the menu, you’re looking at a drink crafted with care, not an afterthought. Next, let’s dig into which name is catching on fastest and what sets it apart.

• Why Mocktails Are Getting a New Name
• What's Trending: The Most Popular New Phrase
• How Bars and Brands Are Reacting
• Tips for Making Standout Zero-Proof Drinks

Why Mocktails Are Getting a New Name

The word “mocktail” has been around since the 1970s, basically tagging non-alcoholic drinks as imitators. But things are different now. More people want tasty, booze-free options that stand on their own, not just sad copies of grown-up drinks. That’s a big reason why the industry is ditching “mocktail” for names like zero-proof drinks and “spirit-free cocktails.”

The rise of the “sober curious” crowd—who skip or cut back on alcohol for health, focus, or personal reasons—is exploding. In fact, according to NielsenIQ, U.S. sales of non-alcoholic beverages jumped 33% from 2021 to 2023. That’s a major shift, and it’s not just a passing trend. Even restaurants with Michelin stars are rolling out legit non-alcoholic pairings that get the same creative energy as the wine list.

Bartenders noticed regulars didn’t want their drink to sound like a knockoff. As Julia Momose, creative director at Kumiko in Chicago, put it:

“‘Mocktail’ just makes people feel like they’re pretending, when in reality, these drinks are created to stand alone and be just as exciting as any cocktail.”

Here’s why the new names matter:

• “Mocktail” feels kiddish or fake for a lot of adults.
• Zero-proof and spirit-free suggest craft and quality, not just juice and soda.
• The drinks use grown-up ingredients: bitters, complex syrups, fresh herbs, even fancy ice.
• People want to be part of the toast, not sit on the sidelines just because they skip alcohol.

Bottom line: The label is changing because the attitude is changing. If you spot ‘zero-proof’ on the menu, you’re not getting a kid’s drink. You’re in on the adult fun—just minus the hangover.

What's Trending: The Most Popular New Phrase

The word “mocktail” isn’t completely gone, but if you peek at drink menus in 2025, the phrase that pops up everywhere is zero-proof drinks. Even the biggest bars in cities like New York, London, and Sydney have updated their menus to use this term. It’s not just a cool buzzword; it shows you’re getting something designed with intention, not just fruit juice thrown in a glass.

In fact, industry groups like the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild and major events like Tales of the Cocktail now regularly use “zero-proof” for awards, education, and trend reports. This label spells out “absolutely no alcohol,” which clears up any confusion—perfect for anyone who doesn’t want surprises.

Here’s a quick look at how the most common phrases stack up on menus right now:

That’s a huge shift. Social media is all over “zero-proof” too, with the hashtag #ZeroProofDrinks showing up in over 1.5 million posts on Instagram this month alone. Big-name brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Ritual have also adopted zero-proof on their bottles, websites, and ads—so you know it’s not just a fad.

If you want to sound in-the-know, ask for the zero-proof list next time you’re out. Or, if you’re making drinks at home, label your party menu “zero-proof cocktails” for a modern vibe that everyone recognizes and respects.

How Bars and Brands Are Reacting

If you’ve even peeked at a new cocktail menu lately, you’ll notice the days of random sugary “mocktails” are fading fast. Bars and clubs, from New York’s Death & Co to London’s The Connaught, are rolling out dedicated sections for zero-proof drinks. They want folks to feel just as included—no matter what’s in their glass. The coolest part? These menus drop the old “mock” label altogether and go for names like “No & Low ABV” or “Spiritless Creations.” Some places, like Seedlip’s partner bars, send out non-alcoholic pairings for tasting menus, showing that flavor—not alcohol—is at the spotlight.

Brands aren’t just watching from the sidelines. Startups are booming: Lyre’s, Ritual Zero Proof, and Monday have racked up big sales in 2024, riding the ‘sober curious’ wave. Even changemakers like Diageo (the folks behind Tanqueray and Guinness) have jumped in, releasing their own non-alcoholic gin and beer lines. It’s not just for show—check out the numbers in this table:

If you’re at a trendy bar or looking for ideas, here’s what to watch for on menus and shelves:

• Clever section titles like “Zero-Proof Sips” or “Mindful Mixes”
• Big focus on interesting ingredients—think chili-infused honey, yuzu, or hemp
• Clear allergen and calorie info for health-conscious folks
• Bottled “ready to drink” non-alcoholic cocktails popping up in stores

Bottom line? Brands and bars see this as more than a passing trend. It’s changing how people drink and hang out—and the menus show it’s here to stay.

Tips for Making Standout Zero-Proof Drinks

Want your zero-proof drinks to taste as good as they look on Instagram? Stick with these practical tips and you’ll never serve a boring glass of juice again.

• Layer Flavors Like a Pro: Use fresh herbs (think mint, basil, or rosemary), homemade syrups, and citrus to add complexity. Combining sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter flavors keeps your drink interesting from the first sip to the last.
• Build a Base with Premium Mixers: High-quality tonic, ginger beer, coconut water, or non-alcoholic spirits bring depth. Supermarket soda just won’t cut it if you're after something special.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: A simple slice of cucumber, charred citrus, or a sprig of thyme makes any glass feel like a treat—plus, it adds aroma and visual appeal.
• Balance is Key: Always taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of lemon. Too tart? A dash of agave or honey usually fixes things. The best zero-proof drinks hit a sweet spot right in the middle.

Ever wonder why top bars invest in zero-proof cocktails? In the U.S., sales of non-alcoholic beverages jumped 31% in 2023 according to NielsenIQ. And it’s not just for teetotalers—plenty of people swap in a spirit-free drink partway through the night to keep things social without the hangover.

If you want to experiment, try muddling fruit (like blackberries or kiwi) or using tea concentrates for extra edge. Keep your ice game strong—large cubes melt slower, keeping flavors sharp. And honestly, serving in a rocks glass instead of plastic just feels better.

The rise of zero-proof drinks isn’t slowing down, so mastering these basics will keep your spot as the go-to party host (or just let you treat yourself right). Try a different combo each week and find your own signature mix.