Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Mocktails in 2026
There’s a moment at almost every wedding, party or corporate event where it becomes obvious: the guests who are drinking non-alcoholic drinks still want the full bar experience.
Not a “soft drink option”.
Not a warm orange juice in a plastic cup.
Not something that feels like a compromise.
They want the clink of ice, the fresh garnish, the theatre of a proper serve — and a drink that feels just as exciting as the cocktails being shaken beside it.
And in 2026, this isn’t a small request. At many events, around a quarter of guests will choose alcohol-free options at some point during the celebration — whether they’re sober, driving, pregnant, pacing themselves, health-focused, or simply choosing not to drink.
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: non-alcoholic drinks are no longer an afterthought, they’re a headline act.
Alcohol-Free Drinks Are Just Part of the Night Now
Not that long ago, the non-alcoholic options at an event were usually an afterthought — a lemonade, a cola, maybe orange juice if you were lucky.
That’s changed.
Now, it’s completely normal for guests to choose non-alcoholic drinks during the night, even if they’re not “strictly” non-drinkers. Some people start with a mocktail, some swap in a few alcohol-free rounds between cocktails, and some stick to zero-proof the whole way through.
And it’s not for one single reason, either. You’ll always have guests who aren’t drinking because they’re driving, pregnant, on medication, training for something, teetotal, or simply not in the mood for alcohol. But more than anything, people just want a drink that tastes good and feels like it belongs at the party.
Because nobody wants to feel like they’re holding the “boring option” while everyone else is enjoying the bar.
What guests really want is simple: something refreshing, well-made, and worth ordering again.
Why Mocktails Are Taking Over Events in 2026
Mocktails have come a long way. They’re not the sugary, overly sweet “kids menu” drinks they used to be. Today’s alcohol-free menu is built like a proper cocktail list; it’s more balanced, fresh, and made to impress.
Because guests don’t just want “a drink”… They want something that looks incredible in photos and selfies, something that tastes complex and refreshing, that feels sophisticated, and something they can enjoy all night long.
And it’s a win too from an event host’s point of view. A strong alcohol-free menu makes your celebration feel modern, thoughtful, and inclusive — the kind of detail guests remember.
The best events in 2026 don’t separate guests into drinkers and non-drinkers. They just make sure everyone feels part of the party.
The Secret to Great Alcohol-Free Drinks? It’s Not “Removing Alcohol”
The biggest mistake people make with mocktails is treating them like cocktails without the alcohol… rather than drinks designed from the start to be delicious.
A great mocktail still needs the same building blocks as a cocktail:
- fresh citrus for brightness
- a little sweetness for balance
- texture (ice, fizz, fruit, foam-style elements)
- aroma (mint, berries, herbs, citrus peel)
- and that “something extra” that makes it feel crafted
That’s why at The Cocktail Post, we treat mocktails with the same care as our cocktails — because when they’re done properly, guests don’t feel like they’re missing out. Instead, they feel looked after.
Mocktails That Guests Actually Get Excited About
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from running bars at weddings and events, it’s this: people don’t want an alcohol-free drink that feels like a second-best option. They want something that looks good, tastes great, and feels like a proper part of the celebration.
That’s why our mocktail menu is built around the same idea as our cocktail menu — fresh ingredients, proper flavour, and drinks that feel a bit special. Some guests want something light and sparkling, others want tropical and fun, and some just want a drink that feels a bit more grown-up than a standard soft drink.
Here are a few of the alcohol-free favourites that always go down well:
If you love something fresh and classic, the Virgin Strawberry Mojito is a great place to start. Made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic rum, strawberry syrup, lime and mint, it’s bright, refreshing, and one of those drinks that suits pretty much any event — especially summer weddings.
For guests who prefer something fruity but not too sweet, Pink Passion is a brilliant option. It mixes cranberry juice with fresh blackberries, vanilla and lemon, so it has that balance of sharpness and softness that makes it feel properly “cocktail-like”.
If you’re after something bold and a bit more playful, Not a Pornstar is always a crowd-pleaser. Using Lyre’s non-alcoholic vodka with passionfruit, vanilla and lime, it gives you that familiar party cocktail feel — just without the alcohol.
When it comes to tropical drinks, Holiday Feeling is exactly what it sounds like. With non-alcoholic rum, strawberry syrup, coconut purée, pineapple and lime, it’s fun, summery, and ideal for guests who want something that feels like a treat.
For something lighter and more refreshing, Watermelon Breeze is a favourite. Watermelon and lime give it that crisp, juicy base, pink grapefruit adds a little sharpness, and tonic water keeps it clean and grown-up.
And for guests who like something a little different (and slightly more sophisticated), Italian Summer is a lovely choice. Peach purée, freshly brewed black tea, honey and lemon create a drink that’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for those who want something alcohol-free that still feels “proper”.
We also love drinks that look the part as well as taste great. Habibi is a perfect example of this. With hibiscus, mixed berries, lemon and club soda, it’s vibrant, fresh and always gets people asking, “What is that?” (which is exactly what you want from a good mocktail).
And for something with a slightly more romantic feel, Valentine is a beautiful option. Rose water, lemon juice, honey, pomegranate juice and club soda come together in a drink that feels light, celebratory and ideal for weddings.
The best part is, once you’ve got a few strong alcohol-free options like these on the bar, guests don’t feel like they’re missing out — they feel like they’ve got a choice they’re genuinely excited about.
How to Make Mocktails Feel Premium at Your Event
A really good mocktail isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s the whole experience around it. The difference between a “nice alcohol-free drink” and something that feels genuinely special often comes down to the details.
That’s why we treat mocktails the same way we treat cocktails: with proper glassware, fresh ingredients, and the kind of finishing touches that make people feel like they’re part of the celebration, not on the sidelines. A sprig of mint, a handful of berries, a twist of citrus, even a few edible flowers — it sounds simple, but it completely changes how the drink looks and feels.
Even the ice matters. Served cold, with a bit of sparkle and a good garnish, an alcohol-free drink stops being a substitute and starts being something guests actually want to order.
Because when someone’s holding a drink that looks the part and tastes brilliant, they don’t feel like they’re missing out — they feel included. And that’s exactly how it should be.
The Best Bars in 2026 Include Everyone
Non-alcoholic drinks aren’t a trend that’s “coming.” They’re already here — and they’re shaping how the best events are planned. So if you’re creating a drinks menu for a wedding, party or corporate event, the question isn’t: “Should we offer mocktails?” It’s: “Are we giving our alcohol-free guests the same level of experience?”
At The Cocktail Post, we believe the answer should always be yes.
Because whether your guests are sipping cocktails or going zero-proof all night long, they deserve a menu that feels exciting, premium, and made for celebration. If you’d like, we can help you build the perfect bar menu with a mix of cocktails, mocktails, and signature serves designed around the type of event you’re holding. We can help every guest feel looked after right from the get go. Just get in touch to find out more