Mocktails

The concept of Dry January is not new to those looking for a way to reset and recover from a classically boozy time of year. Even those who abstain from alcohol year-round are familiar with the idea of starting the New Year with a clean slate and a health focused mindset. But for those of us with January birthdays or special occasions scheduled during everyone’s “off month”, it can be challenging to go out in a social environment where everyone feels relegated to ordering glasses of water.

Enter, the mocktail. We’ve all seen these clever and inventive beverages at the bottom of cocktail menus, beckoning to those who don’t mind paying a similar price for a guilt-free concoction. Well now, thanks to recent developments in technology being applied to zero proof spirits, alcohol-free versions of your favorite cocktails taste better than ever before. But the source of the well-known flavors noted in popular spirits such as gin, tequila, or rum can be attributed to the herbs and spices used to make them. This is why tea mocktails have seen a surge in popularity as they contain the very same dry ingredients that we often see used in making spirits.

Take for example TeBella’s Old Fashioned Mocktail made with our Bourbon Breakfast tea. This black tea blend has been aged in bourbon barrels, lending it a rich and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with notes of orange and cherry you might find in an Old Fashioned. It’s a great alternative for those who enjoy the complexity of a classic cocktail but want a non-alcoholic option. Similarly, our Maté Zen Mule is the perfect substitute for a traditionally Vodka-forward cocktail. The earthiness of the toasted Yerba Mate pairs beautifully with the citrus notes from the orange peel and orange blossom, and when paired with the requisite ginger beer and lime, this highly caffeinated blend simply sings. It will leave you wondering why you ever risked the hangover for the real thing.

Aside from the endless flavor combinations and blending possibilities that tea lends to the mocktail conversation, there is an additional benefit that tea mocktails bring to the table. Sure, zero proof spirits are an impressive substitution for alcohol and have come a long way as far as flavor mimicking goes, but tea steps in at the last minute to bring that 1-2 punch of sensory satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a Sparkling Rosé stand-in or a Whiskey Ginger lookalike, teas and tisanes are the answer to your perfect mocktail prayers.