Mocktail Menu Ideas for UK Bars and Restaurants

In short: A strong mocktail menu helps bars and restaurants welcome drivers, non drinkers and anyone taking a break from alcohol. The key is depth of flavour beyond fruit juice: a drop or two of a concentrated spice extract such as Lemongrass, Ginger, Mint or Black Pepper Spice Drops adds aroma and warmth. Two easy recipes are below.

Why should venues offer good mocktails?

• Everyone at the table has something interesting to order.
• A well made alcohol free drink can be priced as a speciality, not a soft drink.
• Distinctive drinks are easy to share on social media.

How do Spice Drops help?

The same number of drops gives the same flavour every time, there is no muddling or steeping, and one small bottle lasts a long time. Spice Drops contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and are oxalate free. They are vegan, gluten free and alcohol free, and contain a plant derived emulsifier, polysorbate 80.

How do you make a watermelon, lemongrass and ginger refresher?

Serves 2. Blend half a peeled, cubed watermelon until smooth. Add 2 tbsp lime juice, salt and sugar to taste, and 2 drops each of Lemongrass, Ginger and Black Pepper Spice Drops. Stir and serve over ice.

How do you make an alcohol free fruit cup cooler?

Serves 2. Combine the juice of 1 lemon, 1 lime, 1 large orange and 1 grapefruit with 1 to 2 tsp honey, agave or sugar syrup. Add 2 drops each of Mint, Peppermint and Lemongrass Spice Drops. Pour over ice, top with sparkling water and garnish with cucumber and mint.

What else makes a mocktail memorable?

• Fresh garnishes such as herbs, citrus peel or edible flowers.
• Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme or basil.
• Non alcoholic spirits for a cocktail style serve.
• Food pairings on the menu.

How are Spice Drops made?

Spice Drops are made at our own factory in Kerala, India, by a family business that dates back to 1946. The spices are crushed in a hammer mill or under a roller without heat, then extracted, and the solvent is removed under vacuum. For some flavours the distilled oil of the same spice is added back. Leafy herbs such as Mint are distilled essential oil only. The result is real spice flavour: the natural compounds that give each spice its taste and aroma are still there, such as piperine, which gives black pepper its heat.

More ideas: 9 mocktail recipes and better alcohol free drinks. Venues can buy 100ml bottles through our Trade page.