Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - skyscraper - both - 07.17

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

General Mills - Pillsbury Takeout and Delivery Tips - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - skyscraper - both - 07.18

Honest Earth - Better Potatoes for a Better World - skyscraper - both - 05.23

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Simplot Delivery Solved - Conquest Fries - banner - both - 08.20

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Single-Serve Packets - banner - both - 09.21

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - banner - both - 07.17

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

Simplot Harvest Fresh Avocado - banner - both - 01.20

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - banner - both - 05.18

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - banner - both - 11.19

Culinary Reserve - Global Flavors with Out of this World Taste - both - skyscraper - 03.05 - 07.31.25

Sugar Food Traina California Dried Fruits - banner - OE - 10.19

Chef-mate We Can Better - skyscraper - both - 06.23

Sunny Fresh Bacon and Cheese EggStravaganza - banner - both - 03.23

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread - banner - OE - 10.22

Culinary Reserve - Flex with Big Flavor - banner - both - 03.05 - 07.31.25

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - skyscraper - both - 04.20

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - We Cook It - Operators Take Credit - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Ease Your Operator's Kitchen - banner - both - 02.20

Jennie-O Take Burgers Over the Top with Turkey - skyscraper - both - 03.20

Deliver Flavor and Value with Galbani Mozzarella - skyscraper - both - 07.22

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Basic American Shred Competition operator banner ad - 12.17

Lance and Snyders - Ready, Set, Snacks - banner - both - 03.28 - 07.31.25

Dan's Prize Corned Beef Pastrami - Simple, Tender - banner - both - 04.20

Sunny Fresh Egg Patty and French Toast - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Campbells - Fulfill All Needs with Ease - both - skyscraper - 03.05 - 07.31.25

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Menu Ideas - banner - both - 05.20

Mains Exchange - OE - banner - 01.30 - 04.27.25

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - banner - both - 03.19

Potato Perks App - banner - both - 05.22

Grab 'n Go! Anytime. Every Time - banner - both - 07.23

Tyson Cortona Pepperoni - skyscraper OE 1.23

Nestle Stouffers White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Culinary Reserve - Stylish As They Are Delish - both - skyscraper - 03.05 - 07.31.25

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Wave of Inspiration - skyscraper - both - 05.22

Campbells - Make Irresistible Flavor a Menu Staple - both - banner - 03.05 - 07.31.25

Tyson - Jimmy Dean - Loaded with Flavor - banner - both - 04.21

Wild Alaska Salmon Burger - skyscraper - both - 04.25

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - banner - both - 04.18

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Less Time Less Grease Less Mess - banner - both - 02.20

Simplot Sidewinders - Make Waves - skyscraper - both - 01.20

We're All in On Chicken - banner - both - 04.01 - 07.01.25

Hormel - Bacon 1 - You've Never Seen Bacon Like This - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Great Bacon in Half the Time - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Seafood is Better - banner - both - 05.21

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - banner - both - 04.20

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - banner - both - 04.18

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - both - skyscraper - 04.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - banner - both - 04.18

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - skyscraper - both - 11.19

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

Sugar Foods ecoStick Less Waste - banner - both - 10.16

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - skyscraper - both - 02.18

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Family Recipes - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper - both - 04.23

Simplot RoastWorks - banner - both - 01.20

Basic American Crispy Craveable Operator banner ad - 12.17

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets skyscraper - both - 05.18

Nestle Minors Slow Simmered Stock - Free Sample - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing & Spread - skyscraper - OE - 10.22

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Tyson - Wright Brand Bacon - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - skyscraper - both - 11.22

Butterball - Your Trusted Partner - skyscraper - both - 07.19

Catch of the Season - skyscraper - both - 07.22

Essity - Impress Your Guests - banner - OE - 03.17

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - banner - both - 07.21

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Banner Ad - 2 - MM - Food calculator - Operator - Supersized

Mini Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - banner - both - 09.23

Wild Alaska Salmon Burgers - banner - both - 04.25

Banner Ad - 4 - PICs - Operator - supersized

Banner Ad - 1 - MM - Recipes - Operator - supersized

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Don't Labor Over Great Chicken - banner - both - 02.20

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Tyson - Hillshire Farm - Legendary Brand - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Skyscraper Ad - MM - Heat - Operator

Simplot - Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Savor Imports - banner - both - 06.24

Banner Ad - 3 - OE - Operator - supersized

Ready to Eat Frozen Vegetables - banner - both - 03.23

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Campbells Tomato Soup - Serve Up Comfort and Show You Care - both - banner - 03.05 - 07.31.25

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Products - Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - banner - both - 02.20

Performance Dairy Convenience and Consistency - banner - both - 04.24

Dan's Prize Pot Roast, Prime Rib, Short Ribs Time-Intensive Proteins Made Easy - banner - both - 04.20

A seismic shift is happening in the beverage industry: the growing popularity of nonalcoholic drinks. Experts <a href="https://www.theiwsr.com/no-and-low-alcohol-category-value-surpasses-11bn-in-2022/" target="_blank">predict</a> that nonalcoholic drink consumption will rise by a third through 2026, driven by changing consumer preferences and wellness-focused lifestyles.
But capitalizing on this trend takes more than a token Shirley Temple on the menu. A successful nonalcoholic beverage program requires strategic planning, from thoughtful ingredient selection to creative marketing and proper pricing. Here&rsquo;s how bars and restaurants can turn mocktails into a major revenue driver.
Nonalcoholic Drinks Are a Must
Several key trends are fueling the demand for high-quality, nonalcoholic beverages:
<ul>
<li>The Rise of Mindful Sobriety:&nbsp;Consumers are drinking more intentionally, with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jesscording/2024/04/29/how-bars-are-responding-to-demand-for-better-non-alcoholic-beverages/" target="_blank">41 percent</a> actively reducing alcohol consumption for health and wellness reasons.</li>
<li>Gen Z&rsquo;s Influence:&nbsp;Younger generations are redefining drinking culture, with <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drizlys-annual-consumer-trend-report-finds-americans-drinking-out-less-shaking-up-their-summertime-sips-and-embracing-at-home-entertaining-301823674.html" target="_blank">23 percent of Gen Z and 24 percent of millennials</a> opting for nonalcoholic beverages more frequently than older demographics.</li>
<li>Flexitarian Drinking Habits:&nbsp;Today&rsquo;s consumers don&rsquo;t fit neatly into &lsquo;drinker&rsquo; or &lsquo;non-drinker&rsquo; categories. Instead, <a href="https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2022/non-alcoholic-beverage-trends-in-the-us/" target="_blank">82 percent</a> of nonalcoholic beverage drinkers also occasionally consume alcoholic drinks, and <a href="https://www.theiwsr.com/no-and-low-alcohol-category-value-surpasses-11bn-in-2022/" target="_blank">41 percent</a> identify as &lsquo;substituters&rsquo; who opt for nonalcoholic choices in certain situations.</li>
</ul>
Top Tips for Crafting a Profitable, Crowd-Pleasing Mocktail Menu
A thoughtful approach to ingredients, pricing, and variety can make nonalcoholic beverages just as appealing&mdash;and profitable&mdash;as their alcoholic counterparts. Here&rsquo;s how to create a standout mocktail menu that delights guests and boosts the bottom line.
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
A great mocktail is more than just juice and soda. To craft a sophisticated nonalcoholic menu, consider premium ingredients such as fresh herbs, house-made syrups, cold-pressed juices, and botanical infusions. Using and promoting high-quality ingredients elevates the drinking experience and ensures that mocktails feel as indulgent and carefully crafted as any cocktail.
2. Offer a Balanced Variety
Your mocktail menu should cater to a wide range of tastes, just like your cocktail list. Offer a mix of bright and refreshing options, like citrus and herb-forward drinks, alongside richer, more complex choices that mimic spirit-forward classics. Having a diverse selection ensures that every guest&mdash;whether they&rsquo;re avoiding alcohol for health reasons, personal preference, or simply looking for something new&mdash;can find a satisfying drink.
3. Get Creative with Presentation
Just because a drink is alcohol-free doesn&rsquo;t mean it should look any less enticing. The visual appeal of mocktails plays a crucial role in their popularity. Serve them in stylish glassware, garnish with fresh fruits and herbs, and consider using fun elements like edible flowers, smoked salt rims, or even nonalcoholic foams to enhance the experience.
4. Price Them Properly
Pricing mocktails effectively can help ensure they contribute meaningfully to your revenue. While some guests may balk at paying the same price as a cocktail, pricing too low could undervalue the craftsmanship involved. Consider factors such as ingredient cost, labor, and perceived value. Many successful restaurants position mocktails just below their alcoholic counterparts, emphasizing their premium nature while maintaining profitability.
5. Train Your Staff to Sell Mocktails
Your team plays a critical role in driving mocktail sales. Ensure they are well-versed in the menu and can confidently recommend pairings with food items. By positioning mocktails as an elevated experience rather than a lesser alternative, staff can encourage more guests to explore these offerings. They&rsquo;re also a great way to engage younger guests&mdash;kids love the fun flavors and creative presentation, making mocktails an easy upsell for families.
6. Tap into Wellness
Health-conscious consumers are a major driver behind the rise of nonalcoholic drinks. Highlighting the fresh, functional, and lower-calorie aspects of your mocktail offerings can attract a wellness-focused audience. Consider adding house-made kombuchas, adaptogenic elixirs, or fresh fruit-based options that align with this growing trend.
7. Leverage Technology for Better Operations
Creating an exceptional nonalcoholic menu is just one part of the equation. To ensure long-term profitability, having the right restaurant management software can be a game-changer:
<ul>
<li>Monitor Inventory in Real-Time:&nbsp;Keep track of specialty mocktail ingredients, from exotic fruits to handcrafted syrups, so you&rsquo;re never caught off guard by shortages.</li>
<li>Optimize Pricing Strategies:&nbsp;Break down the cost of each mocktail to set profitable prices that balance guest satisfaction with strong margins.</li>
<li>Analyze Sales Trends:Identify bestsellers and underperforming items to refine your mocktail offerings based on actual customer demand.</li>
<li>Predict Demand More Accurately:&nbsp;Use historical data and trends to forecast ingredient needs, reducing waste and improving efficiency.</li>
<li>Streamline Ordering and Reduce Waste:&nbsp;Automated inventory tracking and ordering help maintain smooth operations and minimize excess stock.</li>
</ul>
Elevate Your Mocktail Program for Maximum Impact
A well-executed mocktail menu gives restaurant operators the chance to increase revenue, enhance the guest experience, and stay ahead of the evolving beverage landscape. By focusing on quality, creativity, strategic pricing, and smart operational tools, restaurants and bars can build a nonalcoholic beverage program that drives both guest satisfaction and profitability.
Source: Joe Hannon, <a href="https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/7-tips-for-building-a-profitable-mocktail-beverage-program/" target="_blank">FSR</a>

Capitalizing on this trend takes more than a token Shirley Temple on the menu.

7 Tips for Building a Profitable Mocktail Beverage Program

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7 Tips for Building a Profitable Mocktail Beverage Program