The importance of alcohol-free drink options for events

The demand for non-alcoholic alternatives at events has risen greatly in recent years, with half of the UK adult population buying a no-alcohol or low-alcohol product during 2022, boosting overall volumes by 9% when compared to last year. What’s more, low/no alcohol drinks consumption demand is expected to increase by a third by 2026.

Yet despite this increase in demand, the events industry has been slow to make alcohol-free options for delegates both as enticing and exciting as their alcoholic counterparts.

This Sober October, we explore why alcohol-free options should be more than just a consideration for event planners.

Dispelling the myth

Needing to drive home after an event, wanting to opt for a healthier option, medication, wanting to keep a clear head… Whatever the reason for wanting alcohol-free drink options at events, it needs to be catered for.

Despite the many factors that could be at play, events often still fall into the mindset of alcohol being the default option, with non-alcoholic options often seen as subpar and a less exciting experience overall.

Speaking about the importance of alcohol-free options at events, our venue manager, Jess Gallagher said:

“The events industry has made great strides in recent years in being more inclusive to everyone. Vegan options are now expected as default, with events knowing guests now expect the same amount of time and dedication from the vegan options as the more traditional options on the menu as well.

“Hospitality often has to deal with taking onboard additional requirements to ensure everyone is included – why should alcohol free options be any different?”

Top tips for alcohol free events

For those looking to incorporate more non-alcoholic options in events, here are a few of our top tips to help you get started:

Make them visible

In order for people to feel included, your alcohol-free options need to be just as visible as all your other options – the worst thing you can do is make guests have to ask what non-alcohol options are available because they aren’t visible on the menu or at the bar itself.

This is especially true if you are offering food packages as part of your event – ensuring there are drinks options that are also alcohol-free helps people feel there are options for them and avoids them feeling like a burden if they need to ask for something that isn’t part of the package itself.

Have a good amount of choice

Events should avoid offering the bare minimum when it comes to alcohol free options – people expect more than Coca Cola or Lemonade as an option! Alongside alcohol free beer and cider, events can also get creative with mocktails – and for good reason, 78% of event professionals said a greater emphasis should be placed on serving interesting mocktails.

Here at the Royal Society of Chemistry at Burlington House, alongside our regular alcohol-free options, we offer homemade raspberry lemonade, as well as a cloudy apple and elderflower fizz. Both are made onsite and served daily so those who choose not to have alcohol always several different choices available to them too.

Presentation is important

Even though there isn’t any alcohol present, guests still want their drink of choice to feel special, which is why presentation is so important. People want the same experience as everyone else, so consider how you can help those not drinking alcohol feel special too. What glass are you serving the drink in? How is it being presented? Does it have a special garnish to finish or similar?

Setting the right price

Guests expect quality, but quantity is just as important, especially when it comes to price. With alcohol being the main factor that drives up the price of drinks, you’ll have a difficult time selling non-alcoholic versions of famous drinks for the same price as their alcoholic counterparts. Either set a more realistic price point or prove to your guests that the drink is worth the money without the alcohol by ensuring it’s a unique drinking experience they can’t get anywhere else.

Inspiration

Looking for some alcohol-free inspiration? Take a look at some of our own suggestions for delectable mocktails below:  

Virgin Berry Mule (muddled)

Ingredients:

Fresh raspberry, strawberry, and lime, cranberry juice, ginger beer, mint

Method:

1. Place the raspberry, strawberry and lime into a glass.
2. Muddle until the juice is released from the fruit.
3. Add the cranberry juice.
4. Clap the mint together and add to your glass using the muddler.
5. Add ice then pour in your ginger beer.
6. Stir gently then garnish with additional mint and lime wedges.

Spiced Zero % Rum Sour (shaken)

Ingredients:

Caleño Dark and Spicy 0% rum, lemon juice, super fine sugar, pasteurised egg white, maraschino cherry

Method:

1. Add the 0% rum, lemon juice, sugar and egg white into a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake hard for 30 seconds.
3. Add ice, then shake again for 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry