In recent years, “Dry January” is a thing of the past, and instead has become a movement celebrated all year long. As we become a more health and wellness conscious nation, it’s no surprise why restaurants, breweries, and distilleries are adding non-alcoholic options to their menu.
According to Datassential’s MenuTrends, booze-less spirits and cocktails have grown 233% on menus in the last four years, and that 37% of consumers say they drink mocktails at least once per week. This surge offers tremendous growth opportunities for restaurant owners who want to expand their menu offerings with the sober-conscious in mind. And it’s a great era for those practicing sobriety, as they will find more non-alcoholic options to fit their needs without skimping on delicious flavor, creativity, or complexity in the drinks they choose. It’s surely a progression from ordering a club soda or the Shirley Temple.
In terms of flavor, studies from RESTOBiz Canada show that “consumers want familiar flavors with a more complex twist. Fresh takes on old favorites seem to appeal to the consumers’ sense of nostalgia, as well as their desire to lower their alcohol consumption.” Flavors we will see popping in the mocktail space will include coconut, cranberry, tea, rhubarb, mango, espresso and bitter orange. Restaurant owners should also look to incorporate flavor combinations into their beverage offerings like peach mango, cucumber serrano, grapefruit and coconut, lime and mint, etc.
LorAnn’s highly-concentrated flavoring offerings are most often found in the world of baking and confectionery, however, many of our flavor lines can also be incorporated into beverage with bold and delicious flavoring options fitting in all profile realms. Some of our personal flavoring favorites in our Super-Strength line that can be used in flavoring syrups for beverage include Hot Chili, Guava, Lychee, Horchata, Strawberry Kiwi, and more! LorAnn also offers natural compounded flavorings and food-grade essential oils that can be used in beverage for those looking for natural ingredients. With hundreds of flavors to choose from, there really is a flavor for everyone depending on your customers taste preferences including sweet, fruity, spicy, and even savory. Think of all of the flavoring syrups you could create for beverages like cocktails, mocktails, and even flavoring coffees!
For restaurant owners or even the home consumer looking for a bold mocktail option for ringing in the new year at their upcoming holiday gatherings, LorAnn’s sweet and spicy NYE Cucumber Serrano Mocktail will be their go to for celebrating. The secret ingredient to this sweet and feisty mocktail is LorAnn’s Cucumber-Serrano Super-Strength, where this adventurous flavor combination combines the taste of refreshing cucumber with spicy pepper notes.
