Mocktails and their history

pakholchukviktorii
Jan 12
1 min read

Mocktails aren't just a trendy non-alcoholic drinks for the drivers at night outings—they're a rebellious invention born from America's wildest social experiment. Here's a little on how bartenders turned prohibition into a creative playground.

Temperance Roots (1800s)

Mocktails trace back to the 19th-century temperance movement, when religious groups pushed "temperance drinks" to replace booze at social gatherings. Think fruit punches and sodas designed to mimic cocktails without the kick, proving even sober parties needed flair.

Prohibition Boom (1920-1933)

When alcohol was banned, speakeasies needed alternatives to keep patrons happy. Bartenders got crafty, mixing juices, syrups, and sodas into booze-free versions of classics—like the non-alcoholic Bronx or Shirley Temple (ginger ale, grenadine, cherry). Socialite Roxana Doran even published Prohibition Punches in 1930, packed with glamorous recipes for elite teas and balls.

Post-Prohibition Renaissance

After repeal, mocktails faded but never died. They resurfaced in the 1980s wellness wave and exploded recently with Dry January, non-alcoholic spirits, and inclusivity—now they're bar menu stars, letting everyone join the cocktail walk vibe.