The History of Zero-Proof Cocktailing

At Twisted Alchemy, we believe that whether your glass is spirit-free or spirit-forward, what’s in it should be delicious. Twisted Alchemy’s line of cold pressed juices are perfectly crafted to make delicious, dynamic beverages that hold their own. 

Though we are certainly experiencing a boom of spirit-free cocktails popping up on restaurant and bar menus, companies creating products suited to at home spirit-free cocktailing, and creative bartenders crafting instant spirit-free classics, spirit-free cocktailing has been around for decades.

During the Prohibition era in the United States the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages were banned. As a result, people turned to creative alternatives to replicate the flavors of classic cocktails and emulate the spirited environment of a bar (without the spirits). These non-alcoholic concoctions, known as "temperance drinks" or "soft cocktails," paved the way for the development of spirit-free cocktails.

During this time, bars and restaurants catered to the demand for non-alcoholic options by offering a range of creatively mixed beverages. These beverages were often made with a combination of fruit juices, syrups, carbonated water, and various other flavorings. Perhaps those cocktails would have been more delicious if they’d had Twisted Alchemy’s pure, cold pressed juices at their fingertips. Popular mocktails during Prohibition included the Shirley Temple, a mix of ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry garnish, and the Roy Rogers, made with cola, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry.

Mocktails continued to evolve in the post-Prohibition era as more people sought alternatives to alcohol for various reasons. The rise of health-consciousness, designated drivers, and the increasing popularity of alcohol-free social events contributed to the demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the term "mocktail" gained widespread usage, becoming synonymous with non-alcoholic cocktails. Mocktail menus started appearing in bars and restaurants, offering a range of creative and visually appealing options that were on par with their alcoholic counterparts. These mocktails often featured fresh fruit, herbs, and unique flavor combinations, presenting an opportunity for bartenders to showcase their creativity. This coincided with the rise of cold-pressed juicing, as higher-quality ingredients lent themselves to these menus in which quality was of the utmost importance. Twisted Alchemy’s juices are perfect for this exact type of menu, as their fresh deliciousness stands alone.

The 21st century witnessed a surge in the popularity of spirit-free cocktails, driven by a growing interest in health and wellness, as well as a shift in drinking habits. Spirit-free cocktails have become a staple at social gatherings, parties, and bars, appealing to those who prefer non-alcoholic options but still want to enjoy a flavorful and visually appealing drink.

Bartenders and mixologists have embraced the art of spirit free cocktailing, experimenting with a wide range of ingredients, flavors, and presentation techniques. The use of fresh fruits, herbs, muddled ingredients, flavored syrups, and premium mixers, such as Twisted Alchemy’s Eureka Lemon Sour Cold Pressed Mixer and Persian Lime Sour Cold Pressed Mixer, has elevated the zero-proof experience, allowing for a diverse and exciting array of non-alcoholic options.

Today, zero-proof cocktails are not just limited to imitating alcoholic cocktails. They have become a category of their own, with their unique flavors and compositions. Spirit-free bars and dedicated non-alcoholic establishments have emerged, offering a wide selection of sophisticated, alcohol-free beverages.

This Dry July, we partnered with Waterloo to create a kit with everything needed to craft delicious zero-proof cocktails for sipping under the sun. Twisted Alchemy’s Dry July Kit contains our fresh 100% Pineapple Cold Pressed Juice, Three Citrus Cold Pressed Margarita Mixer, Dried Lime Wheel Garnish, and Handcrafted Ancho Chili Salt Rimmer. 

The rise of zero-proof cocktails reflects a cultural shift towards inclusivity and a recognition that enjoyable and well-crafted drinks can be enjoyed without the presence of alcohol. Zero-proof cocktails have become an integral part of the beverage industry, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, and providing an avenue for creativity, experimentation, and enjoyment without the need for alcohol. Here at Twisted Alchemy, we think that is something worth celebrating.