Guests skip alcohol for all sorts of reasons — they're sober, pregnant, driving, taking medication or simply taking it easy. A thoughtful mocktail tells them they're part of the celebration, not an afterthought. Standard non-alcoholic beverages (water, sodas and juices) come with our packages; a curated specialty mocktail menu is a quoted enhancement.
What makes a great mocktail
A good mocktail has the same qualities as a good cocktail: balance, fresh ingredients and a beautiful presentation. Aim for something sweet, something sour and something with depth, like herbs, spice or bitterness.
Five crowd-pleasers
- Cucumber mint cooler. Muddled cucumber and mint, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and soda water. Crisp and refreshing.
- Spicy pineapple margarita. Pineapple juice, lime, agave and a slice of jalapeño, served with a chili-salt rim.
- Lavender lemonade. House-made lavender syrup and fresh lemonade, topped with sparkling water.
- Cranberry rosemary spritz. Cranberry juice, rosemary syrup and ginger beer. Perfect for fall and winter events.
- Espresso tonic. Fresh espresso over tonic and ice, bright and surprising. Ask for decaf if caffeine matters to you.
Presentation matters
Serve mocktails in the same glassware and with the same garnishes as cocktails. When a mocktail looks just as special, guests never have to explain what's in their glass.
Put them on the menu
List mocktails right on your drink menu, not as a footnote. Give them fun names just like your signature cocktails.
Celebrations are for everyone
If a guest needs a strictly alcohol-free drink, tell us in advance: a zero-proof cocktail is a different build from a standard beverage, and anything poured from a shared bottle needs its label checked first. We confirm that before the event, not at the bar.
At Shake & Gather, we believe every guest deserves a great drink. We'll craft mocktails that fit your menu and your season. Contact us at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985.
