The vibrant city of New York is witnessing a spirited transformation in its beverage scene, as mocktails gain prominence and creativity. At the heart of this movement, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club at LaGuardia offers complimentary mocktails to Chase Sapphire Reserve card members and their guests, setting a new standard in airport luxury. As the largest Chase lounge globally, it reflects the growing demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. This evolution underscores a larger trend sweeping through the city's bars and lounges, where mocktails are celebrated not just as alternatives, but as crafted experiences in their own right.
Mixology director Nicolas O'Connor from Apotheke Mixology recognizes the artistic evolution of mocktails. In Manhattan's upscale Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel, patrons can savor the $28 Pepito "The Bad Hat" or opt for the $14 Dancing Barefoot, illustrating how premium mocktails are captivating discerning palates. Meanwhile, Hekate Café & Elixir Lounge in the East Village offers a different twist with herbal elixirs in a sober bar and tea shop setting. This diverse array of offerings highlights New York's leadership in the non-alcoholic beverage trend.
Tim Sweeney, head bartender at Pebble Bar in Rockefeller Center, notes a rise in local mocktail culture, attributing it to New York's pioneering spirit.
“New York leads the charge on everything,” – Tim Sweeney, head bartender at Rockefeller Center’s Pebble Bar
The Pebble Bar showcases inventive creations like the Village Green and Garden of Dreams, priced at $15 each. Their menu also includes nonalcoholic twists on classics such as the Feign-Killer and Ness & Malone Spritz, demonstrating innovation in flavor without alcohol.
Across the city at JaJaJa, owner Nima Garos emphasizes complexity in their offerings, with mocktails starting at $25 for a martini.
“I want something for an adult palate.'” – Nima Garos, owner of JaJaJa
Garos elaborates on their approach with examples like the $9 Grapefruit y Ginger and $10 Miche-nada, which provide bold flavors without compromising sophistication.
“Our mocktails, like the $9 Grapefruit y Ginger, with its refreshing Paloma-style flavors and ginger beer finish, or the $10 Miche-nada, a playful twist on a Michelada made with non-alcoholic beer, are designed to offer complex, bold flavors,” – Nima Garos, owner of JaJaJa
Marshall Minaya, beverage director at Lolita, Madame George, and Valerie, has expanded no-booze options across his venues. He attributes this expansion to a shift in consumer awareness about alcohol's impact on health and lifestyle.
“I think people are going out and want to be out with their friends but are also understanding [how alcohol impacts their bodies] more,” – Marshall Minaya, beverage director of Lolita, Madame George and Valerie
Open Table's data reveals that 48% of Americans aim to drink less alcohol in the new year, reflecting a broader societal shift towards mindful consumption. The increasing demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options aligns with this trend. Dimitrios Michalopoulos, General Manager of Bemelmans Bar, echoes this sentiment.
“Mocktails are no longer just substitutes — they’re a sophisticated choice in their own right,” – Dimitrios Michalopoulos, General Manager of Bemelmans Bar
At Bemelmans Bar, some mocktails are priced nearly at $30, underscoring their premium status. Tim Sweeney reiterates that a good mocktail is one that entices patrons to order another round.
“What makes a good mocktail is that people want to order a second one,” – Tim Sweeney, head bartender at Rockefeller Center’s Pebble Bar
Hilary Sheinbaum, founder of GoingDry.co and author of "Going Dry," highlights how menus have become more inclusive beyond Dry January.
“Now menus are more inclusive every month of the year, not just January,” – Hilary Sheinbaum, the founder of GoingDry.co and the author of “Going Dry”
Sheinbaum emphasizes that New York's dynamic culture ensures that if there's a demand for something unique or innovative, it will be met.
“New York is a place where if you want something you’re going to get it,” – Hilary Sheinbaum, the founder of GoingDry.co and the author of “Going Dry”
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