Non-alcoholic beverages have shifted from niche to necessity, becoming an essential part of modern beverage programs. As health-conscious consumers increasingly seek sophisticated, flavorful options, demand for alcohol-free drinks is booming in bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. We’re here to help you capitalize on this growing movement with trend insights and innovative ways to use Monin flavorings to craft delicious, elevated non-alcoholic beverages.
What’s Driving NAB Growth?
From dirty sodas to mocktails, today’s consumers are interested in non-alcoholic beverages that offer incredible flavor, eye-catching presentation, and even wellness benefits. 32% of causal diners are interested in ordering a mocktail as reported through a Monin Proprietary Research Survey. What are some factors causing consumers to prefer spirit-free drink options?
- The "Sober Curious" Movement: Nearly 2 in 5 consumers say they completely abstain from alcohol, with Gen Z and Millennials intentionally reducing their alcohol consumption due to various health and wellness factors (Datassential). NAB offerings like kombucha, energy refreshers, and adaptogen mocktails also meet consumers’ growing interest in functional beverages.
- The Extraordinary Growth of Mocktails: According to Datassential, mocktails represent only 1% of foodservice menus, but are one of the fastest-growing categories to watch. The Mocktail was in the inception stage in 2020, but by 2023 it had moved to menu proliferation, and there’s still room to grow. Up +142% on menus over the past 4-years, and they’re projected to grow an additional 97% through 2028.
The Top Beverage Trends in 2025
Each year, Monin’s team of flavor experts and consumer insights specialists identify the top trends that will shape bar and restaurant menus in the coming year. For NABs, look to leverage these trends to drive customer interest and increase sales:
- Wild & Wired: Younger generations are leading an energy revolution. Their preferred pick-me-ups are iced refresher offerings wired with caffeine and mood boosters, vibrant colors, and unique flavors. Bar and restaurant operators can capitalize on this electric movement by offering a wild and wired variety of beverage options.
- From Seed to Sip: As consumers increasingly value locally sourced and sustainable options, they want to know more about the journey that ingredients make from garden to glass. Operators can experiment by pairing fresh herbs, florals, and exotic citrus with popular fruits like peach, coconut, and blueberry to create unique seasonal mocktails, iced teas, and refreshers.
- Treat Yourself: Today's consumers want to savor life’s finer moments without breaking the bank. Little luxuries like decadent sauces and tasting flights elevate every bite or sip to feel tailored and unique. NABs like dirty sodas and dessert mocktails made with rich, yet accessible flavors satisfy the growing demand for indulgence, one delightful bite at a time.
For more 2025 flavor trends and recipes, visit moninflavortrends.com
Crafting an Elevated Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu
For operators who rely heavily on bar sales, the shift toward non-alcoholic beverages represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Offering innovative, alcohol-free drinks that appeal to the “sober curious” customer opens the door to new revenue streams:
- Sophisticated Sips: From faux espresso martinis to elegant floral mocktails, Monin’s clean label flavors make it easy to craft alcohol-free drinks that offer the same complexity as traditional cocktails. Experiment with offering unique mocktails like this Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz, Yuzu Pineapple Paloma, or Peach Cobbler Mocktail.
- Functional and Health-Conscious Beverages: Elevate your menu with functional drinks that boost energy or hydration. Monin Brilliance Energy™ combines natural caffeine with vibrant flavors and colors for an energizing jolt, while Monin Concentrated Flavors enhance spa waters and handcrafted teas for the perfect low-calorie refreshment.
- Sugar-Free Options: With Monin Sugar Free Syrups, Natural Zero, and Concentrated Flavors, you can cater to health-conscious customers without sacrificing quality or taste. Monin flavorings including Sugar Free Lavender Syrup, Natural Zero Sweetener, or Monin Coconut Concentrated Flavor are great options for crafting delicious low-sugar mocktails, dirty sodas, and more.
- Brewed to Perfection: Monin Coffee and Tea Concentrates can be used to easily craft unique non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee tonics, bubble teas, or tea-infused mocktails. Cool and caffeinated mocktails like this Matcha Kiwi Fizz bubble tea or Jazmin Coffee Tonic, can cater to diverse tastes and ensure everyone finds something they love, no matter the occasion.
Non-alcoholic beverages also often have higher profit margins, making them a smart addition to any menu. With Monin’s versatile collection of more than 200 flavorings, operators can easily create premium drinks that not only command premium prices but will delight customers in search of delicious, innovative beverages.
Download This FREE Non-Alcoholic Beverage Guide with More Delicious Recipes
Looking for additional recipe inspiration? We've created this FREE non-alcoholic playbook that includes dozens of delicious alcohol-free recipes including handcrafted sodas, energy refreshers, and mocktails. View as a flipbook online or download the PDF.
Discover More with Monin
As a long-standing leader in beverage innovation, we bring unmatched industry expertise and a deep understanding of consumer trends, operator needs, and recipe development to help you craft non-alcoholic drinks that deliver on impact, flavor, and profitability.
And as your partner in the food and beverage industry, we are committed to helping you stay ahead of the curve. From recipe ideas to complimentary merchandise kits, we provide everything you need to make your non-alcoholic beverage program a success. Visit monin.us to connect with your local sales representative, access our training tools, and explore the full range of Monin products.