Partaking in Dry January? You’re definitely not alone in forgoing alcohol. But why skip the experience of enjoying a quality drink in a fun atmosphere?

I’m not talking about Shirley Temples. Beverages like non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits saw a 35% boost in sales in 2023, according to global marketing research firm Nielsen IQ.

“It’s an exciting time right now,” says Mariena Mercer Boarini, master mixologist for Wynn Resorts.

“What I love about the current climate of drinking culture is, you don’t need a reason [not to drink alcohol] these days. … Now it is an acceptable part of culture. And a lot of that is having options available [so] people don’t feel othered.”

With two decades as a mixologist under her belt, she cites consumers’ growing mindfulness toward health as a catalyst for the zero-proof industry. And beverage programs have adjusted to the change in preferences by including more mocktails on menus. 

“Now, [mocktails] can be nuanced and interesting and curated to palates,” Mercer Boarini says.

Most importantly, they provide an opportunity to get creative at home. You’re choosing a healthier option, after all, so you might as well lean into it.

“Key in on your creativity and what you love,” Mercer Boarini says. “From there, that passion is effusive and starts growing. Think like cooking—what flavors do you love? What cultures do you want to make cocktails from? Start building from there.”

Tea time

To make your own mocktails, Mercer Boarini suggests using tea because the tannins can mimic flavors of bitters and create a mouthfeel similar to aged spirits.

Play with the palate

Not into sugary drinks? Swap out the sweet with umami and other flavors. Mercer Boarini’s go-to is a drizzle of sesame oil on top of the drink to add depth and an earthy taste.

Go-to mocktails

Looking for a crowd pleaser? Take ginger beer and orange tea, cranberry and rosemary to make a flavorful winter mule.

For palomas, mix together Fever-Tree sparkling pink grapefruit soda and CleanCo tequila.

Make a toast

When it comes to non-alcoholic sparkling Champagne or wine, Mercer Boarini recommends Lyre’s Classico.

“This NA sparkling is my personal favorite for a celebratory cheers,” she says. “It emulates and tastes like Champagne. The mouthfeel and aromas really takes the place of Champagne and you can drink it straight as a toast, or it is really fun to experiment with.”

Lyre’s also has an Italian spritz that can be mixed with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, for those who want an Aperol spritz experience.