Are Zero-Proof Cocktails Actually Mocktails? Bartenders Share Their Thoughts

Zero-proof, mocktail, spirit-free, non-alcoholic … bar menus are getting more creative with how they phrase drinks made without, or with negligible amounts of, alcohol. As I approach my third trimester of pregnancy, I’ve paid closer attention to these categories than ever, and often found myself befuddled by the ingredients list. Are all, or some, of these products recommended for pregnancy? Or for those with an alcohol addiction or intolerance? 

Lyre’s spirits are among the most common alcohol alternatives I’ve noticed. With a name inspired by an Australian bird that expertly mimics sounds, these are designed to give you the cocktail experience, without the buzz. Their products contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which they say is the “standard classification for non-alcoholic beverages in many markets.” For reference, a 12-ounce bottle of beer is typically 5% ABV, a 5-ounce glass of wine is 12%, and a 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor is 40% ABV. So, while it’s considerably less, it’s not 0.0.

Thomas J. Story

Toward the bottom of the Lyre’s FAQ page, the brand says to consult with your doctor if you’re pregnant, and to proceed with caution if you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction. But for those who simply want a low-ABV selection of drinks, bartenders out West say these provide an opportunity to feel comfortable and welcome, without the pressure to consume heavy amounts of alcohol.

“A cocktail is about more than alcohol,” says Tobias Burkhalter, assistant general manager at FIRE Restaurant & Lounge in Denver, Colorado, where they refer to mocktails as “sober sips.” “It’s about balance, flavor, technique, presentation, and the experience of being served something thoughtfully created by a bartender. Removing the alcohol does not remove those elements.”

There’s also the perk of having a uniquely prepared drink that doesn’t impair your ability to drive, harm your stomach lining, or cause other negative side effects.

“If you’re enjoying one of these beverages with no buzz, no hangover and no need for an Uber, call it what you want,” adds Yusef Vasquez of Tap & Vine and The Butterfly Club speakeasy in Medford, Oregon.

Ryan Foley, author of Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dummies proposes another spirited solution: Start with classic cocktails and switch over to safely keep the drinks flowing.

“They offer a great way to extend an evening responsibly,” he says. “Someone might enjoy a few traditional cocktails before switching to a non-alcoholic option without sacrificing the experience of having a well-crafted drink. At the end of the day, a great cocktail is about flavor, creativity, and hospitality. Everyone deserves a great drink, whether it contains alcohol or not.”

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