Why mocktails are on the rise – and how they help you drink less
Alcohol-free drinks are making waves this summer, from menus to bottle shops and even chilling in eskies at your summer barbie. And it’s not just about the cute packaging. Over the past few years, there’s been a real shift in how we drink, especially among younger Aussies with mocktails leading the charge.
As Dr. Nicole Lee, CEO of Hello Sunday Morning, puts it: 'The old binary of being either a drinker or not is disappearing.’ In other words, cutting back on alcohol is becoming the norm and mocktails are part of that cultural change.
So, what’s behind the rise of alcohol-free drinks? And do mocktails actually help when you're trying to reduce alcohol consumption? We asked Nicole to break it down.
A new generation, a new drinking culture
Nicole explains that Gen Z is at the forefront of the low-alcohol movement. They’re changing the game by swapping big nights out for more balanced socialising. “Gen Z tend to drink a bit later and big drinking doesn’t have the same status it once did,” she says.
This cultural shift is a big part of why mocktails have exploded in popularity, offering an enjoyable, alcohol-free way to stay social and refreshed, without the next-day regret.
Staying social, without the booze
A big challenge when reducing alcohol consumption can be staying social. Nicole says that mocktails give people the chance to participate in the same social rituals, just without the hangover.
“If you're in a group of big drinkers, it can feel a bit awkward to be the first one to stop drinking or to reduce alcohol consumption” she says.
But the ritual matters more than we realise. If you’re feeling awkward, holding a non-alcoholic drink in your hand and participating in celebrations can help you feel more comfortable or included, especially if you're gradually cutting back or navigating peer pressure.
The benefits of drinking less
Many people notice the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption sooner than expected. “Sleep is the number one thing that people tell me is a benefit they notice very early on,” says Nicole. But the perks don’t stop there. Other potential benefits can include:
Improved energy levels
Less anxiety and a clearer mind
Improvements in productivity
Better skin and digestion.
And of course, hydration improves straight away: “As soon as you're not drinking, you'll feel more hydrated because alcohol is really dehydrating,” explains Nicole.
“Alcohol also triggers your craving for salty, sweet and fried foods,” she notes. “So people often find that they lose weight.”
These wins can make the shift to low-alcohol living feel motivating – especially in summer, when hydration, energy and clearer skin feel extra appealing.
Too much like the real thing?
While mocktails are a great non-alcoholic beverage to help reduce your drinking habits, they might not be for everyone. For some, a drink that tastes too much like alcohol can trigger cravings. It all comes down to what works for you and your personal journey.
Nicole explains, “Alcohol reduction is a personal journey and it’s all about finding what suits you best.” Whether you’re in it for the health benefits, or you just want to enjoy a fun drink without feeling restricted, you get to decide your own path.
How to cut back on alcohol your way
Nicole’s top tip to success? Planning ahead. “If you are trying to make a change, being mindful about that change by planning it and monitoring how much you're drinking is really important.”
Here’s how you can keep the fun flowing:
Set a goal before you head out – are you cutting back or going completely alcohol-free?
Alternate alcoholic and alcohol free drinks to pace yourself
Know your limits before you arrive (and stick to them)
Choosing venues that offer non-alcoholic options that you enjoy
Track your progress using an app like Daybreak.
“In the Daybreak program, people reduced their drinking by about 80 percent over three months,” says Nicole of the popular app from Hello Sunday Morning helping Aussies to reduce their alcohol consumption. It’s all about finding balance while still indulging in the moments that matter most.
Ready to feel your best?
Cutting back on alcohol is just one way to feel your best. At nib, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your health journey. You can also find more inspiration and connect with a like-minded community with our nib foundation partner, Hello Sunday Morning.