This year’s number one Christmas party trend? Mocktails! Here’s four recipes for Christmas Day at home.

Thinking about staying off the booze this Christmas? If so, you’re certainly not alone. According to new data provided by the UK’s leading online party planning service, Poptop, Mocktails have seen an absolutely meteoric rise in popularity this year - well and truly entering the mainstream of Christmas party trends for the first time. As partygoers across the country get set for a busy month of merry-making, Poptop has reported a remarkable 60% increase in requests for non-alcoholic cocktails at private parties, with over a third of their Christmas bookings incorporating mocktail menus into their party plans.

It means more Christmas parties than ever are set to provide their guests with carefully curated non-alcoholic alternatives, marking a dramatic shift away from the boozy festive parties of the past. So what’s behind this new, mindful approach to Christmas party planning?

Gen Z’s influence

It’s certainly no secret that young adults are drinking less alcohol than their older counterparts. A recent feature for BBC News cited studies that suggested Gen Z were somewhat rejecting booze culture - with over a quarter of 18 - 25 year olds describing themselves as ‘tee-total’. A Guardian article on similar themes suggested Gen Z was ushering in what they call ‘a new age of temperance’, with figures showing no alcohol is consumed at 29% of all UK pub visits and 37% of restaurant meals.

Now, as Gen Z’ers begin to make their presence felt in the party planning marketplace, these mindful drinking trends are seeing a huge rise in popularity. Parties planned by this now-influential generation are almost certainly set to feature plenty of attendees who choose not to drink alcohol, and catering for their needs is seen as unmistakably important as everyone else on the guestlist. Whilst requests for alcoholic options on Poptop’s marketplace remains robust, there’s no denying that non-alcoholic cocktails are experiencing greater demand than at any point in Poptop’s ten years of trading.

Is ‘mindful drinking’ here to stay?

It wasn’t all that long ago that non-alcoholic drinks options at your average private party were limited to diet soft drinks and the odd fruit juice. Not anymore. As this new mindful drinking culture has started sweeping through the UK party industry, leading suppliers have happily responded to the growing demand. 2024 has seen a flourishing selection of delicious mocktail options across Poptop’s hundreds of services and suppliers, with choices and flavours that easily rival their alcoholic alternatives. James O’Reilly, Poptop’s Bar Services Manager, believes this can only be seen as a good thing:

“In recent years, there’s been a remarkable rise in the demand for non-alcoholic drinks, particularly among younger audiences at private events. Mocktails and alcohol-free beers are no longer just alternatives; they’ve become highly requested, reflecting a growing trend toward mindful drinking. It’s fantastic to see, as it ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

This move towards inclusivity for all partygoers marks an exciting new future for the events industry - where everyone on the guestlist is given the same level of care and attention from the bar menu. And one thing is certain - mocktails are only set to rise further in popularity in the coming years.

Four Mocktail Recipes to Try at Home

Keen to give some of these delicious non-alcoholic cocktails a go at your own Christmas celebrations? Poptop’s expert bartenders have put together a special, curated mocktail menu - offering you the chance to try them out this festive season for yoursel:

Chili mango cooler:

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
• 1 small red chili or 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to spice tolerance)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the mango)
• 1 cup soda water or sparkling water
• Pinch of salt
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: chili flakes, lime wedge, or mango slice

Raspberry smash:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 ounces non-alcoholic gin or rum alternative
• Ice cubes
• Soda water or sparkling water
• Optional garnish: lime wheel, mint sprig, or extra raspberries

Cucumber Mojito

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber (sliced, plus extra for garnish)
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves (or substitute with fresh mint for a mojito twist)
• 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 ounces non-alcoholic rum alternative (e.g., Lyre's White Cane, Ritual Zero Proof Rum)
• Ice cubes
• Soda water or sparkling water
• Optional garnish: cucumber ribbons, lime wedges, or a basil sprig

Watermelon spritzer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh watermelon (cubed and de-seeded)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of the watermelon)
• 1 cup soda water or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: mint leaves, lime wedges, or a watermelon slice