The resurgence of the mocktail
“Can I get a water?” I’d shout over the music, hovering awkwardly over a sticky bar while my friends twirled and two-stepped through the night. As the eternal designated driver of the group, I quickly learned that my options were… limited, to say the least. If you weren’t sipping syrupy soda or plain old water (although we love a hydrated queen), there wasn’t much left to hold in your hand—let alone enjoy.
But the idea of a mocktail isn’t new. These booze-free libations have deeper roots than you might expect. The first “mocktail”—then called a temperance drink—dates back to 1895, when the movement to reduce alcohol consumption began picking up steam. Temperance drinks gained even more traction during the Prohibition era (1920–1933) when the U.S. banned alcohol entirely.
Windsor-Essex played a starring role in that era, earning its nickname as “The Rumrunning Capital of Canada.” With Detroit just a stone’s throw away, Windsor became a key smuggling hub, ferrying liquor across the river under the cover of darkness and clever disguises. But while bootleggers were busy dodging the law, others embraced temperance culture. Soda fountains, tea rooms, and underground speakeasies began experimenting with alcohol-free drinks that still felt celebratory. In a way, the mocktail was born in rebellion.
Fast forward to today, and mocktails are no longer a Plan B. Once a novelty or afterthought, they’re now proudly featured on menus as alcohol-free alternatives to your favourite boozy classics.
We can thank the “sober-curious” movement for the comeback. What began as hashtag challenges like #SoberOctober and #DryJanuary has turned into a broader cultural shift. People are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol—not necessarily swearing it off forever but questioning why drinking is the default. And let’s be honest: some of us just need something to do with our hands at parties. Cue the no-jito, the nada colada, and my personal favourite—the nein-quiri. (Okay, I might’ve made that one up.)
Beyond health and wellness, mocktails are also about inclusivity. Not everyone drinks—for religious, medical, personal, or “nah, I’m good” reasons. Offering a thoughtful lineup of zero-proof drinks means everyone can join the toast without compromise. It’s about creating space at the table for everyone—without settling for soda.
And the industry’s catching on. Bartenders are crafting complex, Instagram-worthy mocktails with fresh herbs, artisanal syrups, and botanical infusions. Entire bars and brands are dedicated to zero-proof experiences, and global beverage companies are pouring serious investment into the space.
Mocktails aren’t about missing out. They’re about showing up on your terms. Whether it’s a Friday night out or a solo Tuesday treat, there’s a mocktail with your name on it.
Craving a fancy sip this weekend? Check out the mocktail menus at Gladstone Commons, Mezzo, WindsorEats, Maiden Lane Wine & Spirits, Funky Chow Kitchen, Erie Street Gastropub, and The Windsor Speakeasy—just to name a few. These spots prove you don’t need alcohol to raise the bar.
