Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and what better way to mark the occasion than by raising a glass filled with a delightful, alcohol-free mocktail? A mocktail or non-alcoholic bar at your wedding can be a fantastic addition, ensuring that all your guests, including those who don’t consume alcohol, can enjoy refreshing and flavorful beverages. We’ll guide you through the steps to set up a mocktail bar that will impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your special day.

Why have a mocktail bar?

Including a mocktail bar at a wedding offers a range of compelling reasons for couples. First and foremost, it promotes inclusivity by ensuring that all guests, regardless of their alcohol preferences, can enjoy a special and refreshing beverage, fostering a sense of belonging in the celebration. It also a great way to cater to designated drivers and guests with responsibilities that prevent them from drinking alcohol, providing them with a tasty and satisfying alternative. Even guests who typically consume alcohol may appreciate the option of mocktails, particularly on hot days or when they wish to pace themselves.

Furthermore, a mocktail bar is family-friendly, making it suitable for weddings with children or teenagers attending. It offers a diverse and creative range of flavors, adding a delightful culinary dimension to the wedding experience. Additionally, it accommodates those with health considerations, dietary restrictions, or medications that interact with alcohol. The visual appeal of a well-designed mocktail bar can complement the wedding’s theme and decor, enhancing the overall ambiance of the event. Moreover, it encourages responsible drinking among guests, promoting a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Couples often find that crafting unique and signature mocktails is a fun way to express their personalities and add a personal touch to their wedding. Ultimately, offering a mocktail bar alongside alcoholic beverages allows couples to cater to a broader range of guest preferences and contribute to a memorable and inclusive wedding celebration.

In recent years, there has been a trend to go alcohol free beyond “dry january” to push back against an alochol-filled cultural expectations. This may also be part of health-conscience choices. But also as budgets have tightened a cocktail bar has gotten out of budget for many – where the mocktail bar can offer a beautiful experience for a fraction of the cost. 

Whatever the reason, the mocktail bars are so cute and fun to set up!

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Before you start assembling your mocktail bar, you’ll need to plan carefully. Consider the following:

• Theme and Colors: Match your mocktail bar to the wedding theme and colors. Coordinate the drink presentations with your décor to create a cohesive look.
• Menu Selection: Choose a variety of mocktail recipes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Include options that are fruity, herbal, and even spicy to cater to different preferences.
• Ingredients and Supplies: Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for your chosen mocktail recipes. Don’t forget to gather the necessary glassware, garnishes, and equipment like blenders and shakers.

Step 2: Mocktail Menu Creation

Create a curated mocktail menu that complements your wedding theme and palate. Simple bar options could be an italian soda bar or a kombucha bar. If you are looking for something more reminiscent of their alcoholic counterparts here are a few non-alcoholic cocktails to get you started that go beyond the traditional Shirley Temple and Arnold Palmer:

• Virgin Mojito: A classic choice with fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water.
• Berry Bliss: A delightful blend of mixed berries, lemonade, and a splash of sparkling water.
• Cucumber Cooler: A refreshing mix of cucumber, elderflower syrup, and soda.
• Pineapple Paradise: Pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a squeeze of lime make for a tropical delight.
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade: Combine lavender syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water for an elegant option.

Step 3: Set Up the Mocktail Bar

On the day of the wedding, allocate a designated space for your mocktail bar. Some areas even have mobile mocktail bar that can take care of your thirsty guests for you too. Here’s how to set it up:

• Decor: Use tablecloths, flowers, and signage to create an inviting and visually appealing bar area. A bar cart could be a cute and simple area to decorate!
• Glassware: Arrange a variety of glassware for serving mocktails. Consider elegant stemmed glasses, mason jars, and decorative straws.
• Ingredients and Garnishes: Get lots of ice! And then display your ingredients neatly, and don’t forget to include a selection of garnishes like lemon and lime wedges, fresh herbs, mint leaves, and colorful berries. You may want to explore some non-alcoholic spirits to include. Other ingredients you may want to gather: ginger ale, coconut water, club soda, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, diet coke, agave syrup, fresh lemon juice, and apple cider. 
• Bartender: If you have a bartender, ensure they are well-versed in mixing mocktails and can explain the options to your guests.
• Recipe Cards: Place recipe cards or menus at the bar so guests can choose their favorite mocktail and even attempt to make it themselves.

Step 4: Enjoying the Mocktail Bar

Encourage your guests to visit the mocktail bar by making it a focal point of your wedding reception.  You can also:

• Have a “Signature Mocktail” named after the couple to make it even more special.
• Create a mocktail-making station where guests can customize their own drinks.
• Include a drink menu that offers non-alcoholic beer and wine as additional options for those who prefer them.
• Provide a selection of flavored syrups and sodas for DIY mocktail enthusiasts. Either make or assign someone to make their own simple syrup as an easy DIY!

Final Thoughts

A mocktail bar at your wedding is not just a thoughtful gesture for non-drinkers but also a fun and creative addition to your celebration. With careful planning, a well-curated menu, and an inviting setup, your mocktail bar can become a highlight of your special day. We also encourage you to take these ideas to your home bar too! We would love to hear all about your favorite favorite alcohol-free cocktails as you try different recipes. So, here’s to love, laughter, and raising a glass of delicious mocktail to toast the beginning of your beautiful journey together! Cheers!