Mocktail Parties Are Trending On TikTok – Here’s How To Host One

Once an afterthought on menus, mocktails are finally having their time in the limelight as the sober-curious movement continues to soar. And now they’re at the centre of a new TikTok trend, which sees people throwing dedicated mocktail parties for their friends – with searches for the term having soared by 240 percent on the platform in the past month. But how can you ensure your alcohol-free bonanza is as fun as its boozy counterpart? Here drinks expert Daisy Cole from no/low drinks retailer Dry Drinker has shared her top tips for hosting the ultimate mocktail party (plus don’t miss these recipe ideas).

How To Host A Mocktail Party

Serve An Arrival Drink

There’s nothing like being greeted with a drink as soon as you arrive at a party, and you don’t need alcohol to set the mood. ‘First impressions are crucial,’ says Daisy. ‘An arrival drink makes guests feel relaxed and welcomed. Offering an alcohol-free sparkling wine or spritz at the start of the evening ensures everyone has something delicious in hand from the moment they arrive.’

Focus On Presentation

When people are knocking back cocktails like there’s no tomorrow, often the small details get missed. But with everyone sober, there’ll be much more appreciation for your handiwork, so hone in on beautiful presentation, says Daisy. ‘You can easily elevate your drinks with a few final additions. Simple touches like fresh garnishes (citrus twists, herbs, even edible flowers) make a big difference. Serve drinks over ice – possibly shaped with fancy ice cube trays. Another popular hack is to place some garnishes in the water before you freeze it.’ Serving a batch of drinks on a pretty tray can be a nice touch, too.

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Choose Your Glasses Carefully

The right glass can transform a drink, and the same applies to non-alcoholic tipples. Serve a mocktail in a coupe for a chic upgrade, suggests Daisy, or an alcohol-free beer in a chilled craft glass. ‘If you thoughtfully present the drinks you serve, you’re signalling that the no/low drink is just as important as any other on the menu. It’s not just about taste – it’s about the whole experience for your guests.’

@simplelifeofsunshine More Mocktail Station inspo! #mocktail #drinks #party #partytime ♬ Get Lower – Steve Aoki & Lil Jon

Create A Drinks Station

Add a fun element to your mocktail party by setting up a drinks station where people can get involved in making their own concoctions. ‘A drinks station is the heart of a social gathering; it adds an interactive element by encouraging guests to explore different flavours,’ says Daisy. Not only can it look aesthetically pleasing, it’s a great way to get people chatting. ‘Set up a stylish space with elegant glassware, fresh garnishes, and an ice bucket for any chilled options you serve.’ To take things to the next level, you could even bring in a theme: how about a wintery aprés ski party featuring coffees ‘spiked’ with no-alcohol whisky? Or a Mediterranean lunch with alcohol-free Aperols? 

Add Food Pairings

Food and drink pairings don’t only apply to wine: non-alcoholic drinks can also complement dishes well. ‘A fresh sparkling wine alternative enhances seafood and creamy cheeses, while an alcohol-free red pairs well with rich dishes like roasted meats or mushrooms,’ Daisy notes. ‘Non-alcoholic beers work with everything from foods cooked on the barbecue to sushi. As a rule of thumb, match the intensity: lighter drinks pair with delicate flavours and bolder options with heartier dishes.’