Latest news with #mocktails
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Taco Bell's latest launch isn't food . . . and it's kind of genius
Taco Bell, best known for Mexican-inspired grub like nachos and chalupas, is expanding its beverage offerings. The move, which seeks to cater to Gen Z's insatiable thirst for both energy drinks and mocktails, includes the addition of six new bubbly creations to the summer menu, with three drinks sticking around permanently. 'We're seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it's for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day,' Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global chief food innovation officer, said in a release announcing the drinks. 'So, we're making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates,' Matthews added. The new nationwide lineup includes three fruit-flavored Refrescas, two energy drinks, and one frozen offering. The brand's Refrescas are available in Strawberry Passionfruit, Dragonfruit Berry, and Mango Peach, and are set to remain on the menu post-summer. The energy drinks, which have 200 mg. of caffeine, come in Pineapple Lime or Tropical Punch Rockstar Energy® Refresca. The frozen drink, the brand's Refresca Freeze, a 'frozen take on the Refresca line-up, featuring real freeze-dried fruit pieces,' is available in Strawberry Lime flavor. Drink menus that go beyond the typical cola options are certainly becoming a hot (cold) commodity. Major beverage chains like Starbucks and Dunkin', who already served their own version of refreshers, both added energy drinks to their menus last year. And brands like Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and McDonald's have expanded beverage offerings, too. Now, Taco Bell is going 'all in' on the buzzy beverage trend. According to the latest announcement, Taco Bell says it's aiming to reach $5 billion in beverage sales alone in the next five years. The brand, which has managed to remain competitive even as fast food chains have struggled in recent years, is no stranger to evolution. It has also reimagined its in-store experience with the introduction of its Live Más Café, a barista-style concept it tested in Chula Vista, California that proved successful. Per the announcement, the brand will expand the concept to 30 more Taco Bell locations across Southern California and Texas by year's end. 'This is just the beginning of a multi-year beverage transformation, and Taco Bell is making one thing clear: bold refreshment is officially on the menu,' the announcement said.
News24
13-07-2025
- Health
- News24
Why the mocktail movement is taking over wellness culture
Gen Zs and millennials are embracing alcohol-free lifestyles as part of a broader wellness shift. Mocktails are no longer seen as substitutes – they are crafted for flavour and function. Healthy sodas are emerging as the new base for clean, flavourful drinking. There's a shift happening in how we socialise, celebrate and drink, and it's driven by a generation that's choosing consciousness over intoxication. Across South Africa and globally, Gen Zs and millennials are leading the sober-curious charge, favouring nonalcoholic mocktails over sugary cocktails or heavy drinks. And they're not just doing it for 'dry January'. From gym bags to rooftop bars, clean-label beverages are finding their place in our everyday rituals, not as compromises, but rather as upgrades. It's not about restriction; it's about balance. While previous generations equated a good time with glasses of wine and tequila shots, today's youngsters are choosing sparkling mocktails after a 5km run, sipping vitamin-infused mixers at yoga brunches and celebrating birthdays with fizz – just not the alcoholic kind. READ | On My Radar | In Bed by 9pm – how a mug of Horlicks became the new nightcap Part of this wellness-driven movement is about prioritising physical and mental health. There's a growing awareness that alcohol, while socially normalised, doesn't always serve our bodies or minds. Whether it's about clearer skin, better sleep, improved focus or simply avoiding the dreaded hangover, more people are asking a simple question: Does this still feel good? When the answer is no, mocktails offer a delicious alternative. One reason this shift has real staying power is taste. There's nothing bland or boring about what's in the glass any more. Flavour, fizz and fun are all non-negotiables and a new wave of better-for-you sodas is stepping into the spotlight. Take South Africa's own Pura, for example. It's not pretending to be an alcohol-free G&T or a faux bubbly – it's its own thing: bold, refreshing and bursting with flavour. Available in crisp combos such as Cucumber and Lime, Pomegranate, or Lemon and Elderflower, it's the kind of drink that holds its own in any glass. Supplied Supplied Light, clean and made with all-natural ingredients, it contains no artificial nasties and far less sugar than traditional sodas. This makes it an ideal base for a new kind of mocktail, one that suits the growing list of reasons people are opting out of booze, whether for a night, a month or for good. At the heart of this shift is a cultural pivot away from performative partying and towards a more present, purposeful lifestyle. Whether you're spending a Saturday at a wellness festival, working your way through a digital detox or just trying to sleep better, beverages that nourish rather than deplete are becoming a clear choice. Mocktails have also become the go-to post-run refresher and pre-Pilates hydration tool. They're not sugary sports drinks; they're crafted with intention, made for sipping slowly and, more importantly, made to make you feel good. The DIY mocktail scene is also exploding. Think the nojito with fresh mint, crushed ice, lime and Pura Cucumber and Lime. Or the Pomegranate-Rosemary Spritz, tart and aromatic, best served with feet up and sunglasses on. Then there's the Lemon and Elderflower Thyme Smash that's floral, citrusy and perfect for Sunday slow living. These aren't just drinks. They're rituals. They're the new form of social currency in spaces where alcohol no longer has to play a starring role. Supplied Even the design matters. These aren't cartoon-covered kiddie drinks. Wellness sodas such as Pura look sleek, feel premium and speak to a lifestyle that values aesthetics, health and meaning in equal measure. And for many, the shift is deeply personal. Whether you're managing your mental health, training for your next marathon or navigating a busy family schedule, having a grown-up drink option without the drawbacks can feel like a relief ... or even a quiet revolution. The mocktail movement is here to stay. It's reshaping what we bring to book clubs, what we pour into flutes at celebrations, and what we sip while journaling, meditating or just doing life. Drinks such as Pura may not call themselves a wellness drink, but it fits the bill. It's part of a bigger story – one about choosing presence over performance, clarity over chaos and balance over buzz. Because feeling good isn't just the goal any more; it's the lifestyle. And if your glass happens to be sugar-free, alcohol-free and topped with rosemary? Even better.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sober hipsters are getting their kicks this summer with unusual 'dirty soda' concoctions - as one of the UK's biggest festivals adds them to the menu
For years, an ice cold Diet Coke or can of sparkling water has been the go-to drink for anyone avoiding alcohol on a night out. But it seems people staying sober are increasingly opting for 'dirty' soda instead of a good old can of pop to add a bit of excitement while on a night out - or even the school run. This means sober people are adding pickles, cream, sweets and even jalapenos to their fizzy drinks to create a 'dirty soda' a phenomenon that started among Mormon groups in Utah and has since gone global. Dirty soda is made up of regular soft drink with flavoured syrups, juices, or fruit purees. Fans of dirty soda include Dua Lipa - who went viral for her 'pickle Diet Coke' in October - and the cast of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a hit show on Disney Plus, who have made 'soda bar' Swig in Salt Lake City world famous. Now, British Summer Time in Hyde Park which attracts nearly half a million visitors over a series of concerts each year, has launched a soda bar featuring a pickle-tini and strawberries and cream soft drink. The bar, run by American Express, the headline sponsor of BST, also includes cherry cola with cream. Gen Z and millennial Brits are more adventurous with food than other generations, according to new research by Amex with 62 per cent of Gen Zs experimenting with different flavour combinations. The AmEx menu includes (pictured): Jalapeño Spice – a zesty twist of lime soda, sweet agave and jalapeño syrup, topped with a fresh jalapeño slice Strawberries & Cream – a fresh and tangy lemon soda layered with strawberry syrup and topped with velvety glitter infused vanilla cream Pickle-tini – a bold mix of lemonade, soda, sliced pickle, and a splash of olive brine Melon Smash – refreshing melon soda meets watermelon syrup, with a swirl of lime cream or vegan foam and a lime garnish, topped with pink edible glitter Cheeky Cherry – cherry cola infused with cherry syrup and vanilla cream or vegan foam, topped with a fresh cherry The two generations are also the most likely to avoid alcohol, with a whopping 27 per cent of UK adults are now non-drinkers, according to a survey of 2,000 adults. That figure jumps to 36 per cent for under 25s, according to research by ad firm Red Brick Road. The trend is popular on both sides of the Atlantic, with the rise of the trend no doubt part down to the success of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The series, which airs on Disney Plus and Hulu, sees women living in Utah visit many of the states 'soda shops'. The LDS Church health law called the Word of Wisdom requires members to abstain from 'hot drinks' and 'strong drinks,' but they're allowed to drink caffeinated sodas. None of these ingredients break the LDS Church health guidelines, and celebrities like Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo and Lindsay Lohan have praised 'dirty sodas'. More than 3.75 million tags across social media featuring countless creative flavour combinations have appeared in recent years. The 'dirty soda' trend became popular in shops around 2010, according to Utah Tourism. Swig, Fiiz, Quench It, and Sodalicious are just some of the chains that currently sell dirty soda. Besides Utah, several soda shops are located in California, Idaho, and Arizona - three of the top four states in LDS Church population, according to its website. Dirty sodas generally are non-alcoholic drinks, as booze is forbidden according to LDS Church guidelines. Pepsi even ran a campaign advertising 'Pilk' encouraging customers to mix Pepsi and milk. Olivia Rodrigo was credited to be one of the celebrities who helped make the 'dirty soda' trend popular Last year, Dua Lipa sent fans wild after she shared her secret Diet Coke recipe. The star received a rather split reaction after she added a dash of both pickle and jalapeno juice to her diet coke. Taking to TikTok to share the strange combination she began: 'Step one, diet coke and then pickle juice, then a couple of pickles.' But it didn't stop there as the star went on to grab the container of jalapenos as she continued: 'And then some jalapeno sauce. Then a couple of jalapenos.' Whipping up the crazy concoction she realised: 'Everyone is staring at me. The lady in the back is like "What the hell is she doing?".' Giving the drink a little mix Dua's friends seemed to have varying opinions on the drink as one grimaced at the sharp pickle taste. Amex's Soda Bar appears to be the first time 'dirty soda' has officially been sold in the UK. It includes flavour pairings inspired by Gen Z's thirst for bold taste blends, including Jalapeño Spice, Pickle-tini and Watermelon Smash – exclusively available for Amex Cardmembers and their guests to purchase at The Amex Experience from Friday 27 June to Sunday 13 July The menu of sensational sodas has been curated by TikTok food creator of the year, Cripandip. Famed for her viral social videos showcasing bold and adventurous food and drink creations, Maddi Neye-Swift applied her signature culinary creativity to co-create an exciting blend of soda recipes with Amex – spanning sweet, savoury, spicy, salty and sour taste sensations. The mouth-watering soda recipes were inspired by research commissioned by Amex which revealed that sweet flavours topped Gen Z's list of favourite food groups (54 per cent ), while one in three (34 per cent) preferred spicy, with fusion flavours also making a strong showing (31 per cent). In fact, one in 10 Gen Zs would consider adding ingredients such as olives (12 per cent) or jalapenos (9 per cent), with 7 per cent opting for sliced pickles. Maddi Neye-Smith, aka Cripandip, said: 'I'm so excited to have created these bold, distinctive soda flavours – and to showcase them at The Soda Bar at The Amex Experience. I've loved embracing my creativity to come up with these fun flavour combinations with some of my favourite ingredients. I can't wait to see festivalgoers discover the menu and I hope everyone will be obsessed with the delicious flavours!' Aaron Burke, VP Marketing, Global Brand Sponsorships at American Express, said: 'We're thrilled to be back as headline sponsor for a fourth year at American Express presents BST Hyde Park. We are passionate about creating meaningful memories for our Cardmembers and music fans through immersive activations that will enhance their festival experience. Cardmembers can enjoy perks including a 5% spend discount across the festival and access to exclusive Cardmember merch lanes. This year's Amex Experience is the perfect place to make memories that will last long after the music stops, to try some new flavour combinations at the Soda Bar and to enjoy epic views of the Great Oak Stage.' London's celebrated festival, American Express presents BST Hyde Park, features a series of wold class headliners across the summer. Last week it kicked off with Olivia Rodrigo, who wowed fans by bringing out Ed Sheeran just two-days before she wowed 200,000 people at Glastonbury. Country stars Zach Bryan followed with two dates on 28 & 29 June. This Friday, American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan (4 July) will be back followed by two days of Sabrina Carpenter (5 & 6 July). Fellow Glastonbury headliner neil young and the chrome hearts will appear on the 11 July, while Stevie Wonder will wow crowds on 12 July and Jeff Lynne's ELO will close out on 13 July. Each show will feature a full day of music across three stages; The Great Oak Stage, The Rainbow Stage presented by British Airways and The Birdcage Stage. Between the weekends, Open House will return this summer for eight days of activities and free entry in the heart of Hyde Park. The Amex Experience This year, The Amex Experience invites festivalgoers to enter a vibrant house filled with extra touches designed to turn fleeting feelings into unforgettable core memories and make shared experiences even more rewarding. Key highlights of The Amex Experience include: Amex Lounge and Bar: a nostalgic throwback party space with a claw machine, a surprise-triggering 'Remote of Control', and the Drinks Cabinet Bar – adding another layer of delight to the festival refreshment experience Bag Customisation: a festival fashion lab where attendees pick out an exclusive festival crossbody bag – free for Cardmembers – and heat-press it with one of seven headliner-inspired unique patches The Garden: featuring The Mailbox, a playful prize draw station with VIP upgrades, backstage tours, as well as exclusive merch Photobooths: styled like a headliner's home studio, complete with wide-angle lens and instant printouts to take home Onsite there are also: Exclusive Cardmember Discount and Perks: Eligible Cardmembers receive 5% off all purchases site-wide at the festival4, as well as a complimentary re-usable water bottle – also available all festivalgoers during happy hours – redeemable from Amex Kiosks.5 Cardmember Merch Lane6: Music lovers looking to snap up festival merch get access to Cardmember-only lanes across merch tents sitewide.
Al Bawaba
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Splash & Sip: Your Summer Just Got Cooler in Deira
This summer, Deira gets a fruity and cool refresh. For those looking to escape the city heat with some chilled coolers, a view, and an icy sip in hand, Novotel Dubai Gold District and Mercure Dubai Deira promise to turn up the heat—and cool it down—by announcing the launch of their limited-edition summer beverage menus. Featuring a bold mix of mocktails and cocktails inspired by local flavours, it's perfect for those looking to explore a flavourful twist in a glass this for sun-soaked days, alluring rooftop views, and laid-back poolside lounging, each venue offers its own distinct vibe. At Mercure Dubai Deira, ATMOS Rooftop Lounge brings a lively rooftop pulse, while over at Novotel Dubai Gold District, the Aqua Pool Bar invites guests to cool off in style with a dip and a against the serene backdrop of Dubai Creek, these two properties are unveiling a limited-time rooftop and poolside beverage series that blends summer indulgence with cultural depth. As you step into the serenade of Deira Creek's views, guests are invited to explore bold local flavours, creative mocktails, and globally inspired sips that capture the true spirit of the Deira Meets DesignAt Mercure Dubai Deira's rooftop lounge, ATMOS Rooftop Lounge, it's not just the skyline that catches your eye. The new Sweet Summer Sips menu reads like a passport stamped with flavour: from the lemongrass goblet that riffs on calming lemongrass and basil, to the Java Stone—served in a terracotta cup with a bold blend of coriander, agave, and jalapeño brine—a nod to Dubai's spice trade Dubai Deira brings their 'Discover Local' ethos to life, delivering an immersive standout? Serenity Proson, a surreal blue-hued drink with blue pea tea and coconut water that tastes like a seaside breeze and changes colour in the light. It's as photogenic as it is Sips Include:Java Stone: A terracotta cup filled with tequila, jalapeños, coriander, and lemonSerenity Proson: Gin, blue pea tea, coconut water, and passionfruit syrupRoyal Fresher: A surprising fusion of whisky, pineapple, cucumber, and lotus bittersThe menu is thoughtfully crafted to elevate the experience into something far more artful, weaving delicious bites seamlessly into the rooftop journey. From Avocado Tattoo—a luxurious cold tapas of salmon tartare, avocado mousse, and black caviar—to Artistic Trio Crostini, a visual feast of beef bresaola, almond flakes, and avocado salsa, every dish is a celebration of flavour and form. For groups seeking something light and refreshing, the Ocean Basket for Four offers a generous spread of sashimi, sushi rolls, and nigiri. And when it comes to sweet finishes, Baked Alaska and Watermelon Fries with Cream Cheese double as palate cleansers and conversation starters. At every level, the menu reflects Mercure Dubai Deira Discover Local ethos, blending global presentation with a distinctive regional flair.A Pool Bar That Doesn't Try Too HardJust a few steps away, Novotel Dubai Gold District's Aqua Pool Bar is an oasis in motion. The pool glistens against the golden hour light as floaties bob gently and trays of mocktails arrive like postcards from drinks like Fizzy Lizard Pop (pineapple, green apple, lime) and Melon Mayhem (watermelon, basil, cucumber) come to life and are perfect to pair with the sweeping views of old Dubai. And for those seeking something one the fruity side: Strawbrrreezy, a frozen strawberry swirl, and Mango Tango Meltdown, bursting with flavours of chili and frozen mango—bring summer into a playful, unapologetically fun, and exactly the kind of place you don't expect to find tucked away in Include:Strawbrrreezy: A frozen mix of strawberries and limeMelon Mayhem (mocktail): Watermelon juice, basil, and cucumberDrip Drop (mocktail): A dreamy blend of coconut milk, pineapple, and vanillaBut it's not just the drinks doing the talking. Aqua Pool Bar's hot bites menu takes familiar comfort food and reimagines it with creativity and local inflections. Think Beef Ribs Poori, a fusion twist of slow-cooked pulled beef wrapped in crispy Indian poori, laced with grilled corn and mint yoghurt. There's also Watermelon Pizza topped with berries, feta, and pomegranate molasses, and Ebi Furai, crispy fried shrimp drizzled with spiced mayo. Even classics like the Chef's Signature Beef Burger and BBQ Chicken Nachos come with a side of flair and a panoramic not just food; it's fun on a plate. And whether you're vegan, pescatarian, or somewhere in between, there's something thoughtfully crafted for every kind of rooftop series runs only through the summer months, making it a limited-edition moment in Dubai's ever-evolving hospitality scene. It's also one of the few places where mocktails receive as much creative love as their better-known counterparts, and where the backdrop—old-world charm meets modern mixology—makes each sip feel like a new discovery. Whether you're a guest, a city-dweller in search of a different view, or a traveler with an eye for experiences that aren't just 'grammable but grounded, these rooftops offer something refreshingly rare: a reason to stay in Deira—even if just for a brief moment.
Condé Nast Traveler
26-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Nonalcoholic Wine Is Finally Having Its Moment in NYC
Come March every year, nothing about New York City feels charming to me—even the slightest train delay (looking at you, Q) sets me off, and my favorite wool coat suddenly feels like a straitjacket. This year, I happily traded that melancholy for the sandy beaches of Palm Heights, an iconic hotel on Grand Cayman. But unlike my previous early spring escapes from the city, this trip happened just weeks after finding out I was pregnant. So at the hotel restaurant, when I asked our server if I could order just the non-alcoholic bubbly in a zero-proof cocktail, he seemed confused. 'We have many drinks without alcohol,' he said, gesturing to the menu in front of me, which had six thoughtfully crafted options using various fruit juices, extracts, ginger beer, and tonic. After a bit of back and forth, my booze-free bubbly arrived, and upon signing the check, I suggested that the staff consider adding the zero-proof sparkler to the menu by itself. It was crisp, dry, and paired perfectly with my plateful of shoestring fries and Caesar salad. Rather than detracting from the carefully crafted mocktail list (as my server perhaps feared it might), the addition of the non-alcoholic wine would simply have made the menu more inclusive. Mocktails are increasingly offered at restaurants in the US, at least at the ones worth their salt. But the options for someone who can't or doesn't drink, but just really craves a glass of wine—and isn't a big cocktail drinker to begin with—are surprisingly still limited. At Gramercy Tavern, non-alcoholic wines have become so popular that the staff are increasing their supply. Maura McEvoy/Gramercy Tavern Thankfully, that seems like it is changing. A few spots in New York City are offering more nonalcoholic wine options (often abbreviated as 'N/A wines') both by the glass and bottle. At the iconic Gramercy Tavern, by-the-glass booze-free wines have become so popular that beverage director Randall Restaino recently added them to his usual bi-weekly bar ordering sheet. 'We now restock these wines weekly,' Restaino tells Condé Nast Traveler. 'I remember eight years ago, at Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, we had one guest per service asking for this. Fast forward and now at Gramercy Tavern, the N/A options are among the top ten wines sold nightly.' I visited Gramercy Tavern recently on a quiet weekday, and I nosily clocked another bar patron, who seemed to be there for post-work drinks, asking for Dr. Steinbock Fischer's Riesling Zero from Martin Hofstatter, who makes Riesling and Pinot Noir in Italy's Alto Adige region. 'He crafts real wine grapes from real terroir and then dealcoholizes them," Restaino says. "It's a real pleasure when you drink a wine with no alcohol and the flavor profile really stays the same as if it were a traditionally made wine."
