A mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink that mimics the presentation and complexity of a cocktail without the alcohol. They are also known as "zero proof" drinks and have been around since the earliest days of the cocktail age, appearing as "Temperance drinks" in the first American cocktail books. The word "mock" implies a facade of the alcoholic cocktail without any of the alcoholic content. Mocktails use a wide range of ingredients that cover a spectrum of flavors, with many even mimicking the taste of bourbon, gin, vermouth, bitters, and other staples in the bartenders kit. Crafting a mocktail can be nearly as complicated as making an excellently balanced alcoholic drink, with common ingredients including juices, sodas, infused waters, and many other non-alcoholic ingredients mixed in just the right ratios.

Mocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years, with alcohol-free mixed drinks growing 35% as a beverage type on the menus of bars and restaurants from 2016 to 2019 in the US. They are a great option for those who choose not to drink alcohol for personal or health-related reasons, and well-made mocktails can help create a classy, contemporary atmosphere that many restaurant owners are after. Mocktails maintain many of the delicious flavors, ingredients, and garnishes of traditional alcoholic drinks, making them ideal for social settings. Some bars and restaurants have even introduced limited-time mocktail menus for Dry January, meeting consumer demand for non-alcoholic options at a specific time of year.

In summary, a mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink that mimics the presentation and complexity of a cocktail without the alcohol. They use a wide range of ingredients and can be nearly as complicated to make as an alcoholic drink. Mocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a great option for those who choose not to drink alcohol for personal or health-related reasons.