Non-alcoholic beverages or no-alcohol drinks have become a trend also in Germany in recent years, giving rise to many exciting beverage innovations. It has long ceased to be just a matter of replacing classic beverages such as beer with non-alcoholic variants: Those who want to meet the demands of today's guests should offer a wider selection of non-alcoholic options with varied flavor sensations on their drinks menu.
Especially in summer, enjoying a cool drink on the restaurant terrace or in the beer garden is very popular. Whether as an aperitif before dinner, as a sundowner, or to accompany dinner – we present five ideas for refreshing summer drinks without alcohol.
Drinks without alcohol are on the rise
Consuming alcoholic beverages is firmly anchored in society and, for many people, is part of a pleasant visit to a restaurant. However, apart from the taste and the pleasant intoxicating effect, alcohol is known to have predominantly negative effects on the body. This is why around one-third of all people in Germany now decide not to consume alcoholic beverages or limit their consumption to a maximum of once a week.
It is not without reason that new alcohol-free drinks are constantly coming onto the market, and the demand for non-alcoholic beverages is also growing steadily in the gastronomy sector. The new trend of going out and enjoying without regrets, also known as "liquid evolution," spans all age groups, but has a particular focus on the younger generation. By adding diverse non-alcoholic beverages to the menu, restaurateurs are responding to their guests' desire for a healthier lifestyle.
These 5 non-alcoholic summer drinks are the trend in 2022
We present five summer drinks without alcohol that will look good on your menu in summer 2022:
1. Non-alcoholic wheat beer Hugo
Non-alcoholic beer is one of the most popular drinks without alcohol. Especially in summer, some guests like to enjoy a non-alcoholic wheat beer. It tastes even more refreshing and exciting in combination with the classic drink Hugo – we show you how easy it is to prepare.
To make the non-alcoholic wheat beer Hugo, start by adding a few ice cubes, two centiliters of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and one and a half tablespoons of elderflower syrup to a large beer tulip or white wine glass. Now stir everything, pour on non-alcoholic wheat beer and garnish the foam with a small bunch of mint – cheers!
2. Non-alcoholic Riesling mojito
Riesling is one of the most popular wines in Germany. Meanwhile, it is also available in the alcohol-free variant – an optimal mix base for the non-alcoholic Mojito.
To do this, fill a large wine or Copa glass with a few ice cubes and a third of homemade, slightly sweet lemonade. Then add the juice of half a lime and sweeten with a little sugar or mint syrup if desired. Stir everything and add the non-alcoholic Riesling. Finally, garnish with some mint and serve with a sustainable glass straw.
3. Non-alcoholic sangria
Sangria, the fruity classic from Spain, can be served either individually in a glass or for several people in a decanter. The flavorful mixed wine drink without alcohol is ideal as an aperitif or fruity companion to summer dishes.
To prepare the non-alcoholic sangria, first prepare the fruit. To do this, slice a few oranges and a lime with peel, chop a few nectarines or peaches, apples, pears, as well as a honeydew melon, also peel the peel of a lemon in a spiral. Then squeeze the juice of the lemon into a large decanter, add plenty of ice cubes, half a liter of orange juice, a teaspoon of cinnamon and all the fruit and the lemon zest. In the last step infuse with a bottle of non-alcoholic red wine. The sangria can equally be served in the white variation with white wine – always a delicious non-alcoholic summer drink.
4. Non-alcoholic gin and tonic
Gin and tonic is one of the most popular long drinks. Now, it can be enjoyed without any alcohol at all, because there are already many non-alcoholic distillates that come close to gin in terms of taste. For that little extra touch, you can offer your guests a selection of different tonic waters ranging from classic to spicy or dry.
For the non-alcoholic gin and tonic, simply add ice cubes and four to five centiliters of non-alcoholic distillate to a highball glass and top with tonic water. Arrange with a sprig of rosemary and lemon zest and serve as a tasty summer drink.
5. Non-alcoholic martini
A cool martini is a classic summer aperitif. For some time now, martini has also been available in the non-alcoholic alternatives Vibrante and Floreale, which offer the characteristic flavor combination of bitterness, spiciness and sweetness. The non-alcoholic martinis can be served pure, on ice – or as a martini tonic as well as a martini summer drink.
The non-alcoholic martini and tonic requires five to six centiliters of Martini Vibrante, which is poured into a highball glass with ice cubes along with one centiliter of orange juice. Then just top up with fruity tonic water and garnish with some lemon zest.
For the non-alcoholic martini summer drink, mix six to seven centiliters of Martini Floreale with two to three centiliters of naturally cloudy apple juice and ice cubes in a highball glass. Then top up with sparkling water and garnish with a slice of lemon or apple – cheers!
