Explore the flavorful new frontier of alcohol-free drinks during Mocktails and More, a new summer event July 21 at The Morton Arboretum. The Arboretum’s first-ever nonalcoholic beverage tasting event is in collaboration with Chicago AF, a nonprofit organization fostering the Chicago area’s sober curious social scene since 2020.
“The Arboretum hosting Mocktails and More is a cutting-edge response to a community need,” said Chicago AF founder Carrie May, a certified recovery coach and nurse practitioner. “People are more concerned with wellness and mindfulness than ever before, and they’re seeking out new ways to take care of their bodies and minds, which has extended into understanding what and why we drink.”
The 21-and-older event includes live R&B, rock and country music provided by AD3 Acoustic Trio, a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beverages from 20 innovative beverage companies in the Arboretum’s beautiful 2-acre Grand Garden. Offerings will include custom-brewed beer, wine, spirits, seltzers and mocktails with less than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). Allergens, gluten-free, vegan, and cannabidiol-infused (CBD) beverages will be noted on the event program, and vendor brand representatives will be on hand to discuss in greater detail beverage ingredients.
We wanted to provide a social event for adults looking for alternatives to alcohol, or simply wanting to try something new,” said Kate Fitzgerald, the Arboretum’s special event planner. “It’s about being inclusive to those who want to enjoy the social aspects of a tasting event without the effects of alcohol.”
Creative nonalcoholic options from local sources include Peach Hibiscus Tea mocktails from The Arboretum Store; vegan and gluten-free Sparking Mai Tai-flavored cocktail drops from Chicago-based Brella; and CBD-infused Tropical sparkling water from Pause CBD Water in Naperville. Other offerings will include gluten-reduced Juicy IPA nonalcoholic beer from Grüvi, and Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned mocktails from Spiritless, and more.
According to Chicago AF, Mocktails and More is one of the first tasting events of its kind in the Chicago region. “There are a growing number of exciting nonalcoholic drink options now available, which is changing the way people think about being able to enjoy creative drink flavors while making social connections with friends and family,” Fitzgerald said. “The variety makes it possible to host an event such as this with numerous choices from nonalcoholic beers and pre-made cocktails to botanical creations and CBD-infused drinks.”
Mocktails and More, an adults-only (age 21 and older) event, will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday evening, July 21. Tickets are $45 for Arboretum members and $50 for guests. For tickets or a complete list of participating vendors, visit mortonarb.org.