51% of younger Canadians look for non-alcoholic drinks when going out

As the holiday season approaches and people head out to celebrate with friends, a new report finds more young people want non-alcohol options at bars and clubs.

New data from the online reservation service, OpenTable, suggests that more people are  looking for mocktails.

One-in-five Canadians choose cocktails as their alcoholic drink of choice but one-third (33 per cent) are likely to seek out restaurants with a diverse cocktail/ mocktail menu.

And it appears many of those looking for non-alcoholic options are Gen Z (those born in the late 1990s to early 2010s).

More than half (51 per cent) of younger Canadians say it is important for restaurants to offer mocktail options as broad as their cocktail options, compared to 38 per cent of the population at large, according to OpenTable.

This follows similar research from Canada and around the world that is finding young people don’t drink as much as previous generations.

A 2020 report from Berenberg Research found Gen Z drinks 20 per cent less alcohol per capita than Millennials. And Millennials are drinking less than both Gen X and Baby Boomers.

It also follows the January 2023 Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health for 0 drinks a week as it brings many benefits such as better health and sleep. Drinking three to six drinks a week increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.

Those looking for creative cocktail and mocktail options will find more out there now.

Photo: Airam Dato-on

“Handcrafted Cocktails” tags in diner reviews in September 2023, rose from two per cent of total Canadian reviews to 11 per cent year-over-year, according to OpenTable.

“There is a cocktail renaissance happening in Canada, and it is impacting how Canadians choose a meal out – one-third say they are likely to seek out restaurants with a diverse cocktail/mocktail menu,” said Matt Davis, country director, OpenTable Canada.

“I continue to be amazed at how creative our restaurant partners are in elevating both cocktail and mocktail offerings, and OpenTable is proud to partner with some of the most exceptional restaurants and bars in the industry.”

Many venues are adding mocktails including BarChef in Toronto.

In addition to cocktails, “…mocktails have also seen an increase in guest expectations, which we’ve addressed through the addition of a non-alcoholic menu at BarChef,” said Frankie Solarik, owner and CEO of Toronto’s BarChef.