.png)
An increasing number of people have switched to a vegan diet in recent years. Because of that, there’s a rising demand for vegan products, including vegan drinks. This led many owners and managers in the restaurant industry to work on their beverage programs and add a lot more options.
From specialty coffee drinks with plant-based milks to vegan wine - there are many options you can add to your restaurant menu. In previous articles, we’ve discussed how to use vegan milk in some classic cocktail recipes and how to build a great menu.
However, we’ve paid a lot of attention to vegan drinks with different types of alcohol, while there are some great vegan non-alcoholic drinks to discuss as well. Keep reading if you want to find out more about the non-alcoholic beverages you can serve at your vegan or vegan-friendly restaurant.
Why Add Vegan Non-Alcoholic Drinks to a Restaurant Menu?
Vegan products, as already mentioned, are gaining popularity and if you want to run a successful restaurant, you should serve some vegan dishes, as well as vegan drinks. These drinks can be great cocktails or some popular or unique mocktails.
The alcohol-free cocktails, also known as mocktails, are not the only vegan non-alcoholic drinks to serve. There are various options that will satisfy both vegan/vegetarian customers, as well as people who have lactose intolerance, allergies, or other health-related issues.
Let’s dive deeper into why vegan non-alcoholic beverages should be a part of the year-round, as well as seasonal menu and even brunch menu of your restaurant.
Key Takeaway: There’s a large variety of vegan non-alcoholic drinks you can serve at your restaurants. The number of benefits for the business are also a significant number that’s not to be underestimated.
Cater to a Diverse Customer Base
By offering vegan non-alcoholic drinks, you can accommodate the preferences and dietary needs of a broader range of customers. This includes vegans, vegetarians, those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, and customers who choose to abstain from alcohol. Every restaurant surely gets such customers, so this is a great way to improve customer experience.
Accommodate Designated Drivers and Non-Drinkers
Many customers may prefer non-alcoholic options for various reasons, including being the designated drivers for the night or personal preference. Offering a variety of vegan non-alcoholic drinks ensures that these customers can still enjoy cool and delicious beverages while dining at your restaurant. A great vegan non-alcoholic beverage can make your restaurant worth the D-tour, just like a Michelin Star restaurant!
Enhance the Dining Experience
A well-curated selection of vegan non-alcoholic drinks can enhance the overall dining experience for your customers. It shows that you've put thought and effort into providing a diverse range of beverage choices that complement your food menu, providing a more comprehensive and satisfying experience. Customer satisfaction will increase when you offer great food and beverage pairings for vegan or gluten and lactose-free diets. Learn more about non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks and consider serving them.
Differentiate Your Restaurant
Incorporating vegan non-alcoholic drinks can set your restaurant apart from others in the area. It shows that you are attentive to changing customer needs and preferences. Adding vegan non-alcoholic beverages to the menu is also something you can use in your restaurant marketing campaigns. This will show people how your place is different from the rest!
Increase Revenue Potential
Offering a diverse range of vegan non-alcoholic drinks can attract new customers who specifically seek out vegan options or non-alcoholic beverages. This expanded customer base can lead to increased revenue and customer loyalty.
Align with Sustainable and Ethical Values
An increasing number of people are looking for ways to dine and shop more ethically. By introducing vegan alcohol-free drinks with ethically and locally-sourced ingredients, you will provide options for the people who share the same values.
Showcase Creativity and Innovation
Developing unique and flavorful vegan non-alcoholic drinks can showcase your creativity and innovation. It allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations, ingredients, and presentation styles, providing a memorable experience for your customers. If you need some help with that, you should turn to a mixologist and create signature drinks that perfectly fit your restaurant’s concept.
What Types of Vegan Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Serve
Now that we’ve discussed all of the really good reasons why you need vegan non-alcoholic drinks on your menu, let’s see what exactly you can serve!
Mocktails
Create a selection of mocktails that are creative, flavorful, and beautifully garnished. Don’t underestimate the power of good glassware, too! Use a combination of fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and non-alcoholic mixers to create unique mocktails.
Freshly Squeezed Juices
Offer a range of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. Provide options like orange juice, apple juice, pineapple juice, or combinations like a green juice with kale, spinach, cucumber, and lemon. You can also create juice blends or offer made-to-order juice options.
Specialty Iced Teas
Serve a selection of iced teas with unique flavors. Offer classics like iced black tea, iced green tea, or herbal iced teas with flavors like hibiscus, chamomile, or mint. Experiment with fruit-infused iced teas or add natural sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia.
Flavored Lemonades
Offer options like strawberry lemonade, raspberry lemonade, or mint-infused lemonade. Consider adding fun garnishes or serving them in unique glassware to enhance the look. People enjoy tasty drinks even more when they look beautiful!
Crafted Soda or Sparkling Water
Provide a selection of craft sodas or flavored sparkling water as a refreshing option. Look for brands that use natural flavors and sweeteners.
Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine
Include non-alcoholic beer and wine options for those who want a beverage that mimics the taste and experience of alcoholic options. Look for brands that produce non-alcoholic versions of popular beers and wines without the use of any animal products or byproducts.
Specialty Coffee and Tea
Serve a variety of specialty coffees and teas using plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Offer different brewing methods (like cold brew coffee) and flavors to cater to different coffee and tea enthusiasts. Matcha tea is also something to consider adding to the menu and using it in different ways to create unique drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you still have something questions to ask about vegan non-alcoholic drinks, you may find the answers in the following paragraphs. Let’s see what people commonly ask on the topic!
Is Alcohol Not Vegan?
Some types of alcohol are vegan, while others are not. It all depends on the production of the specific product. While some alcohol types do not include animal products, such products have been using in the production process.
If animal products have been used in some way to create the liquor, the beverage is not considered vegan. Products that are surely made without the use of animal products and byproducts are typically marked. Restaurant owners should do the same in their menus.
What Type of Sweetener Can I Use in Vegan Drinks?
Stevia is the sweetener to use for any vegan alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Stevia is a natural product from the leaves of the herb Stevia Rebaudiana. It’s used to add sweetness to both food and beverages.
Can Vegans Drink Coffee?
Black coffee is an entirely vegan beverage. Only if cow’s milk is added to it or different sweeteners it can become non-vegan.
As a restaurant manager or owner, you should offer plant-based milks as alternatives to cow’s milk so you can serve clients who have different dietary needs and preferences.