Gen Z mostly goes for flavorsome mocktails, coffee, and other non-alcoholic functional seltzers to serve their drinking habits instead of alcohol. That’s right. Drinking for Gen Z is no longer only tied to alcohol. We mean, isn’t it obvious? Most of you must have scrolled through social media, spotting the aesthetics of iced lattes and the beautiful greens of matcha. This generation likes to flex their flavor-forward, easy-to-sip drinks, which are flexible enough to fit everything from casual hangouts to low-key nights in.
There are rising ‘GRWM’ trends on Instagram, and then there are modern-day drinking rituals, redefining the beverage industry. And Gen Z has surely flipped the side! Changing the default setting of sipping alcoholic beverages, it is expanding the menu. And while doing so, it intends to choose drinks that feel intentional rather than automatic.
So if your focus also lies on the benefits more than the buzz, let’s see what the sober-curious side of this generation has led to being the popular choices:
Popular Drinking Choices of Gen Z over Alcohol
Preferring to fill their bar carts with cold brews over tequila shots, the youngest legal drinkers are turning drinks into daily delicacies. And these mostly include:
Coffee and Tea
Iced coffee, matcha lattes, or simply black, with endless options, coffee for Gen Z, is definitely more than a modern-day drink; it’s turned into a ritual.
Boba Tea
A Gen Z drinker or not, this one is a glass that will catch your attention nonetheless! With all the visual appeal, boba has become a ‘ I need to click a picture with this one’ social sip as much as a beverage. And the mix-and-match format also fits Gen Z’s preference for personalization.
Kombucha
The fizzy texture and slightly tangy taste make Kombucha feel closer to an adult beverage, appealing to those looking for an alcohol-like experience without the downsides of the booze.
Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Alcohol-free cocktails, those are mocktails and spirit alternatives, allow Gen Z to participate in social rituals without alcohol, especially if you are in a group setting.
Sparkling Water & Flavored Seltzers
Amidst this generation, sparkling drinks that are fruity or come in botanical flavors are among the most common replacements for alcohol. The carbonation and clean finish of these seltzers might make them feel elevated.
Wellness & Functional Drinks
Beverages with added functional ingredients, such as Kava, appeal to Gen Z’s interest in drinks that do more than just taste good, and that is, they do good.
Upgraded Juices
Cold-pressed, blended, or layered juices feel more intentional than traditional juice and often replace cocktails in casual settings.
Why These Drinks Appeal More Than Alcohol?
Having seen the list, you must have already figured out how alcohol isn’t being replaced because something is missing, but it’s being replaced because something else fits better. For Gen Z, the appeal of these drinks goes beyond just skipping alcohol:
- Having a sober-curious mindset, Gen Z drinkers are mindful and prefer options that don’t revolve around intoxication.
- These drinks, with their flavor profiles, presentation, and overall potion energy, promise you an experience over a buzz.
- The rise of functional beverages among Gen Z has surfaced alcohol as an option, and not a centerpiece. Why? Because of the functional benefits these drinks offer.
- These visually interesting drinks play well with the social media culture, being fancy and fitting, they fulfill the aesthetics and the social appeal!
- Gen Z values choice, and alcohol tends to define the experience; these alternatives don’t. No anticipation of a single vibe locked in for your drinking session.
- These drinks let you be social without pressure as they remove the expectation to keep up or drink more.
- These beverages allow better alignment with daily routines and Gen Z being more fluid, likes that, to blend work, social life, rest, and creativity.
- Unlike alcohol, drinks like Kombucha and Boba tea fit in at any time of the day.
FAQs
What is Gen Z’s favorite non alcoholic drink?
Flavored sparkling water and functional seltzers are among the most common choices due to their taste, convenience, and social appeal.
Why does Gen Z prefer seltzers over alcohol?
Gen Z is ditching booze for the best non alcoholic seltzers, because these seltzers offer fizz without the fuzz, and flavor without intoxication, making them easy to enjoy.
Are mocktails popular with Gen Z?
Yes. Mocktails allow Gen Z to participate socially while choosing alcohol-free options.
Does Gen Z still drink alcohol at all?
Some do, but alcohol is no longer their default choice. It’s limited to situations and individual selections.
What does Gen Z drink instead of alcohol?
Common alternatives include seltzers, coffee, tea, Kombucha, energy drinks, mocktails, and functional beverages from reliable outlets like Mitra9.
What is Gen Z doing instead of binge drinking?
Probably binge watching! They’re choosing drinks that fit their routines and aid them in socializing, relaxing, or staying productive, minus the alcohol.
Why do ready-to-sip seltzers work for Gen Z?
Ready-to-sip seltzers keep up with Gen Z, as they are easy to grab, good-looking, and made for life on the move. They don’t slow you down but travel with you, easily from errands to hangouts without missing a beat.
