Payne & Gunter’s ultimate guide to non-alcoholic cocktails
Non-alcoholic drinking is no longer a seasonal experiment reserved for January. Today, non-alcoholic cocktails are part of modern hosting, expected at luxury events and embraced across generations. Guests want drinks that feel as considered as the occasion itself, with flavour, depth and theatre built into every glass.
At Payne & Gunter, we approach alcohol-free cocktails with the same creative intent as every element of our catering. Working with Tin & Glass, our beverage partners for events, we craft menus that reflect the setting, guest profile and atmosphere. This guide explores what makes no and low-alcohol cocktails feel truly premium, and the key considerations behind curating the perfect offering for every occasion.
Designed for the day
The most memorable drinks menus are designed with intention. A summer garden party calls for bright, refreshing serves, while evening celebrations lend themselves to shorter drinks with a refined finish. The key is ensuring that alcohol-free cocktails feel as bespoke as the rest of the bar. “We tailor the menu to each event and client’s requirements,” says Alex. At Payne & Gunter events, that tailoring extends across every detail, from ingredients and glassware to garnishes and service style. Guests choosing non-alcoholic cocktails should feel they are receiving a deliberate choice, crafted with the same precision as any signature serve.
Complexity without compromise
Alcohol is not the only way to create structure and depth in a cocktail. Today’s mixologists are working with a world of ingredients that bring balance, texture and complexity without alcohol content. This is no longer a simplified category, but a craft in its own right.
When executed well, alcohol-free cocktails should feel exciting and elevated, rather than like substitutes. “There are a multitude of options available to mixologists these days that impart flavour without any alcohol content such as certain bitters brands, syrups and purees, and even ingredients that offer characteristics such as smoke, umami and depth,” says Alex. Non-alcoholic spirits also bring a premium backbone to modern menus, supporting drinks with the aromatics and finish that guests expect.
A signature serve to sip
If a guest tries only one alcohol-free cocktail, Alex recommends Tin & Glass’s signature Cucumber & Elderflower Sour, which reflects everything modern non-alcoholic and low-alcohol cocktails do best. It is bright, clean and beautifully balanced.
“The non-alcoholic option uses Tanqueray 0.0 as its base ’spirit’. A wonderful balance of clean cucumber, sharp lime juice and sweet elderflower cordial.”
From bright brunches to midnight martinis
The best drinks menus respond to the flow of an event. Daytime occasions naturally call for long drinks that feel refreshing and light, while evening settings allow for shorter, more structured serves. When curated well, the menu feels like a natural extension of the occasion itself.
“Day-part is a huge driver,” says Alex. “For example, during the day, no or low-alcohol long drinks would be the basis of a menu, whereas in the evening, shorter drinks such as martini-style cocktails or old-fashioneds would take a more central seat.”
A considered complement to the menu
Cocktails can play a powerful role alongside food, particularly when used to enhance starters and desserts. The key is choosing flavours that complement the dish, rather than competing with wine. When curated thoughtfully, alcohol-free cocktails can bring contrast, freshness, and depth to the dining experience.
“The role of cocktails with food is primarily a pairing with starters and desserts... A refreshing Tom Collins served with a fresh seafood starter, and a short Cherry & Chocolate Rum Old Fashioned with a dessert would be two great examples of incorporating non-alcoholic cocktails into an evening meal’s menu.”
Elevate your next occasion
We’ve been crafting unforgettable experiences since 1786. If you’d like your next occasion to be defined by refined cocktails, contact our team.
