Few Thanksgiving drinks stir debate quite like mocktails. Nearly 49% of Americans now prefer nonalcoholic options at the holiday table, while reports say mocktail interest has jumped nine points since 2022. Some see it as a refreshing and inclusive shift, while others argue it risks watering down one of the season’s most cherished traditions.
Is this shift a health-driven necessity, a cultural reset or just a passing trend? The reasons why more hosts are pouring mocktails this Thanksgiving reveal a deeper transformation in how we celebrate.
How big is the shift?
Nonalcoholic drinks are quickly moving from niche to mainstream. The latest Nielsen data shows that sales of zero-proof spirits jumped by 22% year over year, and sales are on pace to exceed $1 billion by the end of 2025. A Decem

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