Latest news with #mocktails
Top Gear
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The Microlino ‘Spiaggina' is a windowless, drop-top quadricycle that costs £21k
The Microlino 'Spiaggina' is a windowless, drop-top quadricycle that costs £21k Beach special also does 110 miles of range and a top speed of 56mph. Is this the perfect summer travel companion? Skip 11 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 11 Microlino, maker of adorable electric quadricycles, is beginning production of the new range-topping 'Spiaggina' version it unveiled last year, which is all about hot summer nights and mocktails by the beach. For starters, the Spiaggina loses the rear and side windows, and the canvas roof can be rolled up or removed entirely, so there's nothing but the windscreen and the car's frame around you. Colour choices include 'Portofino Blue' or 'Sardinia Sage' as previewed above. Advertisement - Page continues below Those leather seats are made from the sort of vegan leather used frequently in sailing yachts, finished in a two-tone paint. They're moisture-resistant too - ideal for masking any mocktail-related accidents. The Spiaggina will be offered in mid-range spec by default, which means a 10.5kWh battery and up to 110 miles of juice, regained entirely within four hours at a home socket. This version will even hit 56mph thanks to its 17bhp e-motor. Microlino is also debuting a new 'Cool and Connect' package, which brings a more modernised climate control system, a smartphone holder and a Bluetooth speaker. This upgrade can be applied to both mid and long-range models. So yes, you can spec your Spiaggina with it. No word on how much the Cool and Connect will cost, but we do know the Spiaggina could be yours from €24,990 (£21,377). Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Globe and Mail
Five ready-made, non-alcohol drinks to enjoy for a refreshing summer
If you're being mindful about how much you're drinking this summer, one of the best ways to surf the urge for a cold bevvy is to find a non-alcoholic alternative. This category has grown rapidly over the years, and hundreds of options are available for every occasion or desire. You might experience sticker shock at the high price of cocktails without booze in them – whether on a menu or shelf – but there is a good reason for that cost: Zero-proof drinks require innovation and more ingredients, according to Valérian Roy, co-founder at non-alcoholic spirits distiller HP Juniper. 'Crafting a high-quality spirit without alcohol as a flavour carrier means we must rely on a more complex blend of botanicals, aromatics and natural extracts to deliver the same depth, structure and satisfaction,' Roy said. More Canadians are skipping booze – forcing cities to adapt their nightlife If you're reaching for something at home, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to experiment is to go for a canned non-alcoholic drink. Here are some refreshing choices to try this summer that are worth the cost. Pro tip: Don't drink these straight from the can. Find some ice and a nice glass for a better experience. The zero-proof gin and tonic is one summer drink you can count on to be a reasonable facsimile of the real thing. The catch is a lot of canned gin and tonic mocktails are available and not all of them are good. One of the best options you can find in Canada is a hidden gem. NOROI Brise Glace Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic is made in Quebec and has notes of bright citrus, juniper and a little bit of gentle heat emulating the real thing. Brise Glace Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic (Canada), $12.99/four-pack at There's something magical about margaritas, and drinking zero-proof doesn't mean you have to miss out on the salty smoky lime combo we all love. If you want to mix up a great mockarita, one of the very best non-alcoholic tequilas available is the made-in-Canada HP Agave. If you're more interested in opening something easy, the most exciting option is Parch Drinks Co. Parch has created a line of non-alcoholic margarita-style drinks using desert botanicals such as blue agave and packed full of lime and smoky heat. The Desert Margarita is a classic margarita flavour, while the Spiced Piñarita is like a juicy, fiery pineapple mezcalita. Parch Spiced Piñarita (U.S.), $24/four-pack at Nothing says summer like sitting on a bistro patio with an Aperol spritz. Fortunately, a lot of restaurants have opted into the mocktail trend with this iconic drink, creating bespoke in-house syrups and elixirs to dupe the bitter candied-orange aperitif flavour. For at home, my long-time favourite is from ISH Spirits, a Danish company that harnesses its non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a bitter aperitif together to create a bottled spritz. The resulting drink is not overly sweet, with fun bubbles and that classic Italian Riviera vibe. The bottle is 750 ml and serves four or five, so just open it, pour over ice and maybe add a slice of orange for some vitamin C. Cin cin! ISH Spritz (Denmark), $19.95/bottle at Non-alcoholic wine options are getting better and better. If you don't want to risk trying a full bottle of non-alcoholic wine, a great way to dip your toe in is to try the 250 ml cans of Cognato Chenin Blanc. Cognato is a non-alcoholic wine brand from South Africa and its wines are all made with grapes from low-yield vines in the coastal regions of South Africa. Its Chenin Blanc is bright and fresh with a hint of minerality and tart acidity, and it doesn't taste like grape juice. Cognato Chenin Blanc (South Africa), $8/can (two servings) at Try something fresh from In Good Company, a new female-founded Canadian drink line from the West Coast producing a line of functional mocktails with summer cocktail tastes. The Key Lime Mango Mojito is a flavour bomb you'll want to have on repeat, and the Watermelon Tajin Marg mocktail is like a Jolly Rancher in a can. All four of their drinks are low-sugar, have prebiotic ACV in them and include a hit of low-dose caffeine to give you a boost. In Good Company (Canada), $25/four-pack at
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Future Of Festivals: Authentic, Sustainable, And Gen Z-Driven
For festival organizers, failing to cater to Gen Z means overlooking a rapidly growing consumer base with rising disposable income and a clear preference for values-based consumption. Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z is a digitally native, socially conscious group that prioritizes authenticity, sustainability, and purpose-driven experiences. Representing roughly 25% of the global population, Gen Z is on track to become the largest and wealthiest generation by 2030, with an estimated global spending power of $12 trillion. For festival organizers, failing to cater to this influential demographic means overlooking a rapidly growing consumer base with rising disposable income and a clear preference for values-based consumption. Compared to previous generations, Gen Z is significantly reducing meat consumption, driven by health, environmental, and ethical considerations. In fact, around 61% are willing to eat less meat, increasingly opting for plant-based or hybrid alternatives that align with their sustainability values. Their alcohol consumption habits are also shifting. At live events, Gen Z drinks approximately 25% less alcohol than Millennials and older cohorts, favoring alcohol-free options and sophisticated mocktails instead. To meet these evolving preferences, festival planners must implement advanced demand forecasting and inventory planning solutions—such as AI-driven predictive analytics—to stock appropriate quantities of vegan food, non-alcoholic drinks, and locally sourced products, all while minimizing waste. Circular inventory systems for reusable infrastructure further support zero-waste goals. Key Benefits: For Generation Z, sustainability is a core expectation—not a bonus. Research shows that 73% of Gen Z would boycott events with poor environmental practices, making transparency and measurable impact essential. Organizers can turn to technology platforms that monitor real-time ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics—such as carbon emissions, waste levels, and water use. These tools enable festivals to track progress toward net-zero goals and communicate these efforts directly to attendees through apps or wearable devices, building trust with eco-conscious participants. Key Benefits: Gen Z expects events to reflect their values—not just in programming but in partnerships. As such, festivals must collaborate with vendors who meet clear standards for sustainability, ethical labor, and local sourcing. Digital supplier platforms can streamline this process, allowing organizers to vet, score, and onboard partners based on certifications and compliance. The result is a transparent, trustworthy supply chain that aligns with attendee expectations. Key Benefits: Generation Z is redefining the festival experience. Their preferences for sustainability, plant-based diets, low- or no-alcohol consumption, and ethical sourcing are prompting organizers to reevaluate long-standing models. By embracing advanced planning tools, real-time environmental tracking, and transparent vendor partnerships, festivals can deliver experiences that resonate with this powerful demographic—ensuring cultural relevance, audience loyalty, and long-term viability in a changing market. If you'd like to learn more, check out the comprehensive paper 'The Importance of AI in Supply Chain and Operations.'
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The new 'zebra-striping' trend that's changing your favorite restaurants' menus
Young Americans are going wild for the 'zebra-striping' trend, and restaurants and bars are having to adapt their menus. Popular among Gen Z, the trend involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - hence the name inspired by the black and white pattern of a zebra's stripes. Chains like Applebee's and Buffalo Wild Wings are known for offering can't-miss drink deals, and Chili's has been dubbed by some as America's margarita king. However, an abundance of beer and cocktails has slowly become a thing of the past in the eyes of restaurant goers. About 48 percent of alcohol drinkers are actively choosing to drink less, according to IWSR, a global leader in beverage alcohol data. And a study conducted by Restaurant Business' sister brand Technomic showed that among guests who had recently ordered a drink from a bar, 30 percent reported they'd also ordered a non-alcoholic alternative. Restaurants are taking note. Mentions of mocktails on menus are up 37.4 percent since 2019, including a 9.6 percent jump last year alone, according to Technomic. Participants ages 18 to 34 were the ones who were most interested in drinks with zero alcohol, but older consumers were not far behind them. Drinkers may occasionally enjoy Bloody Marys or Mimosas during brunch. Daytime hours are usually when people can find diners paring their alcohol with regular drinks. 'Gen Z and younger millennials are most likely to engage in both alcohol and non-alcohol bar drinks during the same restaurant occasion — to a significant degree — and mocktails/alcohol-free cocktails are the top items paired with beverage alcohol,' said Robert Byrne, senior director, consumer research at Technomic. 'Everything is expensive in the current inflationary environment, but that is likely a small part of the reason behind the trend.' 'I would suggest it is a combination of increased interest in moderation as an important component of an overall healthy lifestyle and experience-seeking behavior,' Byrne added. Barry Thomas, senior global thought leader for Kantar, believes cultural shifts leaning towards a 'sober-curious mindset' is the biggest reason for the change. 'In my generation, Gen X, you'd often say you were going out for a night to forget. Well, not Gen Z. It's about having a night to remember,' Thomas told The Food Institute. Places famous for drink deals like On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Hooters filed for bankruptcy this year. However, significant menu shakeups could increase their chances of restaurants' survival. Gen Z restaurant goers may appreciate a new drinks menu that include various non-alcoholic beverages. Mocktails, designed to mimic alcoholic drinks, can help provide a shakeup to a menu suitable for guests looking to enjoy their night. Businesses can also offer different brunch, lunch, and happy hour deals at certain times during the day, with a twist. A possible drink special restaurants can offer would require guests to purchase a mocktail or hand-pressed juice to get an alcoholic beverage for 50 percent off. Both of those beverages could also be paired with food, making it easier for customers to be aware of their surroundings. Diners can also skip the restaurant and mix alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages on flights. According to Byrne, travelers who pair beer and non-alcoholic beer together can have a unique experience while capitalizing on the current trend.
Wall Street Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Mocktails Cost $15 and Nobody Knows Why
Clara Choi gets a funny feeling from the drinks she sips when she goes out with friends. The fruity, brightly colored concoctions typically incorporate juices and syrups. They contain no alcohol, but they still make Choi wince and leave her with a different kind of hangover.
