Host a Zero-Proof Party With These Pro Tips

Not long ago, passing up alcohol at a restaurant or bar often meant ordering an uninspired club soda, maybe with a splash of cranberry juice or a twist of lime. But as the percentage of drinkers continues to decline, the options for abstainers abound.

Nowadays, nonalcoholic restaurant and bar menus are flourishing, crafted with the same thought and care that goes into traditional drink menus — with housemade syrups, fresh herbs and spices, and a growing list of ready-made spirit-free options.

Take inspiration from these inclusive restaurant pioneers for your next at-home gathering. The beauty of throwing a party sans alcohol is that you can “celebrate more and socialize more,” says Morten Lee Sørensen, founder of Denmark-based ISH Spirits. “We all know how much we need human interaction, and we all remember how it feels to be deprived from it — so a nonalcoholic [party] is a great way to get people together for some mindful connection.”

The good news is that there’s never been a better time to do it. From pre-batched signature drinks to thoughtful food pairings, these expert-approved strategies will guarantee your next gathering includes plenty of conversation and connection — no alcohol required. Read on for pro tips on how to host a buzzy, spirit-free party.

Sweeten strategically

Balance is key for making a more sophisticated non-alcoholic drink. “When planning your alcohol-free party, remember that overly sweet drinks, like sodas and fruit juices, can be unpleasant and are often avoided by health-conscious guests,” says Stephen Rowe of Dario in Minneapolis. Instead of reaching for conventional sugary mixers, Rowe suggests a more nuanced approach. “If you want to add sweetness, try lightly sweetening refreshing ingredients like cucumber or peeled lemongrass,” he says. This creates complex, layered flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Stock ready-to-drink cocktails

Pre-made nonalcoholic options have evolved in recent years, offering convenience without compromising quality. “A good tip is to buy some pre-mixed cocktails and serve them up in nice glassware with a bit of garnish flair,” says Sørensen. “It looks great, tastes even better, and your guests can help themselves, which means more time for you to actually enjoy the party.” For specific recommendations, Ariel Arce, partner at Leonessa, the new rooftop aperitivo bar at the Conrad New York Downtown, has a few favorites. “Right now I'm loving Ghia Ginger,” she says. “And for someone looking for an N/A cocktail, the phony Negroni honestly is a perfect alternative.”

Pre-batch your own cocktails

Creating your own signature nonalcoholic concoctions adds a personal touch to your gathering while streamlining service. Rowe shares an insider approach. “You can also prepare large batches of nonalcoholic cocktails, like our favorite at Dario: a steeped Cedar tea combined with Lapo’s (a nonalcoholic aperitif), lemon juice, water, and sweetener. We call it the 757.” Pre-batching lets hosts craft complex, thoughtfully balanced drinks in advance, ensuring consistent quality throughout the event while freeing up time to mix with guests rather than playing bartender all night.

Go beyond wine pairings

Food and beverage pairings aren’t exclusive to wine. “At dinner, don't feel stuck with just wine pairings — have some fun with it,” says Sørensen, who suggests icy Palomas with quesadillas or a bitter Spritz to go with Italian charcuterie. This way, each course feels intentional. “When dinner winds down, a good kombucha makes a great digestif,” he says. If you still want to stick with the classics, though, there are options. “For a more traditional experience, you can also offer dealcoholized wines,” says Rowe.

When in doubt, pop the sparklers

Effervescence adds instant celebration to any gathering, making sparkling options a must-have for alcohol-free entertaining. “My favorite things to have around are a selection of sparkling beverages that can be crushed all night long,” says Arce. “Topochico, Saratoga, and Perrier are my favorites — also the Something & Nothing yuzu or cucumber sodas are the things dreams are made of.” For additional versatility, Sørensen suggests nonalcoholic beer. “It can be quite filling, and paired with snacks, will help keep your guests satisfied,” he says.