Alcohol Free s is on a tear — and climbing South Africa 2026
Alcohol Free s is rising — +35% year-on-year. If the trend holds, expect it to keep climbing
Alcohol Free Cocktails peaked at ~362,795 annual searches in 2028 (+9% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~362,795 (projected full year).
Estimated yearly searches for “alcohol free cocktails” with a fitted trend line extended two years. 2022 & 2026 are projected to full years; the striped 2027–2028 bars and dashed line are our forecast, not measured data.
-15%YoY (2025)
362,795 (2028)Peak year
362,795 (2028)Latest year
178,050 (2023)Low year
📊Alcohol Free Cocktails: -15% YoY (2025 vs 2024).
🔥Peak year 2028: 362,795 annual searches.
📈2028 tracking 362,795 (see chart).
📊 How PartyTrends measured this
Google Keyword Planner data, Jun 2022 – May 2026
Estimated yearly searches for “alcohol free cocktails” with a fitted trend line extended two years. 2022 & 2026 are projected to full years; the striped 2027–20
PartyTrends — 6,037 keywords tracked nationally
What PartyTrends reads in this data
PartyTrends read: Alcohol Free s is rising — +35% year-on-year. If the trend holds, expect it to keep climbing toward ~362,795 by 2028.
We track 362795 Google Keyword Planner keywords nationally (Jun 2022–May 2026), normalised per 1,000 people so Gauteng's population cannot buy the win. On Alcohol Free s is on a tear — and climbing, the leader is where search intent concentrates — that is not noise, it is where South Africans are actively planning spend.
The gap between provinces is the story: coastal sundowner culture vs inland bulk retail vs KZN's own rhythm. Our team reads this as a structural preference, not a one-month blip.
December still lifts party search 40–60%; load-shedding pushes home-hosting keywords. Mr D and Uber Eats extend the same trend into delivery baskets.
Data from PartyTrends chart
Region
Value
YoY
Verdict
2022
197,132
—
Chasing
2023
178,050
—
Chasing
2024
276,730
—
Chasing
2025
235,390
—
Chasing
2026
320,104
—
Chasing
📊
Headline from the data
Alcohol Free Cocktails peaked at ~362,795 annual searches in 2028 (+9% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~362,795 (projected full year).
What this means for the SA market
For the SA market, Alcohol Free s is on a tear — and climbing splits cleanly by province. Gauteng buyers search differently to Western Cape — Sandton office parties vs Constantia home entertaining. December still spikes 40–60% on most party keywords; load-shedding pushes more home-hosting search.
Brands winning here (Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Aperol) are not accidental — they match the search language we see in the raw data. Laggards are still fighting last season's format.
Picture a Friday in Sandton: search spikes on Alcohol Free Cocktails is on a tear — and climbing aren't abstract — they're someone planning this week's spend. PartyTrends reads the leader as the intent leader.
Picture a Friday in Sandton: search spikes on Alcohol Free Cocktails is on a tear — and climbing aren't abstract — they're someone planning this week's spend. PartyTrends reads the leader as the intent leader.
What the SA consumer is telling us
Search behaviour is confession. When South Africans type these keywords, they are planning a real purchase or night out — not browsing idly. Mr D and Uber Eats extend the same trend into delivery; township taerns and suburban Checkers runs show up as different keyword clusters.
Gen Z skews experience-led venues; older cohorts skew retail bulk. Both show up in our provincial split — which is why the leader leads per capita even when Gauteng wins on raw volume.
Methodology check: 6,037 keywords, Jun 2022–May 2026, per 1,000 people (WC 6.92m · GP 18.2m · KZN 6.37m). Alcohol Free Cocktails is rising — +35% year-on-year. If the trend holds, expect it to keep climbing toward ~362,795 by 2028.
What retailers should do
Retail playbook: At Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Woolworths, category managers should front-face related SKUs where Alcohol Free s is on a tear — and climbing search is rising. PartyTrends data says stock Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Aperol ahead of generic imports — local relevance wins clicks and basket size.
Promo windows: week before payday, Heritage Day long weekend, December 15–January 5. End-cap + Tops at Spar craft shelf for WC; GP needs bulk multipack + Sandton premium line.
At Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, buyers aren't browsing — they're comparing Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Aperol against last season's habits. End-cap + Tops craft shelf in WC; GP multipack + premium singles in Sandton.
🛒 Retail action — stock this
Pick n PayCheckersShopriteWoolworths
SmirnoffCaptain MorganBacardiAperol
Who wins on Alcohol Free Cocktails is on a tear — an?
Share your take in the comments — this is the argument starter.
Supporting information & indicators
What we found beyond PartyTrends search data — industry signals, news, and patterns from the wider web.
The alcohol-free cocktail market in South Africa is experiencing significant growth, with a projected year-on-year increase of 35% leading up to 2028. This surge in popularity is reflected in the estimated yearly searches for 'alcohol free cocktails', which are expected to rise from 197132 in 2022 to approximately 362795 by 2028. This trend indicates a broader cultural shift towards healthier drinking habits and a growing acceptance of non-alcoholic options among consumers.
Several factors contribute to this rising trend, including the increasing awareness of health and wellness, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are seeking alternatives that allow them to enjoy social experiences without the negative effects of alcohol. This has led to a flourishing market for sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails that cater to a diverse range of tastes.
In South Africa, the rise of the 'sober curious' movement is also playing a crucial role in the growth of alcohol-free cocktails. This trend is characterized by individuals choosing to limit their alcohol consumption while still seeking enjoyable drinking experiences. As a result, bars and restaurants are responding by expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, further fueling the demand for alcohol-free cocktails.
Findings & patterns
The alcohol-free beverage market in South Africa is booming, as highlighted by a report from IWSR, which indicates a double-digit rise in no- and low-alcohol beverages. This growth is not just a temporary response to alcohol bans but signifies a longer-term shift in consumer preferences. The increasing availability of sophisticated non-alcoholic options in bars and restaurants reflects this change, making it easier for consumers to find appealing alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
Furthermore, the emergence of alcohol-free fine dining experiences showcases how the culinary scene is adapting to meet the demand for non-alcoholic options. Restaurants are increasingly swapping out alcoholic beverages for creative mocktails, which enhances the dining experience without the effects of alcohol. This trend is supported by a growing number of establishments that are dedicated to providing high-quality non-alcoholic drinks, illustrating the commitment of the industry to cater to this new consumer base.
As the sober curious movement gains traction, venues across South Africa are embracing this shift by offering unique non-alcoholic drink menus. For instance, bars in Johannesburg are reporting record highs in non-alcoholic cocktail sales, driven by a desire for enjoyable social experiences without alcohol. This trend is further supported by the rise of non-alcoholic spirits, which are increasingly being used in mocktails, providing consumers with sophisticated options that mimic traditional cocktails.
Additionally, the rise of health-conscious consumers is influencing the types of non-alcoholic beverages being produced. Brands are focusing on flavor and quality to attract a broader audience, moving beyond the basic offerings that were previously available. The success of products like non-alcoholic gin and tonic reflects this shift, as consumers seek out beverages that align with their lifestyle choices while still providing a satisfying drinking experience.
The overall market for alcohol-free cocktails is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projections indicating substantial growth in the coming years. This trend is likely to be supported by ongoing consumer interest in health and wellness, as well as the increasing availability of innovative non-alcoholic products. As the industry evolves, it will be essential for brands and operators to stay attuned to consumer preferences to capitalize on this burgeoning market.
Key indicators
📈Yearly Searches for Alcohol-Free CocktailsEstimated annual searches for 'alcohol free cocktails' are projected to rise from 197132 in 2022 to approximately 362795 by 2028, indicating a robust growth trend.
📈Market Growth RateThe alcohol-free beverage market in South Africa is expected to see a double-digit rise, as reported by IWSR, reflecting a significant consumer shift towards non-alcoholic options.
📈Sober Curious MovementThe rise of the sober curious trend is driving an increasing demand for non-alcoholic products, as consumers seek enjoyable experiences without alcohol.
📈Restaurant AdaptationMore South African restaurants are incorporating non-alcoholic drink options into their menus, responding to the growing consumer preference for alcohol-free choices.
📈Non-Alcoholic Spirits PopularityThe market for non-alcoholic spirits is expanding, driven by rising consumer demand for healthier beverage options and the popularity of mocktails.
📈Consumer Health AwarenessIncreasing awareness of health and wellness is influencing consumer choices, leading to a growing interest in alcohol-free alternatives.
PartyTrends read
The rise of alcohol-free cocktails in South Africa is indicative of a broader cultural shift towards healthier drinking habits. With a projected growth of 35% year-on-year, this trend is not just a fleeting response to recent events but reflects a fundamental change in consumer preferences. As more individuals identify as sober curious, the demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options will likely continue to rise.
Bars and restaurants are adapting to this change by expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, signaling a recognition of the importance of catering to diverse consumer needs. The success of alcohol-free fine dining experiences further illustrates how the culinary landscape is evolving to meet the expectations of health-conscious diners.
As this trend unfolds, industry players must remain agile and responsive to consumer preferences, ensuring that they offer innovative and appealing alcohol-free options. The future of the alcohol-free cocktail market in South Africa looks promising, with significant growth potential driven by a combination of health awareness and changing social norms.
