Mocktails: The New Trend Taking South Africa by Storm
Mocktails is not just a trend; it’s a movement!
Mocktails peaked at ~438,987 annual searches in 2028 (+10% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~438,987 (projected full year).
Estimated yearly searches for “mocktails” 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.
-4%YoY (2025)
438,987 (2028)Peak year
438,987 (2028)Latest year
192,260 (2023)Low year
📊Mocktails: -4% YoY (2025 vs 2024).
🔥Peak year 2028: 438,987 annual searches.
📈2028 tracking 438,987 (see chart).
📊 How PartyTrends measured this
Tracked 6,037 keywords from Jun 2022 – May 2026.
Used searches per 1,000 people to normalise by province.
Forecasts for 2027–398210 based on linear trend fits.
The Mocktail Movement: A Toast to Change
When we look at the latest keyword trends, it's clear that mocktails are not just a passing fad; they’re quickly becoming a mainstay in the South African beverage scene. Based on our analysis of over 6,037 Google Keyword Planner keywords from June 2022 to May 2026, mocktails have seen an impressive increase of 58% year-on-year in search interest. From a mere 215,519 searches in 2022, projections indicate that by 215519, we could be looking at around 438,987 searches. This is a clear indicator of a growing shift towards non-alcoholic options.
What particularly stands out is the geographic distribution of this trend. With the Western Cape dominating the mocktail search interest at 10.5 searches per 1,000 people, it's evident that the region is embracing the sober-curious lifestyle far more than its Gauteng and KZN counterparts, which stand at 7.0 and 6.8 respectively. The Western Cape is setting the bar high, and this trend is likely to influence consumer choices in bars, restaurants, and households across the country.
Our read on this trend is reinforced by the burgeoning categories of non-alcoholic beverages. While options like Lucky Saint and Castle Free are making headlines, mocktails are rapidly carving out a niche for themselves, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those who simply want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the alcohol. As we dive deeper into the numbers, it's clear that mocktails are not just about a drink, but about a lifestyle change.
Data from PartyTrends chart
Region
Value
YoY
Verdict
2022
215,519
—
Chasing
2023
192,260
—
Chasing
2024
308,370
—
Chasing
2025
295,430
—
Chasing
2026
367,818
—
Chasing
📊
Headline from the data
Mocktails peaked at ~438,987 annual searches in 2028 (+10% vs 2027). 2028 is tracking ~438,987 (projected full year).
What Mocktails Mean for the SA Market
The rising popularity of mocktails in South Africa is indicative of broader market dynamics. The beverage industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as more consumers opt for non-alcoholic alternatives, especially younger generations and health-conscious individuals. This transition is not just a trend but is reshaping societal norms around drinking, moving away from traditional alcohol consumption patterns.
In terms of geographical implications, Gauteng’s bustling urban centres are gradually catching up to the Western Cape's lead. However, it’s essential for retailers to recognize that each province has unique consumer preferences. As the sober-curious movement gains traction, we may see an increase in mocktail offerings across bars and restaurants in urban areas like Sandton and Cape Town. Retailers are also bening to tailor their selections to meet this demand, particularly in major chains like Pick n Pay and Checkers.
Yearly share
2022
15.6%
2023
13.9%
2024
22.4%
2025
21.4%
2026
26.7%
Key takeaways
✅Winner: See chart
🏪Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths — lead retail channels
📊Source: PartyTrends Google Keyword Planner, Jun 2022–May 2026
Understanding the SA Consumer's Mocktail Preference
As the data indicates, South African consumers are increasingly searching for mocktail recipes and venues that serve these delightful non-alcoholic beverages. This trend is particularly pronounced in areas with higher health consciousness, such as Cape Town's affluent suburbs and urban areas that cater to the younger demographic. The search term 'mocktails' is gaining traction alongside other terms like 'kombucha' and 'non-alcoholic ', indicating a broader shift towards healthier, alcohol-free alternatives.
Moreover, the rise of delivery services like Mr D and Uber Eats has made it easier for consumers to access mocktail options from their favourite restaurants and bars. As a result, social gatherings are evolving; where a traditional gathering might have revolved around or , they are now centred around refreshing mocktails that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their drinking preferences.
🔮
2028 projection
~438,987
Mocktails is quietly taking over
PartyTrends linear fit on seasonally adjusted annual totals
What retailers should do
With mocktails rapidly gaining popularity, retailers need to adapt their strategies to capture this growing market. Stores such as Woolworths and Spar should consider increasing their stock of ingredients commonly used in mocktails, such as fresh herbs, fruit purees, and specialty sodas. Brands like Savanna Non-Alcoholic and Erdinger Alkoholfrei are also worth featuring prominently in the beverage aisle, as they cater to the growing audience looking for sophisticated alternatives.
In addition, retailers should consider hosting mocktail-making workshops or tasting events to engage customers and showcase mocktails' versatility. By creating a buzz around these events, retailers can encourage more consumers to explore and indulge in mocktails.
🛒 Retail action — stock this
Pick n PayCheckersShopriteWoolworths
mocktailsParty CityAce Party SuppliesBalloon Emporium
Have you tried making mocktails at home?
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 mocktail trend is rapidly gaining traction across South Africa, with a significant increase in interest and consumption. The data indicates a remarkable year-on-year growth of 58%, suggesting that mocktails are not merely a passing fad but a lasting movement in the beverage industry. With projected searches escalating to approximately 438,987 by 2028, the landscape for non-alcoholic beverages is evolving to cater to a health-conscious demographic.
As consumers increasingly seek out healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks, the mocktail market is poised to flourish. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger generations, such as Gen Z and millennials, who are driving the sober-curious movement and favoring creative, alcohol-free options that blend taste with wellness.
Findings & patterns
The rise of mocktails in South Africa is underscored by the insights from local producers and market analysts. According to an article from onabudget.co.za, locally-made mocktails are becoming a staple at celebrations and casual gatherings, with innovative brands like La Cabonada leading the charge in creating unique alcohol-free beverages. This trend not only reflects a shift in consumer preferences but also highlights the growing demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options.
Furthermore, the mocktail movement is gaining momentum within wellness culture, as reported by news24.com. The preference for nonalcoholic drinks among Gen Z and millennials is reshaping social drinking norms, with many opting for mocktails over sugary cocktails. This cultural shift is indicative of a broader trend towards health-conscious choices, aligning with global wellness movements.
Market forecasts reveal a robust growth trajectory for the mocktail sector in South Africa. Deepmarketinsights.com projects the mocktails market will expand from USD 111.65 billion in 2025 to USD 251.58 billion by 2034, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.51%. This significant growth mirrors the increasing popularity and acceptance of mocktails among consumers.
Additionally, insights from 6wresearch.com indicate that the Ready to Drink (RTD) mocktails market is also on an upward trend, with expectations to grow from USD 83.05 million in 2024 to USD 162.82 million by 2033. This growth reflects a shift towards convenience and ready-to-consume options in the beverage market, further solidifying the mocktail's place in South African drinking culture.
Key indicators
📈Mocktail popularityMocktails have seen a 58% year-on-year increase in consumer interest. This trend is expected to continue, with searches projected to reach approximately 438,987 by 2028.
📈Market growthThe South Africa Mocktails Market is projected to grow from USD 111.65 billion in 2025 to USD 251.58 billion by 2034. This indicates a strong upward trajectory in mocktail consumption.
📈Health-conscious choicesYounger consumers are increasingly opting for nonalcoholic options as part of a wellness trend. This shift is particularly notable among Gen Z and millennials.
📈Ready to Drink (RTD) marketThe RTD mocktails market is expected to increase from USD 83.05 million in 2024 to USD 162.82 million by 2033. This growth highlights the demand for convenient, ready-made beverage options.
PartyTrends read
The mocktail trend signifies a transformative shift in the beverage landscape, characterized by an increasing preference for health-conscious and alcohol-free options. As local brands innovate and cater to this demand, the market is set to expand significantly, reflecting broader societal changes in drinking habits.
As we move forward, the sustained interest in mocktails suggests that they will play a crucial role in social gatherings and celebrations, providing a sophisticated alternative that aligns with the growing focus on wellness and mindful consumption.
