‘Mocktails’ Are On Tap At New Hampshire Bars, Restaurants

CONCORD, NH — State officials and dozens of bars and restaurants in New Hampshire are encouraging Granite Staters to mix it up a bit in January during the second annual Mocktail Month.

The NH Liquor Commission has teamed up with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, The Mocktail Project, and the eateries to feature specialty drinks that are alcohol-free — hence the term, “mocktail,” on their menus. There are also online recipes for at-home mixologists, too, linked here. Participants are encouraged to post pictures of mocktails on social media using the hashtag #nhmocktailmonth and tagging “@themocktailproject” and “@nhliquorwine” at the same time.

Joseph Mollica, the chairman of the commission, called the partnership with Old Forester and The Mocktail Project to be a positive one.

“For six years, NHLC has collaborated with Brown-Forman and its brands to promote responsible consumption and service of alcohol,” he said. “Encouraging a safe drinking environment for consumers is of the utmost importance to both our organizations. We are looking forward to the second New Hampshire Mocktail Month as a creative and interactive way to help build a more inclusive drinking culture in the Granite State.”

The Mocktail Project was launched by Jesse Hawkins in 2017 as an effort to create a safer, stigma-free drinking culture.

“Since working with NHLC and Old Forester, The Mocktail Project has received immense support throughout New Hampshire,” he said. “The demand for delicious and creative alcohol-free options continues to grow, and New Hampshire Mocktail Month is a great example of how a more inclusive drinking culture can be embraced.”

Restaurants and bars in Patch communities include Buffalo Wild Wings in Concord and Nashua; Casey Magee’s Irish Pub & Music Hall in Nashua; The Common Man in Concord, Merrimack, and Windham; Logan’s Run Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Hampton; Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua; Tandy's Pub & Grille in Concord; The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern in Concord; The Draft Sports Bar and Grill in Concord; and The Shanty Family Tavern in Portsmouth.

Other establishments include The Common Man in Ashland, Claremont, and Lincoln; The Flannel Tavern in Chichester; the Ellacoya Barn and Grill in Gilford; Jamison’s in Hampstead; the Lakehouse Tavern in Hopkinton; the New England Tap House Grille in Hooksett; 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Angel City Music Hall, Buffalo Wild Wings, Industry East Bar, La Carreta, North End Bistro, Shopper’s Pub, and The Crown Tavern, all of Manchester; and Reed’s North in Warner.

Some of the eateries created their own specialized mocktails before even becoming involved.

900 Degrees, as an example, offers a Blueberry Lavender Lemonade — made with organic blueberry lavender juice, lemonade, and a lemon wedge. The Ellacoya added the Spicy Cranberry Smash to their menu — made with jalapeno juice, lime juice, orange juice, cranberry puree, ginger beer, and lime and lemon wedges.

Leah Kelly, the manager of Global Alcohol Responsibility at Brown-Forman said the company was “deeply committed to alcohol responsibility” and Mocktail Month was a great way to promote a responsible drinking culture.

“Each day, Americans are increasingly choosing not to consume alcohol, and it’s important they have alcohol-free alternatives available to help them make mindful choices,” she said.

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