Mindful drinking is reshaping how bartenders think about flavour, structure and creativity behind the bar. The 2025 Australian Bartender of the Year, Tanguy Charbonnet, explores the rise of refined non-alcoholic serves and why great drinks don’t need alcohol to deliver complexity or occasion.
Words by Tanguy Charbonnet
The world is changing, and it is changing fast. Shifting consumer trends and the rapid advancement of technology have created new areas of expertise and transformed everyday habits. Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example, is one of the most influential technologies shaping our future. Yet, despite its capabilities, one thing it cannot do is create truly great drinks. And as we know, with great drinks comes great responsibility.
Many industry experts point to Generation Z as the driving force behind the demand for healthier lifestyles and reduced alcohol consumption. However, without falling into stereotypes, I believe this shift extends far beyond younger generations. Consumers of all ages are becoming more mindful of their drinking habits and are increasingly seeking balanced, health-conscious alternatives.
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights this changing landscape. In 2023–24, 217.1 million litres of pure alcohol were available for consumption in Australia, representing a 3.7 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. Per capita alcohol availability also fell from 10.5 litres to 9.8 litres, equivalent to approximately five fewer bottles of red wine per person annually. The most significant decline was seen in spirits, with a 6.3 per cent reduction in alcohol volume available for consumption, reversing a trend of growth that had continued since 2014-15.
Australia’s drinking culture continues to evolve, with moderation becoming increasingly accepted and embraced. Research commissioned by DrinkWise found that 96 per cent of drinkers practice at least one moderation behaviour, whether by limiting their alcohol intake when driving, choosing alcohol-free alternatives, or alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout an occasion.
Around the world, bars are responding to this growing demand by offering their signature cocktails in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms, demonstrating that flavour, creativity, and hospitality are no longer defined by alcohol alone.
It is important for our industry to understand that healthier options extend beyond alcohol-free wine and beer. Low-ABV cocktails, alcohol-free spirits, and sophisticated mocktails offer exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation. These alternatives allow us to rethink what makes a great drink, creating beverages that are complex, balanced, and memorable while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s consumers.
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