MONEY MATTERS: Operating Mocktail Drinks Business For Profit

The mocktail drink business has been one of the thriving businesses in event, entertainment and hospitality industry that are fuelled by foods and drinks for guests or attendees at functions or patrons at events.
For people who are drink enthusiasts or want to engage in an in-demand venture, the hospitality business offers a diverse array of business and mocktail drinks, which involves the use of natural, undiluted fruit in making non-alcoholic drinks as this type of business is well-on the rise.
There exists an opportunity for anyone interested in this line of business to tap fully into it as it is fast gaining ample ground with even food vendors incorporating mocktail drinks into their services.
It is well known that non-alcoholic drinks can be something well-relished and enjoyed at events or parties. With the addition of soda and colorful fruits, mocktails can be as delicious and elegant as well. They can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
These mocktails are not like the regular packed juice which is opened and poured into a cup. These are organic fruits, well-mixed or concocted to derive a refreshing, tasty, and delicious drink that is beneficial to our bodies.
And in some cases, specially chosen ingredients like flavoured syrup are concocted to give that soothing, delicious drink.
Speaking with an experienced mixologist, Mr. Jerry Adewale, who described the mocktail as a clever play on words used to describe a non-alcoholic cocktail which is a mixed drink without liquor. Some cocktails are alcohol-free versions of real cocktails and others are original recipes.
“Making a good mocktail is not as simple as mixing random ingredients. If you want your mocktail to taste just as good as the real thing, here are a few tips to follow. Using bubbly ingredients like tonic water or ginger ale can add that feel to the drink.
“Also, adding flavoured syrups which will add complexity to the mix. Non-alcoholic bitters are a great way to improve your cocktail experience too,” he said.
However, one can make it taste like alcohol with it being a non-alcoholic drink as it involves adding a teaspoon of pickle juice which make virgin drinks taste just like alcohol. Fermented tea, and ginger also add a certain feel to non-alcoholic drinks that make them taste more like the real thing.
Here is the list of mocktails that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike;
Apple Mojito Mocktail, Pineapple ginger Mocktail, Strawberry Banana Margarita, Agbalumo Soursop Mocktail, Fruit infused Mocktail, Strawberry Mojito Mocktail, Virgin pina Colada, Gummy Bear Mocktail, among others.

Niche
Identify the target markets like relaxation centres lounge bars, Malls, Food vendors, and event management firms for familiarisation with the drink Service brand.

Business Certification
The mocktail fruit drink service can be due to the use of organic fruits in its production. Hence, you can register the business with CAC and also get NAFDAC certification to guarantee that they have met all health and safety requirements to produce a fruit drink.

Profitability
It is a profitable business as event organisers, and vendors incorporate them as well into their budget to offer their drink services.
Depending on the type of event, a Mocktail business owner with resilience and determination to make a success out of the business can make easily between N50,000 to N100,000 per event.