Whether a customer is the designated sober driver or has remained firm on their alcohol-free journey, Caretaker offers a unique and enjoyable experience. With no traditional menu, all of the drinks are created based on the customer's ideal flavour profile.
Brad Power, bar manager at the New York-style cocktail lounge Caretaker, has accumulated a vast knowledge of flavour combinations and ability to make something for everyone.
From a range of delicious mocktails to sparkling water, Power has enjoyed creating alcohol-free alternatives for everyone.
Brad Power
Instead of substituting alcohol for faux spirits in a mocktail, Caretaker use fresh-pressed juices, which add extra flavour and natural sugars and vitamins.
"Our mocktails tend to have the same flavour profiles as cocktails, going from fruity and refreshing to savoury and spicy if that's what you are after," said Power.
"They differ from standard soft drinks because each drink has been carefully crafted and made for you based on what flavours you are craving."
The bartending industry constantly changes, with new trends and flavours emerging each season. To stand out, the team at Caretaker is constantly seeking out new seasonal fruits or innovations that can give its mocktails that competitive edge.
"Mocktails are generally better for you and won't leave you feeling rough the next day," he said.
"The more people see what can be done with mocktails, the more they'll be ordered from bars."
With mocktails and other alcohol-free alternatives rising in popularity, distillers and breweries have sought out innovations for sober communities. Power listed the rise in zero-alcohol spirits, specifically amaro, as a critical innovation he is excited to see develop.
In anticipation of Dry July, Power expressed an interest in expanding Caretaker's alcohol-free offerings and the potential of incorporating spirit substitutes into the mocktail menu.
"Getting spirit substitutes is definitely being spoken about, so we can explore different avenues with our non-alcoholic options," he said.
Caretaker's ability to adapt to fit consumer preferences has created a well-loved, inclusive and pleasurable bar.
Read more Dry July features here.
