The increase in alcohol-free consumers has compelled bars to think innovatively and create alternatives that uphold the taste.
Isaac Gamboni, the dedicated manager at the Broken Lantern, has been leading the bar's response to this industry shift.
"Drinking culture in New Zealand has always been a tough topic," said Gamboni.
"A growing non-alcoholic market could have a profound cultural effect, and I am all for that."
Isaac Gamboni
Gamboni has been working at the Ponsonby bar for 16 months, witnessing firsthand the ever-changing trends within the nightlife industry. He considers the Broken Lantern a cocktail pub, where you can get anything from a pint and a burger to a round of well-made martinis.
When asked about the current climate of non-alcoholic beverages, Gamboni discussed how the primary issue is that alternatives are often too sweet or incredibly bland.
"We have three mocktails on the menu and a couple of others we can create if needed," he explained.
"None of the options are a sugary mess with some carbonation; they are more complex and offer other flavour choices that soft drinks can't deliver."
The Broken Lantern has made a wide array of bespoke syrups, shrubs, and infusions that are used across its menu to control flavour profiles and sweetness. The team regularly tastes and alters these syrups and shrugs, changing the flavours to perfection.
He spoke positively about the shift in consumer needs and the rise in non-alcoholic trends. With a drastic increase in mocktails and alcohol-free beverages over the last five years, a new wave of zero-percent beer, wine and cocktails has taken over the industry.
"I think more and more people are feeling okay about going out and not drinking alcohol," said Gamboni.
"Regarding flavours, I think juicy tropical fruits and some zero percent hazy beers are in the limelight."
When asked what his favourite non-alcoholic drink at The Broken Lantern was, Gamboni highly recommended a Strawberry Fields. It is a balanced mix of house-made strawberry and vanilla grenadine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and tonic water, served in a wine glass. The slight tang, mixed with the sweetness of strawberry, is the perfect combination.
In addition to this, Gamboni highlighted the growing market for zero percent spirits and the potential they have for customers who still enjoy the taste of alcohol but don't want to experience the symptoms. Although The Broken Lantern doesn't offer them at this stage, Gamboni hopes to see that change soon.
Moving forward, The Broken Lantern will focus on a new menu launch that will bring new flavours and mocktails, offering great substitutes for the alcohol-free community.
Read more about Dry July here.
