In a city that thrives on culture, wellness, and visual experiences, Los Angeles hosts face a new dilemma in 2025: do you go with a classic cocktail bar or switch it up with a full Cocktails vs. Mocktails experience?

The answer? Both—strategically.

From weddings to brand launches, Party Shakers is seeing a shift in how bars are designed and drinks are served. It’s no longer about just alcohol or no alcohol—it’s about creating an experience that’s intentional, inclusive, and memorable for every guest.

Let’s break down the pros, the use cases, and how you can choose the right direction for your next LA event.

Cocktails: Always in Style, Always a Crowd-Pleaser

Signature cocktails continue to dominate the LA event scene, especially when custom-designed and beautifully served. From spicy mezcal margaritas in Venice to espresso martinis on a West Hollywood rooftop, craft cocktails anchor the energy of your event.

Why Hosts Still Love Cocktails:

  • They bring the buzz—literally and socially
  • Guests expect them, especially at weddings or evening events
  • There’s room for flavor creativity and visual drama
  • Pairing with food is easy and elegant
  • They encourage mingling and loosen up the vibe

At Party Shakers, our cocktail menus are:

  • Custom-designed with couples or hosts
  • Tailored to the venue, vibe, and season
  • Styled with branded signage, floral garnishes, or custom names

Cocktails still own the center of most parties—but they don’t own the whole experience anymore.

Mocktails: The Sophisticated Rise of Zero-Proof Culture

In 2025, it’s not just sober guests ordering mocktails. Health-conscious millennials, Gen Z trendsetters, pregnant guests, and even seasoned drinkers are all opting for intentional, alcohol-free choices that still feel luxurious.

Why Mocktails Are Winning in LA:

  • LA’s wellness culture favors lower alcohol intake
  • Guests want inclusion—no one wants to be left out
  • Great mocktails are photogenic and flavorful
  • They work well for any time of day
  • They’re perfect for baby showers, corporate events, and hybrid bars

Party Shakers designs mocktails like:

  • The Rose Fizz – Hibiscus tea, rose syrup, lemon, soda
  • Garden & Tonic Zero – Cucumber, mint, tonic, floral essence
  • Spiced Citrus Smash – Orange, chili, ginger, lemon, soda
  • Matcha Mojito – Mint, lime, matcha, honey (optional CBD infusion)

And yes—we can serve mocktails in martini glasses with the same garnishes as cocktails, so no one feels like they’re sipping the “lesser” option.

Hybrid Bars: Cocktails vs. Mocktails Merged

More and more LA hosts are choosing to run parallel cocktail + mocktail stations, or offer a shared menu where each drink can be made with or without alcohol.

This gives guests agency and comfort, without forcing anyone to “opt out.”

Examples of Hybrid Menus We’ve Served:

  • “Cali Heat” – Tequila + jalapeño or non-alcoholic tequila alt
  • “Lavender Lemon Drop” – With or without vodka
  • “Sunset Spritz” – Aperol or botanical bitterless base
  • “Nojito” – With white rum or totally dry

Hybrid bars work especially well at:

  • Weddings (diverse guest ages)
  • Corporate mixers (daytime events)
  • Wellness retreats or sober-curious parties
  • Brunch events in Beverly Hills or Malibu

When to Go Full Cocktail

Choose a cocktail-only setup if your event is:

  • Evening-focused or black-tie
  • Primarily adult guests who expect a full bar
  • Centered around celebration, dancing, or indulgence

In these cases, signature cocktails set the tone. Party Shakers will help you build a menu that balances sweet, bold, and sessionable drinks so your guests stay happy—and standing.

When to Go Full Mocktail

A full mocktail setup is perfect for mobile coffee bars and:

  • Daytime wellness events
  • Pregnancy-centered celebrations (baby showers, gender reveals)
  • Dry weddings or recovery-friendly events
  • Corporate functions requiring alertness

External Trend Confirmation Of Cocktails vs. Mocktails

According to AFD (Alcohol-Free Drinks) Market Watch, the zero-proof beverage market has grown 240% since 2021, and Los Angeles ranks as the #2 U.S. market for mocktail demand—especially among guests aged 25–40.

Final Thoughts On Cocktails vs. Mocktails

In 2025, the question isn’t “should I serve cocktails or mocktails?” The real question is:
How do I give every guest a drink that fits their moment, their lifestyle, and their taste?

Party Shakers helps you create that with:

  • Signature cocktails
  • Elevated mocktails
  • Hybrid menus
  • Fully staffed and styled bar stations for any vibe

Contact us now to design the perfect drink experience for your next LA event—whatever that looks like.