Socializing Well: The Mocktail Movement That’s Redefining Nightlife

The way we gather is changing. Quietly but steadily, a new kind of social life is taking shape—one that’s less about drinking and more about feeling good. Think reading parties instead of loud bar nights, early morning dance parties fueled by coffee and joy, or a beautifully crafted mocktail instead of another round of drinks.

It’s not about abstaining for the sake of it. It’s about choosing connection, creativity, and clarity—whether for a night or a season. And people are responding.

Recent data shows alcohol consumption is steadily declining, especially among younger generations. A Gallup poll revealed that only 62% of adults under 35 drink alcohol—down from 72% two decades ago. At the same time, the market for non-alcoholic beverages is booming, with over 60 million new global buyers in the past two years alone. The “sober curious” mindset is shifting from a fringe movement to a mainstream lifestyle choice.

This isn’t a rejection of celebration—it’s a redefinition.

At Loopwell, a first of its kind of well-being social club based in Montclair, NJ, this shift is front and center. They’ve just launched their own mocktail bar—an intimate, design-forward space that serves up botanically inspired drinks meant to elevate your night, not dull it. Their first event? A jazz speakeasy, featuring local talent and a menu of refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails, served under candlelight.

It’s part of a growing movement that doesn’t ask you to give anything up—it simply invites you to try something different. To meet someone new in a space that’s not too loud to hear them. To move your body, or sit still, or listen deeply. Loopwell is building that space—a place where wellness and social life don’t sit at odds, but blend seamlessly.

And this fall, they’ll keep it going. Friday nights at the Loopwell mocktail bar will become a regular rhythm: a welcoming, low-pressure gathering spot that reimagines what it means to go out. No judgment if you also love your Friday martini or Sunday wine night—this is just another way in. A space for both/and.

Across the country, people are carving out new ways to connect. Some through alcohol-free events, others through experiences centered around movement, learning, music, or shared stillness. There’s no one formula—just a growing desire for something more nourishing. Something slower. Something real. Loopwell is creating space for exactly that—and welcoming everyone in.