The number of non-drinkers in the U.S. is far from small. In cities like San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Detroit, for example, more than 10% of residents identify as non-alcoholic drinkers.
But that doesn’t mean they avoid bars. Many still enjoy a night out. They just get creative with their mocktail orders.
Still, according to one bartender, while she’s more than willing to accommodate, some requests just can’t be pulled off.
Bartender Says There Are Limits To Mocktails
TikTok creator @rendregia, who works as a bartender, posted a video explaining one request that sent her over the edge. Her video has over 11,700 views.
“Today I had a server ring in a non-alcoholic Negroni,” she says. “I was, like, you know this is literally only made with alcoholic ingredients, right?”
When the server told her to “just figure something out,” she responded with sarcasm.
“Do I look like God? … Jesus turned water into wine, and I’m apparently supposed to … turn all alcohol to non-alcohol?” she questions.
Frustrated, she adds, “I need a … break.”
In her caption, she clarifies her stance. “I’m all for mocktails but some things just ARE NOT POSSIBLE PLS,” she wrote.
What Would A Non-Alcoholic Negroni Even Look Like?
For anyone curious, there actually are recipes for non-alcoholic Negronis. Though they require specific ingredients that most bars don’t keep on hand.
According to Simply Recipes, a mocktail version, sometimes called a “Nogroni,” can be made using Ritual Zero-Proof Gin Alternative, Martini & Rossi Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Apéritif, and Martini & Rossi Floreale Non-Alcoholic Vermouth.
The balance of flavors is meant to mirror the original cocktail: bitter, herbaceous, and slightly sweet. But without non-alcoholic gin, vermouth, and aperitif already in stock, bartenders can’t whip one up on the spot.
@rendregia I’m all for mocktails but some things just ARE NOT POSSIBLE PLS #bartending
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments, other bartenders chimed in with similar stories. One wrote, “Someone asked for an espresso martini mocktail.”
Another explained, “A server rang in an NA old fashioned. I was like ok so u want simple syrup on a king cube.”
Others noted that it can be done—if the bar has the products. “Ritual gin alternative or Seedlip, Martini & Rossi NA vermouth, Giffard NA aperitif. Done,” one user wrote.
Another added, “We have an awesome Nogroni on our menu. But yes, you need the NA products to make it.”
BroBible has reached out to @rendregia via TikTok messages for comment.