Mocktails and More

Taste innovative new nonalcoholic beers, mocktails, and botanical libations.

On Friday, July 18, spend the evening at The Morton Arboretum sampling delectable nonalcoholic drink alternatives and learning about the innovative companies that are transforming the traditional happy hour.

Craft vendors will offer unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beer, wine, spirits, refreshing spritzes, herb-infused mocktails, CBD and hemp-infused beverages, and more.

Event Details

Tasting booths will be located in Arbor Court and The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden.

The tasting menu will include vegan and gluten-reduced options.

The Morton Arboretum welcomes Chicago AF, a nonprofit organization and community that began with a group of individuals with a common desire to live life alcohol-free.

Ticket Details

Cost: $55
Member cost: $45

Tickets will be available starting on Tuesday, May 27.

This event is for adults aged 21 and older. No children, including infants in strollers, will be permitted.

Event tickets include admission to the Arboretum, a souvenir tasting glass, and unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails that contain less than 0.5% ABV.

Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Will there be a souvenir glass?

Yes, each participant will receive a souvenir tasting glass.
Will there be live music?

Yes, guests will enjoy live music for the duration of the event. Details will be available soon.
Will there be food available?

Yes, concessions will be available to purchase at the event. Details will be available closer to the event date.
Are guests allowed to stay on the grounds after the event concludes?

After the event concludes, all guests must exit the Arboretum.
Why is this event priced similar to tasting events with alcohol if there is no alcohol in the beverages?

Alcohol-free beverages are expensive to produce due to the costly ingredients and the advanced industrial and artisanal techniques required to create a high-quality beverage.
Why is this event restricted to adults older than 21?

This event is intended to introduce adults to mindful drinking and the healthier beverage choices that exist. Reducing alcohol intake directly correlates to improved health and overall well-being, and the awareness of alcohol-related health risks is growing.
Are Designated Driver tickets available?

No, Designated Driver tickets are not available for this event.
Are children allowed to attend this event?

No, this event is for adults aged 21 and older. No children, including infants in strollers, will be permitted.
Are children allowed to attend this event?

No, this event is for adults aged 21 and older. No children, including infants in strollers, will be permitted.
Can adults aged 21 and older attend the event without participating in the tasting?

Adults aged 21 and older who are not participating in the tasting may attend this event, but must purchase Arboretum general admission.
Can I purchase additional samples?

Although this event will have unlimited tastings, there will be no additional samples available for purchase.
What is Chicago AF?

The Morton Arboretum welcomes Chicago AF, a nonprofit organization and community that began with a group of individuals with a common desire to live life alcohol-free.

Chicago AF is led by volunteers. The organization’s purpose is to facilitate sober connection and redefine sobriety’s social scene in the Greater Chicago area. Members of this community advocate for increased alcohol addiction awareness and the normalization of living alcohol-free.

Sign up for the Chicago AF mailing list to join the community and receive alerts about Chicago AF events and activities.
What is ABV?

ABV is alcohol by volume. ABV is a measure of alcoholic strength. The amount of ethanol (alcohol) in a container is shown as a percentage of the overall volume of the drink.
Are nonalcoholic beverages and beverages that contain 0.5% ABV or less still considered alcohol?

Yes, nonalcoholic products may contain a trace amount of alcohol. While there is no absolutely safe level of alcohol consumption, many countries, including the United States, legally consider beverages that contain 0.5% ABV or less to be alcohol-free. Many foods contain a similar amount of alcohol, and intoxication from consuming these beverages is virtually impossible.

Foods that contain alcohol include ripe bananas (0.2–0.4% ABV), breads (1.18–1.28% ABV), fruit and fruit juices such as grape, orange, and apple (0.04–0.5% ABV), and yogurt and kefir (0.05–0.2% ABV).
Should I drink beverages with a trace of alcohol if I am in recovery from alcohol abuse?

This is a highly personal decision up to each individual. Drinks with a trace amount of alcohol can be triggering for certain individuals. The consumption of these beverages while in recovery from alcohol addiction should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Should I drink beverages with a trace of alcohol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no known safe level of alcohol intake in pregnancy. The consumption of trace amounts of alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Should I consume CBD, hemp, or other adaptogen beverages while pregnant or breastfeeding?

The FDA strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in any form while pregnant or breastfeeding. The consumption of any beverages containing additives should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Will there be gluten-free and vegan options available?

Yes, these options will be identified in the program.
Will the ABV of the beverages be marked?

Yes, the ABV of the beverages will be noted in the program.
Will the CBD and hemp-infused beverages be marked?

Yes, these products will be identified in the program.