Events

Mocktails and More

Stay hydrated this summer with the best nonalcoholic beers, mocktails, and botanical libations around at a new alcohol-free tasting event at The Morton Arboretum.

Content Detail

Spend a refreshing summer day at The Morton Arboretum and learn about the innovative companies that are transforming the traditional happy hour with safer, cleaner, and healthier options. Sample from a variety of premade mocktails, botanical concoctions, CBD-infused beverages, and much more at this new event, organized in collaboration with Chicago AF.

Event tickets include admission to the Arboretum, a souvenir tasting glass, and unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beverages, including custom-brewed < 0.5% ABV beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails. Guests will also enjoy live music for the duration of the event.

Please note that Mocktails and More is for attendees older than 21 and it is held in an accessible location.

Vendors and Featured Drinks

A list of 2024 Mocktails and More vendors and featured drinks will be released closer to the event date.

Food Options

Concessions and soft drinks provided by the Ginkgo Grill will be available in Arbor Court throughout the event.

View concession menu >

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion List

  • Yes, each participant will receive a souvenir tasting glass.

  • Yes, this event will feature live music.

  • Yes, there will be outdoor concessions available (weather permitting). The full menu will be available in the coming weeks.

  • Ticket holders will be granted access to the Arboretum starting at 5:45 p.m. Entry to the Grand Garden will be permitted at 6:30 p.m. If you wish to enjoy the Arboretum grounds earlier in the day, we ask that you reserve or purchase a timed-entry pass. Entry to the Arboretum will close at 7:30 p.m.

  • No, the Arboretum is closed following the conclusion of the event.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • No, Designated Driver tickets are not available for this event.

  • No, this event will have unlimited tastings, and therefore there will be no additional samples available for purchase.

  • Chicago AF is a nonprofit organization 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.

    You can read more about Chicago AF events and activities here: Chicago AF Community

    You can sign up for the Chicago AF mailing list here: Chicago AF Mailing List

  • 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.

  • Yes, nonalcoholic products may contain a trace amount of alcohol. While there is no “safe” level of alcohol consumption, many countries, including the United States, legally consider 0.5% ABV 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, these options will be identified in the program.

  • Yes, the ABV of the beverages will be noted in the program.

  • Yes, these products will be identified in the program.

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