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.

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.

Will there be a souvenir glass?

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

Yes, this event will feature live music.
Will there be food available?

Yes, there will be outdoor concessions available (weather permitting). The full menu will be available in the coming weeks.
Are event attendees allowed to enter the Arboretum prior to 6:30 p.m.?

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.
Are visitors allowed to stay on the grounds after the event concludes?

No, the Arboretum is closed following the conclusion of the event.
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.
Can I purchase additional samples?

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

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
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 < 0.5% ABV beverages still considered alcohol?

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).
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.