Halloween is the one night a year when everyone agrees sugar is part of the fun. The candy bowl by the door. The fun-size bars you swear you’re only taking one of. We get it, and we’re not here to take that away.

But here’s something that might actually give you a chill: the cocktail in your hand can carry as much sugar as the candy.

The scary math

The espresso martini is a party favorite for good reason. It’s rich, it’s cold, and it wakes everyone up for round two. Most of its sweetness comes from one ingredient: the coffee liqueur.

A traditional coffee liqueur carries about 30 grams of sugar in 2.5 ounces. That’s roughly 12 grams in every ounce you pour.

Now the candy. A full-size chocolate candy bar has about 27 grams of sugar. A fun-size bar has about 9 grams.

Put them side by side:

• 2.5 oz of traditional coffee liqueur: about 30g of sugar. That’s more than a full-size candy bar.
• The 1 oz in a single espresso martini: about 12g. That’s more than a fun-size bar.
• Three espresso martinis over a long Halloween party: about 36g from the liqueur alone. That’s four fun-size bars.

And many espresso martini recipes add simple syrup on top of that. Scary, right?

The treat without the trick

This is exactly why we started Above Board.

Our Coffee Liqueur is made with dark roast espresso from Dropkick Coffee here in San Diego, and it’s crafted without sugar. We sweeten it with plant-based monk fruit and allulose, so it has 0g sugar per serving and zero glycemic impact. It’s also gluten-free and keto-friendly (see the nutrition facts).

You get the same deep coffee flavor and the same velvety foam on top. You just leave the sugar in the candy bowl, where it belongs.

The AB Espresso Martini

• 1 oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• ¼ oz Above Board Original Simple Syrup
• 1 oz espresso, brewed and cooled
• 1 oz vanilla vodka

Method: Add everything to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake hard, like you just heard something in the basement, then double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans.

Our Original Simple Syrup has 0g sugar per serving too, so nothing sneaks back in.

Something darker: the Revolver

Want a moodier sip for a costume party? The Revolver is bourbon and coffee with a twist of orange, and it’s the easiest cocktail on our list to make ahead.

• 1 ½ oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 dashes orange bitters

Method: Stir with ice until very cold, strain over a large ice cube, and express an orange peel over the top.

Hosting? Batch it. For about 8 drinks, stir together 12 oz Coffee Liqueur, 16 oz bourbon and about ¾ oz orange bitters, then keep it in the fridge. Pour over ice as guests arrive and you’re free to enjoy your own party.

For bars and restaurants

Espresso martinis are a go-to order from Halloween through New Year’s. Above Board Coffee Liqueur fits into the espresso martini your team already makes, and it gives guests who are watching their sugar a reason to order another round. Request a tasting for your team.

Where to find Above Board

Order Above Board online at drinkaboveboard.com, where bottles are fulfilled and shipped by our licensed retail partner. Order by Friday, October 23 so your bottle arrives in time for Halloween weekend. You can also ask for Above Board at your favorite bar.

Frequently asked questions

How much sugar is in an espresso martini?

It depends on the recipe, but the coffee liqueur is usually the biggest source. A traditional coffee liqueur has about 12 grams of sugar per ounce, so the 1 ounce in a single espresso martini carries about 12 grams before any simple syrup goes in.

Is Above Board Coffee Liqueur sugar-free?

It’s crafted without sugar, with 0g sugar per serving. We sweeten it with plant-based monk fruit and allulose, and it’s gluten-free and keto-friendly.

Can I buy Above Board online?

Yes. Order at drinkaboveboard.com, and our licensed retail partner fulfills and ships your bottle. For Halloween, order by Friday, October 23.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Above Board. Keep the treats in the bowl and the tricks out of your glass.

Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21 or older to purchase.

Sources: sugar in a traditional coffee liqueur from published nutrition data (30g per 2.5 oz); candy bar sugar from a leading chocolate candy bar’s published nutrition facts (27g full size, 9g fun size). Above Board figures from our product labels.

Sober October is here. Maybe you’re taking the whole month off alcohol, maybe you’re just cutting back, or maybe you’re hosting friends who are. Either way, the evening drink doesn’t have to turn into plain soda water for thirty-one days.

A good mocktail needs the same thing a good cocktail needs, which is balance. Something bright, something tart and a touch of sweetness to pull it together. That last part is usually where the sugar sneaks in, because most mocktail recipes lean on regular simple syrup, which is just sugar dissolved in water.

That’s why we made Above Board Original Simple Syrup. It’s non-alcoholic, sweetened with plant-based monk fruit and allulose, gluten-free, and it has 0g sugar per serving. It does the same job in a glass that classic simple syrup does. So your Sober October drinks can taste like a real treat, without the sugar that usually comes with one.

Here are three zero-proof recipes from our 2026 recipe book to get you through the month.

Why Sober October is a good time to rethink your go-to drink

A month off alcohol is a nice reset, and plenty of people come out of it drinking a little differently than they did before. It’s also a good chance to find a couple of drinks you actually look forward to, instead of settling for whatever’s in the fridge.

The trick is to build a mocktail the way a bartender would. Fresh citrus, good soda water, plenty of ice, a garnish, and a syrup that balances everything out. Once you have those basics, you can make something great in about two minutes.

1. Citrus Blossom Fizz

This is the one we’d start with. It’s bright and a little sweet, and you don’t need any special equipment.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz Above Board Original Simple Syrup
• 3 oz fresh orange juice
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 to 2 oz soda water

Method: Build everything but the soda directly in a Collins glass with ice. Pour it into a shaker tin once and back into the glass to mix. Top with soda and a little more ice. Garnish with a dried orange and lemon slice.

2. Cucumber Mint Elixir

Cool, clean and really refreshing. If you don’t have a juicer, blend a peeled cucumber with a splash of water and strain it through a fine strainer.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz Above Board Original Simple Syrup
• 1 ½ oz fresh cucumber juice
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
• 2 to 3 oz soda water

Method: Muddle the mint and the syrup in a shaker tin. Add the cucumber juice and ice, then shake. Add the soda directly to the tin and double strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a mint bouquet and a dried lime slice.

3. Crimson Clarity

A bold, earthy spritz for when you want something a little more interesting. It takes a bit of prep, but the color alone is worth it.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz Above Board Original Simple Syrup
• ¾ oz beet, ginger and turmeric blend
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 to 3 oz soda water

Method: Combine everything but the soda in a shaker tin with ice and shake. Double strain over ice and top with soda water. Garnish with mint and a dried lemon slice.

For the beet, ginger and turmeric blend: peel 4 red beets, one thumb of ginger and one thumb of turmeric, and run them through a juicer (wear gloves). Strain, bottle and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For bars and restaurants
Guests taking October off still go out. A small zero-proof section gives them something better than a soda with lime, and it sets your team up for Dry January. Above Board Original Simple Syrup works anywhere your bartenders already use simple syrup. Request a tasting →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a sugar-free simple syrup for mocktails?

Yes. Above Board Original Simple Syrup is non-alcoholic, sweetened with monk fruit and allulose, and has 0g sugar per serving, so you can use it anywhere a mocktail recipe calls for regular simple syrup. It’s also gluten-free.

What can I drink during Sober October that isn’t just soda water?

A mocktail built like a real cocktail: fresh citrus, soda water, ice, a garnish and a syrup for balance. The Citrus Blossom Fizz above takes about two minutes and uses ingredients most people already have.

Where can I buy Above Board Original Simple Syrup?

You can order it online at drinkaboveboard.com, and it’s also available at select stores around San Diego. Above Board is a woman-owned company based in San Diego.

Find Above Board

Shop Original Simple Syrup →

If you make one of these this month, tag us @drinkaboveboard on Instagram. We’d love to see it.

We are changing cocktail culture one smarter sip at a time.

October 1 is International Coffee Day, a day to celebrate the drink that gets most of us through the morning. We’d like to make a case for celebrating it in the evening, too.

Coffee cocktails are having a moment, from espresso martinis to spiked café drinks. Most of them get their sweetness and body from a coffee liqueur, and traditional coffee liqueurs can be some of the sweetest bottles on the back bar.

Liqueur is the flavored, sweetened cousin of liquor, and it’s often where much of a cocktail’s sugar is hiding.

Above Board Coffee Liqueur is made with dark roast espresso from Dropkick Coffee here in San Diego. It’s crafted without sugar, sweetened with plant-based monk fruit and allulose, and has 0g sugar per serving. It’s also gluten-free.

The result is rich, real coffee flavor without the syrupy finish.

Here are three coffee cocktails from our 2026 recipe book, each with a different personality.

1. Ultimate Mexican Coffee

Warm, cozy and perfect for cooler evenings.

This hot coffee cocktail combines coffee, orange, tequila and a touch of chocolate spice, finished with a soft cream topping.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz Above Board Orange Liqueur
• ¾ oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• ¾ oz reposado tequila
• 2 dashes Fee’s Aztec Chocolate Bitters
• 3 to 4 oz freshly brewed hot coffee

Method

Warm a glass mug with hot water, then pour the water out.

Add the Above Board Orange Liqueur, Above Board Coffee Liqueur, reposado tequila and bitters. Top with very hot coffee.

Gently finish with soft whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Soft Whip

Shake a couple of ounces of heavy cream in a shaker tin without ice until it becomes thick but still pourable.

2. Mexicali Blues

Bold, smooth and beautifully simple.

Coffee, orange and agave spirits come together in a dark, bittersweet cocktail with only three ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Above Board Orange Liqueur
• 1 ½ oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz tequila or mezcal

Method

Shake all ingredients with ice.

Double strain into a chilled coupe and express an orange peel over the top.

3. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Fizz

A fall cocktail for when you want to make something a little more special.

This seasonal recipe combines cozy pumpkin spice, cold brew and bourbon with a light, foamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• ¾ oz pumpkin spice-infused Above Board Original Simple Syrup
• 1 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz bold cold brew
• 1 oz oat milk
• 2 to 3 oz soda water
• 1 egg white or vegan foamer

Method

Shake everything except the soda water without ice.

Add ice and shake again.

Pour 2 oz of soda water into a chilled glass, then double strain the cocktail over it.

Allow the foam to settle and top with a little more soda water.

Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Combine 500 ml Above Board Original Simple Syrup with 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice in a sealed bag.

Sous vide at 155°F for 3 hours, then strain and bottle.

The syrup keeps for up to 2 months.

For Bars and Cafés

Coffee cocktails continue to be a popular part of cocktail menus, from espresso martinis to after-dinner drinks.

Above Board Coffee Liqueur gives bars and restaurants a way to create familiar coffee cocktails without the sugar found in many traditional coffee liqueurs.

Request a tasting:
https://drinkaboveboard.com/wholesale/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=international-coffee-day-2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a sugar-free alternative to Kahlúa?

Above Board Coffee Liqueur is crafted without sugar and has 0g sugar per serving, making it an option for cocktails that would traditionally call for a sweetened coffee liqueur.

What coffee is used in Above Board Coffee Liqueur?

Above Board Coffee Liqueur is made with dark roast espresso from Dropkick Coffee, roasted here in San Diego.

Find Above Board

Shop Above Board at drinkaboveboard.com, shipped through our licensed fulfillment partner, or find us at select stores, restaurants and bars.

Happy International Coffee Day.

Changing cocktail culture one smarter sip at a time.

Host the ultimate 4th of July party with zero-sugar cocktails made using Above Board Liqueurs. Enjoy better-for-you holiday cocktails that taste incredible and keep guests feeling great all weekend long.

The 4th of July is the unofficial championship of summer entertaining.

The grill is fired up. The playlist is dialed in. Friends and family are gathered in the backyard. Then someone mentions they’re cutting back on sugar, watching carbs, managing diabetes, or simply trying to feel good the next morning.

For years, health-conscious guests were often left choosing between water, a vodka soda, or skipping cocktails altogether.

That’s exactly why we created Above Board Liqueurs.

Our award-winning line of zero-sugar liqueurs makes it possible to serve premium cocktails that deliver full flavor without the sugar overload. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, pool party, or fireworks celebration, these cocktails help everyone join the fun.

Many hosts are also embracing lower-ABV cocktails for summer entertaining. Lighter drinks help guests pace themselves while still enjoying a premium cocktail experience throughout the day.

Why More Hosts Are Looking for Better-For-You Cocktails

Traditional orange liqueurs, coffee liqueurs, cocktail mixers, and flavored spirits often contain significant amounts of added sugar. A few drinks during a hot summer afternoon can quickly add up.

Above Board Liqueurs are crafted with plant-based sweeteners Monkfruit and Allulose, offering sweetness without sugar or glycemic impact. They’re also gluten-free and designed for people who want premium cocktails that better align with their wellness goals.

We’re proud to be a woman-owned company helping lead the Better For You beverage movement.

Now for the cocktails.

4 July 4th Cocktails Your Guests Will Remember

Stars & Stripes Spritz

Featuring Above Board Orange Liqueur

Light, citrus-forward, and incredibly refreshing, this may become the signature cocktail of your summer. As a naturally lower-ABV cocktail, it’s perfect for long afternoons by the pool, backyard barbecues, and celebrations that stretch from lunch through the fireworks. Guests can enjoy a flavorful cocktail experience without feeling weighed down.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Above Board Orange Liqueur
• 3 oz sparkling water
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Orange slice
• Fresh mint sprig

Instructions

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Orange Liqueur and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with orange and mint.

Party Tip: Prepare the Orange Liqueur and lemon juice mixture ahead of time and add sparkling water as guests are served.

Midnight Fireworks Cold Brew Punch

Featuring Above Board Coffee Liqueur

Rich, smooth, and perfect as the sun starts to set.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Above Board Coffee Liqueur
• 2 oz unsweetened cold brew concentrate
• 1 oz oat milk
• Ice
• Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

Party Tip: Create a self-serve cold brew station by batching the Coffee Liqueur and cold brew together in advance.

Firecracker Cream Cocktail

Featuring Above Board Cream Liqueur

Silky and indulgent with notes of coffee, whiskey, and vanilla. This festive sipper is equally at home as an after-dinner cocktail or a liquid dessert while waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Above Board Cream Liqueur
• 1 oz vodka (optional)
• Ice
• Fresh raspberries

Instructions

Pour over ice and stir gently until chilled. Garnish with raspberries for a festive red-and-white presentation.

Unlike many cream liqueurs, Above Board Cream contains just over 1 gram of sugar per ounce and is crafted to provide a lighter, more balanced cocktail experience.

Backyard Lemonade Bar

Featuring Above Board Zero Sugar Simple Syrup

The ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Above Board Zero Sugar Simple Syrup
• 2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz sparkling water
• Optional spirit of choice
• Ice
• Lemon wheel

Instructions

Combine syrup, lemon juice, and optional spirit over ice. Top with water and stir.

Hosting Upgrade: Set up a lemonade bar and allow guests to customize their drinks with different spirits and garnishes.

Simple Hosting Tips for a Better 4th of July Party

Pre-Batch Your Cocktails

Prepare cocktail bases the night before so you’re spending time with guests instead of playing bartender.

Create a Cocktail Menu

Simple tabletop signs help guests understand what they’re drinking and naturally create conversation. Be sure to note that your cocktails are crafted with zero-sugar ingredients and plant-based sweeteners. Guests are always intrigued.

Include Non-Alcoholic Options

The Backyard Lemonade and Stars & Stripes Spritz work beautifully as alcohol-free options, making your gathering more inclusive.

Think Beyond the Celebration

One of the biggest advantages of choosing lower-sugar cocktails is how guests feel afterward. Great parties should create memories, not regrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Above Board Liqueurs really zero sugar?

Our Orange Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, and Zero Sugar Simple Syrup are crafted using plant-based sweeteners Monkfruit and Allulose. Our Cream Liqueur contains just over 1 gram of sugar per ounce due to the cream component.

Are Above Board products gluten-free?

Yes. Above Board Liqueurs are crafted using a gluten-free neutral grain spirit.

Can these cocktails be made non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. The Backyard Lemonade and Stars & Stripes Spritz can easily be enjoyed without additional spirits, making them ideal for guests who choose not to drink alcohol.

Who enjoys Above Board Liqueurs?

Above Board appeals to a wide range of health-conscious consumers, including those watching their sugar intake, following low-carb lifestyles, managing diabetes, prioritizing wellness goals, or simply looking for a better cocktail experience.

Stock Up Before the Fireworks

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, pool party, or neighborhood gathering, Above Board makes it easy to serve cocktails that everyone can feel good about.

Zero sugar. Plant-based sweeteners. Gluten-free. Full flavor.

You Don’t Have to Change How You Drink…. Just What You Pour.

Visit DrinkAboveBoard.com to explore recipes, cocktail inspiration, and our complete collection of Better For You beverage products.

Have a favorite Above Board cocktail? Tag us on Instagram @drinkaboveboard. We’d love to see what you’re serving this 4th of July.

Summer officially begins on June 20th, and with it comes everything we love about the season: sunshine, patios, pool days, beach gatherings, backyard barbecues, weddings, events, and, of course, great drinks.

Every summer has its signature pours. This year, the standouts are clear.

Margaritas are hot. Espresso martinis are still everywhere. Spritzes continue to dominate warm-weather menus. And mocktails are no longer an afterthought. They have become one of the most exciting categories in beverage culture.

What ties all of these together?

Consumers want better options.

They still want the ritual, the flavor, the celebration, and the experience. They just want ingredients that fit the way they live today.

That is where Above Board comes in.

The Drinks Are Not Changing. The Ingredients Are.

For decades, traditional liqueurs and syrups have played an important role in building some of the world’s most loved cocktails. But many of those ingredients come with a heavy sugar load.

At Above Board, we saw an opportunity to create something different.

Our line of zero sugar liqueurs and syrup is made with plant-based sweeteners, giving people a better way to enjoy the drinks they already love without sacrificing flavor, quality, or the cocktail experience.

You don’t have to change how you drink. Just what you pour.

Margaritas Are Having Their Summer Moment

Few cocktails say summer quite like a margarita.

Whether it is poolside, beachside, tableside, or at a backyard party, the margarita remains one of the most requested cocktails of the season.

Above Board Orange Liqueur brings bright citrus flavor from Valencia orange peel, making it a natural fit for margaritas, tequila cocktails, spritzes, and countless warm-weather drinks.

For restaurants and bars, it opens the door to premium no/low sugar cocktail options guests are actively asking for.

For consumers, it means enjoying a summer classic with better ingredients.

Espresso Martinis Are Still Everywhere

The espresso martini has moved far beyond trend status. It is now a modern staple.

From dinner reservations to weddings, events, rooftop bars, and late-night celebrations, espresso martinis continue to be one of the most in-demand cocktails.

Above Board Coffee Liqueur is made with Westrock dark roast espresso, creating a bold coffee profile that works beautifully in espresso martinis, coffee cocktails, and after-dinner drinks.

It delivers the indulgence people want, with a zero sugar approach that fits today’s Better For You beverage movement.

Spritz Season Starts Now

Spritzes are made for summer.

Light, refreshing, colorful, and easy to enjoy, spritz-style cocktails continue to show up everywhere from resorts and patios to home entertaining.

Above Board Orange Liqueur pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, soda water, prosecco, tequila, vodka, gin, rum, and more.

The result is a bright, elevated drink that feels perfect for warm days, long evenings, and sunny celebrations.

Summer Mocktails Deserve Better, Too

One of the biggest shifts in beverage culture is the rise of mocktails.

Consumers are looking for non-alcoholic drinks that feel intentional, beautiful, and satisfying, not like a watered-down substitute.

Above Board Original Syrup was created for exactly that.

Made with plant-based sweeteners and zero sugar, it brings balance and sweetness to mocktails without relying on traditional simple syrup, cane sugar, or agave nectar.

It is perfect for refreshing summer drinks like cucumber mint coolers, citrus fizz mocktails, sparkling lemonades, berry spritzes, iced tea refreshers, and alcohol-free cocktails that still feel elevated.

For restaurants, bars, caterers, mobile bars, resorts, and event venues, mocktails are becoming a real revenue opportunity.

For consumers, they offer a better choice for pool days, family gatherings, designated drivers, sober-curious guests, and anyone who wants something special without alcohol.

This summer, Above Board is not just transforming cocktails.

We are transforming the entire drink experience.

Built For The Spirits People Already Love

One of the best things about Above Board is how easily it works with the bottles people already have behind the bar or on the home bar cart.

Our products pair beautifully with:

• Tequila
• Vodka
• Gin
• Rum
• Whiskey
• Bourbon
• Mezcal
• Sparkling wine
• Cold brew
• Soda water
• Fresh citrus

Above Board does not complicate cocktail making. It expands what is possible.

For hospitality accounts, that means creating premium drink options without overhauling the entire bar program.

For home cocktail lovers, it means making better drinks with ingredients that are easy to use and easy to love.

Leading The Charge In The Better For You Beverage Movement

The skinny margarita movement showed the industry that people wanted lower-sugar cocktail options.

Now, that demand has grown far beyond one drink.

Today’s consumers are looking for better ingredients across the entire menu, including cocktails, mocktails, spritzes, coffee drinks, and everything in between.

Above Board is proud to be leading the charge in the Better For You beverage movement with zero sugar liqueurs and syrup made for the way people drink today.

Summer Starts Now

As patios fill up, events kick off, vacations begin, and summer celebrations take shape, one thing is clear:

The drinks people love are not going anywhere.

They are simply evolving.

Margaritas. Espresso martinis. Spritzes. Mocktails.

This summer is about better ingredients, better choices, and better drinks.

Above Board is here to help you pour all of it.

You don’t have to change how you drink. Just what you pour.

Wedding season is evolving.

Today’s couples are paying attention to every detail of the guest experience, from curated welcome bags and custom playlists to signature cocktails that feel elevated, intentional, and unforgettable.

But one part of weddings is quietly undergoing a major transformation:

The bar.

For years, guests looking for lighter or more mindful cocktail options were often limited to vodka sodas, light beer, or skipping cocktails altogether.

Now, modern couples are asking a different question:

Why can’t cocktails feel indulgent and intentional at the same time?

That’s exactly where Above Board Liqueurs enters the conversation.

As consumers become increasingly focused on wellness, lower sugar lifestyles, keto friendly options, diabetic friendly choices, and better ingredients, wedding cocktail culture is evolving right alongside them.

People still want to celebrate.

They still want beautiful cocktails.

They still want the classic flavors they know and love.

They simply want better options.

Cocktails Guests Thought Were Off Limits Are Back Again

One of the biggest shifts happening in hospitality right now is the demand for cocktails that feel inclusive.

For many guests, traditional cocktails have felt off limits for years because of hidden sugars, overly sweet mixers, or ingredients that simply didn’t align with their lifestyle goals.

Above Board Liqueurs was created to help change that.

Our zero sugar liqueurs are made with plant based sweeteners, are gluten free, and designed to bring traditional cocktail experiences back to the table in a more modern way.

Because nobody wants to feel stuck drinking only vodka sodas at a beautiful wedding.

Traditional flavors we all know and love are finally available again with Above Board Liqueurs.

Signature Cocktails Are Becoming Part of the Wedding Experience

Modern weddings are becoming more personal, more intentional, and more experience driven than ever before.

And signature cocktails are now a huge part of that experience.

Couples want guests to remember how the event felt.

That includes what was served at the bar.

Signature cocktails help create:
• visual moments
• conversation starters
• elevated guest experiences
• Instagram worthy celebrations
• memorable cocktail hours
• personal touches throughout the event

Above Board Liqueurs helps couples and venues create cocktails that feel celebratory without feeling overdone.

Imagine:
• a blush colored skinny margarita during cocktail hour
• Espresso Smartinis during dancing and dessert
• creamy after dinner cocktails around the firepit
• elegant spritzes during bridal showers
• custom no/low sugar cocktail menus for wellness conscious guests

These are the moments guests remember long after the wedding ends.

Why Venues, Caterers, and Mobile Bars Are Paying Attention

Consumer demand drives hospitality trends.

And today’s guests are asking for more thoughtful beverage options.

That creates a major opportunity for:
• wedding venues
• caterers
• hotels and resorts
• country clubs
• mobile bars
• bridal event planners

Above Board Liqueurs helps businesses open an untapped revenue stream for premium no/low sugar cocktails while keeping implementation simple for high volume events.

The cocktails are approachable, recognizable, and easy to integrate into existing bar programs.

That matters tremendously during weddings where speed, consistency, and guest experience are everything.

Better Ingredients. Better Choices. Better Together.

At Above Board Liqueurs, we believe celebration should feel inclusive.

Our products are crafted with plant based sweeteners and designed for consumers looking for:
• keto friendly cocktails
• diabetic friendly options
• gluten free choices
• modern cocktail alternatives
• elevated flavors without excessive sugar

Because wellness focused consumers deserve more than basic drink options.

And weddings deserve cocktails that feel just as special as the people celebrating.

Wedding Cocktail Ideas Using Above Board Liqueurs

Signature Skinny Margarita

Made with Above Board Orange Liqueur, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and Above Board Sugar Free Simple Syrup.

Espresso Smartini

Featuring Above Board Coffee Liqueur for a rich, elevated cocktail perfect for dancing and dessert.

Creamy Celebration Cocktail

Using Above Board Cream Liqueur for indulgent after dinner cocktails guests will rave about.

Bridal Shower Citrus Spritz

A lighter sparkling cocktail featuring Above Board Orange Liqueur and fresh citrus.

No/Low Sugar Cocktail Menus

Standalone cocktail menus designed specifically for wellness conscious guests and modern celebrations.

The Future of Wedding Cocktails

The future of weddings is intentional.

Couples are becoming more thoughtful about every part of the guest experience, including what’s being poured at the bar.

The future of wedding cocktails is:
• elevated
• wellness conscious
• visually driven
• experience focused
• inclusive
• modern

Above Board Liqueurs is proud to help redefine what celebration can look like.

Because you don’t have to change how you drink — just what you pour.

Visit drinkaboveboard.com

Why health-conscious guests default to vodka sodas and how bars can unlock a new revenue stream with premium no/low sugar cocktails.

For years, one of the most consistent customers at the bar has also been one of the most misunderstood.

They sit down, scan the menu, and order a vodka soda.

Not because it is what they truly want
but because it is what they feel they can trust.

This guest is not disengaged. They are not uninterested in cocktails. In fact, they are often highly intentional about what they consume. They are thinking about sugar, how they feel the next day, their health goals, or managing things like blood sugar and weight.

And for a long time, the cocktail menu has not been built with them in mind.

Why Health-Conscious Drinkers Default to Vodka Sodas

The vodka soda has become the default for a reason. They can trust it.

It is simple. It is predictable. It feels safe.

For guests looking for low sugar alcohol options, it has been one of the few choices that does not come with uncertainty.

Even when guests try to branch out, the options are limited.

The “skinny margarita” movement was a clear signal. Customers were asking for something lighter, more aligned with their lifestyle. But in many cases, the solution did not fully meet their needs. Ingredients like agave are still forms of sugar, which can be a concern for those following keto lifestyles, managing diabetes, or simply trying to reduce sugar intake.

So they return to what they know.

Not because it is exciting
but because it feels reliable.

The Missed Opportunity for Bars and Restaurants

Here is where the industry has it wrong:

The vodka soda drinker is not a low-value guest.

They are an underserved one.

This is a customer who is already making intentional choices. They are often willing to spend more for quality, for ingredients they trust, and for an experience that aligns with their lifestyle.

But when the only dependable option is a vodka soda, that is where they stay.

This creates a hidden gap on menus across the country.

Bars and restaurants are unintentionally leaving revenue on the table by not offering elevated no or low sugar cocktails that these guests can confidently order.

The Rise of No and Low Sugar Cocktails

There is a shift happening in how people want to drink.

Consumers are becoming more aware of sugar content, ingredients, and how alcohol impacts their overall well-being. This shift spans across demographics, from younger drinkers to older guests who are prioritizing health more than ever before.

Search interest in terms like low sugar cocktails, keto cocktails, and cocktails for diabetics continues to grow, signaling a broader movement in the beverage industry.

And yet, most cocktail menus have not caught up.

What Happens When You Offer a Better Option

When a bar or restaurant introduces a thoughtfully crafted no or low sugar cocktail, something interesting happens.

That same guest who has been ordering a vodka soda begins to explore.

They upgrade.

They engage with the menu again.

Instead of defaulting to the simplest option, they now have a reason to choose something more premium, more intentional, and more aligned with their lifestyle.

This is not about replacing existing customers.
It is about unlocking a new level of engagement from customers who have been there all along.

A New Revenue Stream Hidden in Plain Sight

For operators, this represents more than just a menu update.

It is a new revenue stream.

By offering premium no or low sugar cocktails, bars and restaurants can:

Increase average ticket size
Differentiate their menu
Attract and retain health-conscious guests
Move beyond the limitations of traditional cocktail offerings

This is not a niche audience. It is a growing and loyal customer base that has been waiting for better options.

You Don’t Have to Change How People Drink

The biggest misconception is that this shift requires changing customer behavior.

It does not.

People still want to enjoy cocktails. They still want to socialize, celebrate, and experience something elevated.

What has been missing is the ability to do that without compromise.

You don’t have to change how people drink. Just what you pour.

Final Thought

The vodka soda is not the problem.

It is a signal.

A signal that a large group of customers has been navigating menus without truly finding what they are looking for.

For the operators who recognize this and respond, the opportunity is significant.

Because once you give people something they trust, and something they enjoy, they won’t go back to basic.

Take Away

If you’re thinking about how to better serve health-conscious guests or introduce a no/low sugar cocktail menu, we’re having these conversations every day with operators across the country.

Above Board Liqueurs is leading the charge in the Better For You beverage movement, helping bars and restaurants unlock a new revenue stream through premium, no/low sugar cocktails.

You don’t have to change how people drink. Just what you pour.

 View No and Low Sugar Cocktail Ideas

Above Board Cocktail Recipes