There is a familiar moment at almost every celebration.

The wine is poured, cocktails arrive dressed with fresh herbs and citrus, craft beers are handed around, and everyone raises a glass.

Then someone quietly says, "I'll have something non-alcoholic."

More often than not, they're offered a soft drink.

For 26-year-old Johannesburg entrepreneur Nabeelah Bahadur, that always felt like an afterthought.

Today, she's working to change that.

Bahadur is the co-founder of La Cabonada, a Johannesburg South business producing ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic carbonated mocktails that are also halaal and vegan. What started as a family business has grown into a brand now stocked through retailers including Makro, Takealot and Checkers Sixty60, while also expanding into neighbouring African countries.

More People Are Choosing Not to Drink

Choosing an alcohol-free drink is no longer limited to designated drivers.

Some people avoid alcohol for religious reasons. Others are training for sport, taking medication, pregnant or simply choosing to drink less.

Globally, the "sober curious" movement has encouraged many people to rethink their relationship with alcohol, and South Africa is beginning to see the same shift. Industry research shows growing interest in premium mocktails and sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives, particularly among younger consumers.

That changing mindset is creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Building Something Different

Bahadur trained as an accountant before moving into manufacturing, bringing that attention to detail into every stage of production.

Each bottle goes through water treatment, sterilisation, careful flavour measurement and quality control before leaving the production line in Johannesburg South.

The range includes seven flavours inspired by cuisines and cultures from around the world, including Chile Fresa, Piña Picante, Midnight Cherry and Ispahan, a blend of lychee and rose. Rather than imitating alcoholic drinks, the aim is to create beverages that can stand on their own.

A Bigger Conversation Than What's in the Bottle

Perhaps the most interesting part of La Cabonada isn't the flavours.

It's the idea that celebrations should feel inclusive, regardless of what's in your glass.

Whether it's a family braai, wedding, business function or birthday dinner, more hosts are recognising that guests want choice. Good alcohol-free options are no longer seen as an afterthought but as part of creating an experience everyone can enjoy.

It's a small change, but one that reflects how food and drink culture is evolving.

The Bottom Line

South Africa's food and beverage industry has never stood still, and the growing demand for premium alcohol-free drinks is another sign of changing consumer tastes.

For Nabeelah Bahadur, that shift has become a business opportunity.

For everyone else, it means one simple thing: choosing not to drink no longer has to mean settling for the least interesting option on the menu.