When a Mocktail at Le Bilboquet Makes Sense

I spent New Year’s Eve at Le Bilboquet with my wife, and the experience was nothing short of sensational. However, for me, New Year’s is not just a time to celebrate with alcohol; it’s a time to reflect on and limit vices. In my mind, it’s an opportunity to step up various health protocols. I make resolutions to work out more, eat fewer sweets, try a new diet, and drink less or abstain altogether.

Recently, I’ve noticed the growing popularity of mocktails. During a dinner at a friend’s house, I observed that alcohol-free beer was an option for everyone. This caught my interest, especially since I had tried Guinness alcohol-free beer and found it surprisingly tasty. The topic of non-alcoholic alternatives became a lively conversation at the party, with many openly admitting their efforts to reduce alcohol consumption. The atmosphere was positive, and it was refreshing to witness such a normalized and open discussion about choosing alcohol-free options.

For a long time, the media emphasized the supposed health benefits of alcohol, particularly red wine, in moderation. Many, including myself, considered red wine almost like an expensive multivitamin—one glass is deemed good for you, but two glasses are considered detrimental. However, the current trend among health gurus on the internet and podcasts suggests that no amount of alcohol is truly beneficial. Celebrities are increasingly vocal about how abstaining from alcohol has positively impacted their well-being. This shift in perspective has led to the proliferation of alcohol-free beers and various “mocktails” on the market, often enhanced with ingredients like ginger or other spices.

I initially planned to order a diet Coke during my visit to Le Bilboquet. However, something on the menu caught my eye—the Bien Joue, meaning “good game” in French. This concoction featured fresh ginger, lime juice, soda, and syrup, served in a rimmed glass with rock salt and a dried blood orange slice. Despite the $16 price tag, I couldn’t resist trying it, and to my delight, it tasted almost exactly like a margarita. It was a delicious, adult-like beverage that even provided a little energy boost, possibly from the syrup’s blood sugar spike. While the sugar content isn’t ideal, I believe it’s a healthier alternative to alcohol.

I’ve found solace in evening mocktails or alcohol-free beer for now. Of course, I’m aware that even these options may have drawbacks, but for the time being, they provide a satisfying and health-conscious substitute for traditional alcoholic beverages.