May 10, 2024

A new mobile business features mocktails and taps for weddings and other private and public gatherings.

Dustin Jones, who owns Mockies Mocktails & Taps with his wife, Kacie, said he can’t drink alcohol for medical reasons and was tired of feeling left out at events.

“I thought it would be great to have that option and come to them with that option,” he said.

The initial idea for the business started with trying to find a mocktail vendor last year for Rescuepalooza. The Joneses helped organize the fundraiser for animal rescue organizations when they owned a pet waste pickup business, Poo Burglars.

“We reached out to several different vendors and couldn’t get anyone to serve unless they also could do alcohol,” Jones said.

The couple sold Poo Burglars this spring and started Mockies Mocktails & Taps.

“We decided to go all-in on this. It has been nine months of adventure, for sure,” he said of getting ready to make the career switch.

Mocktails can be served from a trailer or from a small stand on wheels for indoor  gatherings or events outside where there isn’t room for the trailer.

Offerings range from standard mocktails like a Shirley Temple and Roy Rogers to nonalcoholic mimosas and margaritas. The Joneses like to create custom drinks too. A couple of popular ones are Blueberry Palm with blueberry/pomegranate juice, lemonade or limeade, sparkling water and blue curacao, and Minty Mojito with Torani flavored syrups, club soda and lime juice.

“We’re working on more healthy options, too, so that we’re not solely focused on high-sugar drinks,” he said.

They’ve also been talking to fitness industry experts to come up with drinks that would help people meet their fitness goals.

Typical outings feature 10 to 20 drink options, Jones said.

He also built a tap trailer out of the bed of a 1968 Chevy pickup. That can serve anything that comes in a keg like beer, kombucha or soda.

The tap trailer is a good option for wedding receptions, he said, and packages can include custom bottle openers with the couple’s names and wedding date.

Upcoming events include Dog Mom’s Day on Saturday at Shop Dog Boutique at The Bridges at 57th, which is a fundraiser for Rescue Network. On June 1, Mockies will be at the inaugural chislic festival in Larchwood, Iowa, and then at Harrisburg Days the second weekend in June. Mockies also will be part of the 605 Made Night Market on Aug. 24 in downtown Sioux Falls.

Find locations on Facebook or Instagram at @mockiesmocktails_taps.

Find booking information at mockiesmocktails.com. 

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