CANDLE recently participated in the Cortland Prevention Resources “Mocktail Magic” event, alongside other community members and groups, and we were honored to take home the win.
Our mocktail, Brighter Days ( a warming ginger-thyme lemonade with a candied ginger rim) was created with intention. It nods to mental health, hope, and the belief that brighter days are always ahead. Brighter Days reflects offering support without judgment and creating spaces that feel uplifting and welcoming. The drink became a simple but meaningful symbol of optimism and care for one another.

Description: Two images side by side. On the image on the left, Sherry Lewis and Payton Corl are smiling at their Mocktail Magic table with their sample cups filled with a yellow-lemon mixture on the table. Lemon and sunflower themed decor are also on the table. On the image on the right, Sherry and Payton are pictured smiling and receiving the award for the best mocktail of the night with Cortland Prevention Resources Director, Melissa Simmons.
Equally important, the event reflected why mocktails matter to us and the work we do. Mocktails play an important role in building healthier, more accessible communities. At social events, they help remove the pressure to drink alcohol in order to participate. Mocktails support intentional choices and this is especially important for people who choose to limit their alcohol consumption for health, recovery, cultural, religious, or personal reasons. When alcohol-free options are treated with the same creativity and care as traditional cocktails, it sends a clear message: everyone belongs here.
If you’re reading this and want to expand your understanding of mocktails—whether as a business, an event organizer, or in your own home—we invite you to reach out and see how you can get involved with the CANDLE Coalition.
Follow CANDLE and Access to Independence on social media for the recipe later this month!