Above Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya, a surprising transformation takes place among the cloud-covered skies. The drinks are getting brighter. The bottles? Scarce. The buzz? Alcohol-free.
Rooftop bars previously built their identity through luxury spirits and cocktail culture are now undergoing a major change. The place of vodka martinis and smoky negronis has been replaced by what? Modern rooftop drinks feature vibrant citrus-based mocktails which serve both drinking and sharing purposes. On socials. On stories. In the cultural moment.
Rooftop experiences now shift their focus to tell stories through the beverages you drink. The story begins with Candid most often during the drinking experience.
The Mocktail Rebrand: From Menu Filler to Menu Star
Mocktails weren’t always this cool.
For the past few years, mocktails existed only as secondary drink options at the bottom of menus and bartenders made them upon special request. Modern wellness culture, along with rising luxury availability and decreasing Gen Z alcohol consumption, has completely transformed this narrative.
Premium venues across Indonesia and the APAC region see zero-proof drinks as their new top-selling option above all premium alcoholic beverages.
It’s zero-proof. Rooftop bars now produce non-alcoholic beverages that match the complexity and aesthetic appeal of their alcohol-based alternatives and sometimes surpass them.
Modern mocktails represent more than just alcohol removal, because they combine the elements of experience with colorful presentation and compelling storytelling. The main focus of this transformation rests on Candid Mixers.
Rooftops and Rituals: The Experience Economy’s New Star
The rooftop crowd today consists of linen-dressed couples and stylish women celebrating birthdays, while creators record panoramic content. The drink in their hands does not define the group since they share a common moment.
This environment has redefined mocktails from their status as simple drinks into complex ceremonies. They’re rituals. The first clink at golden hour. The welcome sip at a dry wedding. The “cheers” before the spa day begins.
Candid achieves success through this appealing point of operation. The 250ml cans serve multiple purposes because they offer robustness for solo use along with blending capabilities and their visual appeal makes them perfect for creating new ceremonies.
- Imperial Tonic becomes a citrus spritz with just a wedge of grapefruit.
- Club Soda powers zero-proof mojitos that sparkle in the sun.
- Ginger Beer gets layered into turmeric-spiced creations for a modern twist on jamu.
A rooftop venue requires drinks that maintain quick service while keeping the flow going. The product line of Candid consists of easy-to-work-with components that generate profits, while bartenders choose them and customers praise them. Every beverage service creates an opportunity to wow guests through drink preparations that require minimal construction or permit for alcohol sales.
Indonesia Leads the Mocktail Movement
Globally, mocktails are trending. However, Indonesia stands out as a country where mocktails flourish.
Why? It’s cultural, visual, and economic. The hospitality industry of Indonesia draws inspiration from three main elements:
- Guests expect culturally sensitive menu choices since they prefer alcohol-free drinks during family celebrations, wedding events, and wellness retreats.
- Social media aesthetics — where presentation matters as much as taste.
- Younger drinkers have started to choose wellness and moderation and meaningful experiences over getting intoxicated according to the demographic transformation.
Candid engages with all these market trends at once. The brand’s bartender-developed, culturally-fit, and visual-first product line serves as a trend accelerator beyond being a response to the current market.
Guests don’t want a compromise. They want something better. Something they can sip with pride, post with excitement, and share as a signifier of taste. The mixers from Candid serve as independent beverages instead of alcohol substitutes. They’re scene-setters.
Drinks Made to Be Seen (and Shared)
Rooftop bars exist as platforms where people come to drink but also to perform. Every angle is curated. Every moment has the potential to be captured. Drinks play a vital role in this environment because they function as essential props.
The understanding of stunning drinks by bartenders, marketers, and venue operators leads to content creation, which in turn drives traffic, generates bookings and produces buzz.
Rooftops can successfully implement this formula through Candid. The mixer stands out as part of the visual presentation through its natural liquid coloration and modern can design together with its taste-forward characteristics. The appearance of Candid drinks in highballs and grapefruit spritzes will grab attention because they must be posted.
The successful menus at Hakkasan Jakarta, Potato Head Bali, and Cloud Lounge include Candid-based mocktail rituals because these establishments have chosen this approach. When the drink presentation reaches this level it automatically generates marketing appeal.
Versatility = Velocity
Complexity stands as one of the primary service barriers which bars face. Bar staff face time constraints while training employees proves difficult and menu preparation creates delays in service.
The system performs the difficult work which eliminates the need for manual operations. Each can is:
- Pre-carbonated to the perfect level
- Naturally flavored, so it layers well with herbs, syrups, or fresh juice
- Balanced in sweetness, letting venues dial up or down the profile
Bar teams achieve an easy-to-use solution through this system. One can allows bartenders to prepare numerous beverages, starting from simple mocktails up to sophisticated non-alc flight combinations without any pressure. The beverage program becomes scalable while maintaining premium presentation through Candid.
What Rooftop Buyers Are Really Buying
Candid introduction to a rooftop F&B manager goes beyond mixer delivery. They’re buying cultural capital.
The establishment signals to customers about its wellness focus, while presenting visual excellence alongside premium luxury standards. The establishment demonstrates to guests that they can belong without drinking alcohol. To be part of this establishment you need to serve excellent drinks.
The rooftop establishments use Candid to present their brand message in a fashionable way. The glass holds more than its contents since it symbolizes:
- A lifestyle of intentionality
- A moment of connection
- A backdrop for beautiful living
Candid uses more than a wave to stand in the market. It’s shaping it.
The Future of Rooftop Drinking Is Alcohol-Free
This trend isn’t seasonal. It’s structural.
The hospitality industry in Indonesia will shift toward mature operations as Gen Z takes over the customer base. Health consciousness is no longer niche. The minimum requirement for Instagrammability has become the standard rather than an added benefit. Drinking without alcohol does not mean having a reduced enjoyment experience. It means more possibility.
Rooftop bars stand as leaders in this evolutionary process. The evolution of their business involves selecting drinks and creating emotional experiences for customers while defining their social perception when drinking. Rooftop bars hold the optimal position to work with Candid as a creative partner.
Final Pour: A Movement in a Can
Candid exists as a mixer which competes for space on store shelves, while delivering more than standard mixers do. The brand exists to serve bartenders through venue-oriented products that appeal to social-first consumers who drink.
When rooftop venues select Candid they join forces with a movement that emphasizes:
- Flavor without compromise
- Design without clutter
- Experiences that don’t require alcohol to be memorable
These businesses have discovered a modern luxury approach through presence rather than pretentious behavior. Every glass, picture, and happy guest represents this brand philosophy.
The future of rooftop drinking shines bright throughout Jakarta skyline and Bali’s terraces. It’s bold. It’s Candid.
