Special to the HT
MEEKER | If you’ve visited my store, you’ve probably noticed that I place a strong emphasis on our non-alcoholic selection. Beyond the changing trends, my passion for non-alcoholic beverages is personal. Many of the people I love and care about don’t drink, and through this business I’ve met countless amazing individuals who have chosen to give up alcohol for their own unique reasons. According to Forbes.com, nearly half (49%) of Americans are actively trying to drink less. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and younger millennials, are choosing to abstain or go with low-alcohol options as part of what’s known as the sober curious movement. This is about being mindful regarding how much, when and why one chooses to consume alcohol. This is often with an eye toward overall health and well-being as more research continues to examine the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Even when people choose not to drink alcohol, many still enjoy the ritual of sharing a drink with friends and family. With this, I love seeing places that have historically not focused much on N/A options making this a core menu offering, sometimes with a specialty focus. This allows those who are choosing to go alcohol-free the ability to engage with their community and feel included. I had a friend who doesn’t drink once tell me that they used to avoid going out with their friends/family because they always felt excluded when ordering a soda. Therefore, offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options isn’t just about having something else on the menu, it’s about making everyone feel welcome and included.
One of the biggest changes in the industry has been the incredible improvement in quality, which is an ongoing battle. When I was a kid, I only remember a couple of options being available in the N/A realm and I also remember those who were consuming them, not being thrilled with what these options brought to the table. They just weren’t good, but the consumer started to demand more. Today’s producers are doing far more than simply removing alcohol from traditional beverages. Advances in production techniques, combined with an emphasis on premium ingredients, balance, and complexity, have transformed the category and will continue to be critical moving forward.
I’m excited to see where non-alcoholic options go next. Whether someone chooses not to drink for health reasons, recovery, personal preference, pregnancy, or simply because they don’t feel like it that day, they deserve the same thoughtful, high-quality options as everyone else.
By ALEXIS HULL-STONE