The Rise of NA Drinks

Question for you: What are some of your favorite non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy when you're out? Share your experiences and thoughts and if you own or work for a bar or restaurant, what do YOU offer for non drinkers?

The demand for non-alcoholic (NA) beverages is rising, driven by a growing number of consumers seeking healthier, more mindful drinking options. Whether for health reasons, personal preferences, or simply to have a great evening out as a DD or without the hangover, some are looking for quality, appealing, and fun alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. This trend offers a tremendous opportunity for bars and restaurants to adapt and attract a new wave of loyal customers.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages

In recent years, we've seen a cultural shift towards wellness and moderation. The "sober curious" movement and Dry January have moved the demand for NA beverages.However, consumers are no longer satisfied with just a soda or water; they crave something that feels just as special and thoughtfully crafted as their favorite cocktail or craft beverage.

This has led to a boom in the variety and quality of NA options available. From sophisticated mocktails, like our Mead Mocktails, to craft sodas like our house-made honey sodas, to a now plethora of NA craft beers, the market is growing with innovative choices that offer the complexity and enjoyment of alcoholic drinks without the booze. 

For bars and restaurants, this isn't just a trend; it is actually looking like a shift in consumer expectations that presents a golden opportunity to expand offerings and tap into a growing segment of the market.

Capitalizing on This Shift

To stay ahead of the curve or honestly with this one, catch up to it, bars and restaurants need to be proactive in embracing this change. Offering a diverse and exciting menu of NA beverages can set a business apart and attract a broader clientele. Here's how:

1. Craft Unique NA Options: Go beyond the basic offerings of soda and create signature NA drinks that stand out. Think house-made sodas, mocktails with fresh ingredients, or local tea blends. These creations can be just as enticing as your alcoholic menu, if not more so, when done right. 
2. Highlight Health and Quality: Today’s consumers are keenly aware of what they’re putting into their bodies. Emphasize the quality ingredients and health “benefits” of your NA options. For example, at Drinking Horn Meadery, our house-made honey soda is crafted with the same Arizona honey from Mountain Top Honey that we use in our mead, combined with real juices and quality spices. It has about half the sugar of a regular soda but all the sweetness, making it a lower guilt indulgence. We also partner with local businesses like tea shops to bring in quality collaborations and spread the awareness of their offerings!
3. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Make sure that those choosing NA options feel just as valued and catered to as those ordering alcohol. A beautifully presented mocktail or a thoughtfully brewed tea can make the experience just as special and entice them to come back again, possibly with more friends.
4. Educate Your Staff: Your team should be knowledgeable about your NA offerings and most importantly enthusiastic about promoting them. They should be able to recognize potential NA customers, explain the ingredients, and make customers feel excited about trying something new.
5. Engage Your Customers: Use your marketing channels to showcase your NA options. You’d be surprised how many people scrolling through are either looking for NA offerings or will end up with a more positive feeling towards your brand. Feature them on your social media, in your menus, and in your promotions.

Drinking Horn Meadery’s Approach to NA Offerings

"At Drinking Horn Meadery, we have seen the rise in potential patrons who want a place to hang out without imbibing. We embraced the demand for non-alcoholic options with a range of beverages that are as thoughtfully crafted as our mead. Our Mead Hall in downtown Flagstaff offers a rotating selection of NA beverages to compliment our hand crafted alcoholic Meads."

Share What You Are Doing!

As we continue to explore and expand our NA offerings, we'd love to hear from you. Have you noticed more bars and restaurants offering quality non-alcoholic options? What are some of your favorite NA beverages to enjoy when you're out? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments—your feedback helps everyone to keep improving and innovating!

By welcoming this shift towards non-alcoholic beverages, bars and restaurants can not only meet a growing demand but also build a loyal customer base that values thoughtful, quality-driven choices. At Drinking Horn Meadery, we’re excited to be part of this movement, and we’re committed to continuing to offer the best possible experience for all of our guests.