Atlanta Restaurants Enhance Beverage Menus with a Variety of Zero-Proof Options
Dry January is upon us, and with more people getting sober or sober-curious, the once niche challenge has gone mainstream. But the month (or more) of low- to no-alcohol consumption does not have to mean empty barstools and tables. Although more people are choosing to drink less alcohol, they are still interested in visiting bars and restaurants and enjoying a high-quality drink.
The non-alcoholic spirits market has become a multi-million-dollar industry in just the last few years, proving that consumers still want to enjoy new or classic beverages, just without the effects of alcohol. Gone are the days of having to order soda water with a lime or a glass of juice while enjoying a night out. For restaurants looking to better accommodate sober or sober-curious patrons, offering non-alcoholic options does not have to be intimidating.
“Start with finding a couple of straight cocktail replacements. A zero-proof negroni or old fashioned. People are craving something more interesting than just a blend of fruit juices, and it’s easy to start crafting a familiar replacement,” says Cory Atkinson, owner of Elemental Spirits Co. and The Zero Co. “Mixologists can then start to play with other flavors that will work well in alcoholic cocktails that might work well independently.”
There are exciting emerging trends in the zero-proof space. “We are seeing more and more adaptogen products. These are non-alcoholic concoctions using herbs, roots or extracts to help evoke a certain feeling or mood naturally. These usually have unique flavor combinations and are fun to use in cocktails or a lot of times just to sip over ice or with some soda water,” continues Atkinson. Non-alcoholic wines and beers are also becoming more popular.
For those in the Atlanta area looking to take a break from, lower or eliminate alcohol, restaurants and bars are already offering many options for low or non-alcoholic beverages.
- Apricot Mule: apricot, lime and Fever Tree ginger beer
- Fool’s Gold: lime, orange juice, citrus simple syrup, turmeric powder and ginger beer
- Zero-Proof Negroni (a classic!): GinISH, Wilfred’s non-alcoholic aperitif, Lyre’s
- Peach Me I’m Dreamin’: peach nectar, tarragon cordial, citrus and Fever Tree ginger beer
- Rosemary-Blueberry Smash: lemon juice, honey syrup, blueberry syrup and soda water (pictured below)
- So Fresh So Clean: lemongrass, ginger and pineapple
- Hibiscus in Havana: hibiscus tea, lime, mint leaves and aquafaba
- Non-Alcoholic Beer: Scofflaw x Y3S Seltzer and passionfruit seltzer
- Seedlip: citrus non-alcoholic spirit
- Ritual: non-alcoholic gin, rum, tequila, whiskey
