Why Do We Need Alcohol-Free Brick & Mortar Shops?
Alcohol-free drink makers and booze-free establishments are essential pillars of the non-alcoholic industry and community.
They set trends, provide education, and advocate for non-drinkers + mindful drinkers.
Recently, a friend of mine shared something so heartwarming with me about our local alcohol-free bottle shop. She doesn’t drink alcohol, not because she ever struggled with addiction or dependency, but because she just doesn’t like it (shoutout Gen Z), and because of this, she regularly buys alcohol-free drinks. Her mom is now experiencing some health issues and has dealt with addiction in the past. My friend tried to tell her about all the NA options available now, and how it could be beneficial for her to cut out alcohol without losing any of her favorite drinks or rituals (like a specific weekend or celebratory drink).
But just hearing about it didn’t seem to be enough motivation for her mom, so she took her into a zero-proof bottle shop and watched her face light up. Her mom was genuinely surprised by the huge variety in what was available, but also how luxurious, thoughtful, and adult everything felt.
And she’s right, before the big boom of new alcohol-free drink makers in 2018-2019, everything booze-free felt flat, boring, or made for kids.
There is something special about seeing allllllll those alc-free options lined up nicely on well-lit shelves, boutique style. It completely elevates the experience for non-drinkers, which has led to people drinking less and less every year.
Alcohol is losing its social grip; people have realized you can be out and about, be yourself, and actually enjoy life’s special moments without drinking alcohol.
And so, here are my top seven reasons why, for those who are choosing not to drink or to drink less, alcohol-free brick-and-mortar shops are essential.
Not Entering the Liquor Aisle
A true specialty experience. Most larger chain retailers will put the non-alcoholic section, if there is one, near the booze. In my local Target, for example, the NA products are in the same aisle and on the same shelves as the wine and liquor. This positioning generally adds slight anxiety to my experience, but that’s just me. I’d rather have to walk in that aisle to get the products than there not be any at all. I was absolutely thrilled to see Target begin stocking more adult alcohol-free beverages, but I immediately thought of how that (and Amazon) impacts the small shops I love.
This won’t be an issue for everyone, but for people who are trying to avoid being around alcohol, it’s less ideal.
Asking Questions
In an NA bottle shop, you’ll often find the founders behind the counter or a knowledgeable, passionate staff member. Those working in these rare shops are used to answering questions and chatting about alcohol-free drinks. You might even get personal recommendations! This is something you likely aren’t going to find in a massive retail location selling hundreds of product categories - everything from dish soap to leggings.
The boutique experience allows for more time and consideration when choosing items.
The Variety
No doubt about it, if you’re looking for a “browsing” experience, a non-alcoholic bottle shop is worth the drive. Even though booze-free products are more widely available now than they were five or ten years ago, you will still find the most variety with a specialty retailer.
An NA shop will have all or most categories, and even new categories, plus more variety within those categories. Inmoxicated, a bar and retailer near me in Wisconsin, carries 35+ NA beer options - which is a lot considering I hardly ever see more than two NA beers on a drink menu!
The variety also makes it easier to stock up, meaning you’ll run out less often and always have the bevs you want at home.
Sense of Community
As a non-drinker in the Midwest, I have struggled with feeling isolated and faced difficulty connecting with those around me because heavy drinking is pretty normalized here (still, but getting better). Now, this isn’t 100% of my experience, but it does complicate my social life at times.
Non-alcoholic bottle shops serve not only as your go-to source for drinks but also as a community hub. Many often hold gatherings for the sober, sober-curious, or AF-inclined, such as cocktail classes, social hours, karaoke, live music, and more, bringing like-minded people together.
For example…
Bendición in Chicago does a “Sober(ish) Book Club” in person and on Zoom.
Marigold in Minnesota hosted a fun cheese-and-beverage pairing featuring local products.
Gem in New Jersey did a “conscious cocktails and candle making” event.
NA bottle shops, in my opinion, have the opportunity to lead the way in de-centering alcohol from socializing and be an important example of life without booze.
Samples
Whether you’re attending a tasting event or just stopping in, there is more opportunity to “try before you buy” at specialty retailers.
For locations that operate as both a bar and a bottle shop, check out the menu to see how they’re using the products or order a drink to try something you’re curious about before purchasing a whole bottle or a case of it.
I know from personal experience that Bloomhaven Bottle Shop owner Molly keeps a TON of bottles open to offer samples to anyone who walks in. So, don’t be afraid to ask if samples are available when you visit one of these places!
Supporting Local
As Tawny Laura, author and beverage founder, says, “Indie NA drinks and indie bottle shops/pop-ups are the heart and soul of the NA drink industry.”
These establishments support a variety of needs within a single community or even statewide.
Non-alcoholic bottle shop entrepreneurs are building the necessary space for the ever-growing sober-curious movement.
Also, NA bottle shop owners are often in recovery themselves and involved in the recovery community, so your shopping there is also supporting the community!
Unique Offerings
Innovators like Generation NA are known for having NA beer on draft (and frozen adaptogenic slushies too), changing the way non-alcoholic drinks are served. I’ve also seen a range of items for sale in NA bottle shops - from jewelry to books to glassware and beyond. In addition to the variety of beverages, specialty shops often carry great local finds, “lifestyle” items, thoughtful gift options - you name it.
Thanks for reading!
