Maybe it’s been you who has said, “I need to cut back on drinking” or maybe you have a friend who’s been sober for years. Without sounding like your mom, we all know alcohol can impair your judgement and your ability to drive a car or do other motor functions. However, beyond the hangover the next day, there’s a ton of news emphasizing how alcohol affects sleep, skin, weight, and even your immune system. So what’s a New Yorker who has spent most of her life socializing with friends over drinks in bars to do? Look up the non-alcoholic bar scene and sober alternatives to learn more. Let’s face it, when it comes to business opportunities, New York is the place to create one if it doesn’t exist. Naturally, New York is a few steps ahead of the game with establishments that do not serve alcohol.
What NYC offers
Thanks to some close friends who are either sober or have been experimenting, I got the DL on the scene in New York. Many bars now feature non-alcoholic options such as Zero-proof or non-alcoholic beers, as well as a wide variety of crafted mocktails (cocktails without the booze). These drinks feature herbal, fruit, or floral ingredients that when muddled together, generate one tasty refreshment. Who wouldn’t want a Cos-No-politan? In terms of where to go, if you want the total non-alcoholic bar experience, try either Hekate or Fat Tiger in the East Village. New York also offers community events such as Sober in Central Park and Third Place.
Why I think it’s here to stay
If we step out of our own box, not everyone is drinking alcohol just because we are. Many younger generations, like Gen Z, never started drinking in the first place or grew up with more legal options (like Cannabis). Then there are the health conscious crew, who enjoy drinks but as they’ve gotten older, realize that they prefer to cut back to get better sleep or be able to go to the gym. Furthermore, there are those who used to drink regularly but are no longer drinking due to addiction issues, a health condition or because of a loved one they’ve seen suffer.
The sugar on the rim
The silver lining in this trend is that it’s an opportunity for bars, regardless of what kind of drinks they serve, to invest more in designing their spaces. Have you ever wondered why some pubs either look the exact same for 30 years or look worn down? You guessed it – not many people notice their surroundings when they’re under the influence. With this movement, places should heighten the details of everything from lighting to glassware to bathrooms to make them more inviting, comfortable, and appealing. After all, since non-alcoholic drinks cost nearly the same as the alcoholic counterpart, there isn’t the excuse of losing revenue. That’s why I think the non-alcoholic trend is here to stay in NYC. I’m looking forward to testing new mocktails and discovering how interior design will evolve in the coming years.