The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages: How Your Bar or Restaurant Can Benefit
Have you noticed more customers asking for non-alcoholic options? You’re not alone.
Non-alcoholic beverages are rapidly gaining popularity, and this trend is here to stay.
Whether it’s the rise of the “sober-curious” movement or simply people looking for a break from booze, more customers want to enjoy flavorful, non-alcoholic drinks when they go out.
For restaurant, bar, and brewery owners, this shift is a huge opportunity to diversify offerings and grow your bottom line.
Let’s break down how you can take advantage of this trend and why non-alcoholic drinks could be the differentiator your business needs.
Why Non-Alcoholic Beverages Are Taking Off
So, why the shift?
From what we’ve found, the rise of non-alcoholic drinks can be attributed to health-conscious customers and changing social habits. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, with many choosing to drink less or abstain entirely from alcohol, especially during social outings.
According to a report by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, global sales of non-alcoholic beverages are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% between 2023 and 2027.
The market is already worth $11 billion globally, with the U.S. being a major driver of this growth.
Practical Ways Non-Alcoholic Beverages Can Boost Your Revenue
Offering non-alcoholic drinks isn’t just about catering to a niche crowd—it’s a way to increase your per-customer spend. But it takes more than just adding one or two options to your menu.
Here are a few practical ways to make non-alcoholic beverages work for your business:
Upsell Premium Non-Alcoholic Options
Don’t limit yourself to soda or water. Premium non-alcoholic drinks can be just as profitable as alcoholic beverages—if not more. If a customer who isn’t drinking orders water, you earn nothing. But offering them a zero-proof cocktail, like a “Lyre’s No-Gin Martini” for $10, instantly boosts your revenue.
Action Step: Design a few premium non-alcoholic drinks. Start small—maybe one or two zero-proof cocktails, and a local non-alcoholic craft beer. Rotate them seasonally to keep things fresh.
Pairing Non-Alcoholic Beverages with Food
People enjoy pairing their drinks with food, but non-drinkers are often left out of this experience.
Elevate your non-alcoholic menu by offering pairing suggestions that complement your dishes, just as you would with wine or beer.
For example, you can pair a tangy non-alcoholic sparkling wine with seafood, or a non-alcoholic dark stout with a chocolate dessert. Work with your chef to get creative.
Increase Visibility
Your customers won’t know you have great non-alcoholic options if they’re buried at the bottom of the menu.
Give them prominence! You should create a special section on your drinks menu and have your staff recommend these options.
It’s not just about having non-alcoholic drinks on the menu—it’s about making them appealing.
Here are a few more ways to make your non-alcoholic drinks stand out:
Craft mocktails like you craft cocktails:
Don’t just take alcohol out of an existing cocktail recipe—put as much thought into the non-alcoholic versions as you do the regular ones. Use fresh ingredients, creative garnishes, and interesting flavor combinations.
Offer non-alcoholic beers and spirits:
Brands like Lyre’s, Seedlip, and Monday offer high-quality non-alcoholic spirits that can be used to craft delicious zero-proof cocktails. Meanwhile, breweries like Athletic Brewing Co. and Heineken 0.0 provide non-alcoholic beers that mimic the taste and feel of their alcoholic counterparts.
Train your staff to promote them:
Staff education is key. Your servers and bartenders need to know why your non-alcoholic options are great—not just as an alternative, but as a premium choice in their own right. Train them to suggest mocktails or non-alcoholic beers with the same enthusiasm they would for your regular cocktails.
Finally, as the non-alcoholic beverage industry continues to grow, staying ahead of the curve is crucial—this isn’t just a passing trend.
Think of ways you can become the “go-to” sober option in your neighborhood. These days, it’s more likely that at least one person in every friendship group is a non-drinker. Standing out as the best option for them can get your name mentioned more often in social circles.
Consider adding a zero-proof happy hour to attract a new crowd. You’ll be surprised how many people, from designated drivers to health-conscious folks, will appreciate having more options to choose from.
And don’t forget to create marketing campaigns around your non-alcoholic options to draw in the sober-curious and health-conscious audiences.
More customers are choosing non-alcoholic options, and this shift can boost your bottom line.
By offering a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, you’re reaching new customers and encouraging repeat business. This not only increases sales but adds more value to every customer’s visit—without changing your main menu.
Until next time!