Drink Responsibly
Spiritless Beverages : The New Wellness Trend
by KRYSTINA SKIBO
For many , the “ damp ” or “ dry ” beverage choices have gone well beyond January . According to Nielsen IQ , sales growth of alcohol-free beverages increased from 0.22 % of total alcohol sales in 2018 to 0.47 % in 2022 . Global Market Insights also predicts the no alcohol drinks category to grow to $ 30 billion by 2025 .
“ The non-alcoholic industry is simply not a trend — it ’ s a societal shift ,” says Emily Heintz , founder of the Charleston , SC-based alcohol-free spirits , wine and beer retailer Sèchey . “ Consumer demand for different options is what ’ s fueling the growth of the category . They ’ re looking for different options to celebrate , socialize and connect as adults without alcohol . And when you think about this societal and cultural shift , it all comes down to wellness .”
With more consumers gravitating towards healthier beverage options , both on- and off-premise businesses are taking note . While wine and liquor stores are beefing up their shelves with a variety of no- and low-alcohol options , bars and restaurants are adding mocktails or zero-proof cocktails to their menus .
For instance , Malibu restaurant in Fairfield , CT , boasts three mocktails on its drinks menu . The Malibu Passion , made with passion fruit , pineapple , lemon , orgeat and Coco Lopez , is priced at $ 6.95 ; Gracias Madre mixes blueberry , rosemary , lemon juice , agave and sparkling Topo Chico mineral water ($ 5.95 ); and Adios
“ The non-alcoholic category is eliminating the alienation that one might feel in a social setting for not drinking .”
– Emily Heintz , founder of alcohol-free spirits , wine and beer retailer Sèchey in Charleston , SC .
6 Drink Responsibly 2024