Can You Have a Successful Cocktail Bar with No or Less Alcohol?

You have probably heard about the trend towards no and low-alcohol drinks, but what’s behind it? What is driving the sustained interest in control over the consumption of alcohol? Let’s find out.

IWSR Drinks Market Analysis finds that the no- and low-alcohol drink market will increase by at least 8% from 2021 to 2025. That is more than the rate of increase for regular alcohol. Some might say it’s due to the growing “sober curious” trend, but that is not entirely true. Of all the adults surveyed, just under half stated that they prefer ordering low-alcohol drinks in certain situations rather than drinking nothing at all. The keyword for 2023 is “everything in moderation.” 

Does it Make Sense to Open a No or Less Alcohol Bar?

Although this trend is hot and heavy right now, it makes sense to test things out and cover your bases. If you are considering opening an alternative bar, be sure to use these tips below:

Consider a Pop-Up – Before renting a space for your bar, test things out and run a trial with a pop-up location. See how it goes and grow from there. Ask around; some bars and restaurants may allow you to host your pop-up within their establishment to get things rolling. They may even consider a long-term agreement and continue to allow you to operate from their premises.

Offer Free Tasting – Offer complimentary tastings to encourage interest in your non and low-alcoholic beverages and get customers to try new drinks. You can also include free snacks with your cocktails to increase interest in your offerings. 

Mixology is Where it’s At – Generation Z is incredibly discerning with a taste for the exotic. Therefore, mix up some complex concoctions to tempt your guests and shock them with how delicious and adventurous low-alcohol cocktails can be. 

Advertise Inclusively – Non and low-alcoholic beverages are not just for sober individuals. They are for everyone. Sometimes patrons want less alcohol for health reasons, dieting, or just as an alliance with a sober friend. 

Keep an Eye on Costs – Low-alcohol drinks cost the same as regular alcohol. Keep a close eye on your budget when starting out, and keep expenses low.

Invest in Your Own Signature Drinks – Brand yourself with a few signature drinks using low or no-alcohol beverages to inspire customer loyalty. Then, shake things up by offering new drinks monthly or for special occasions. 

How to Stock Your Low-Alcohol Bar

Premium Blend is the premier supplier of an entire line of low-alcohol drinks made to substitute hard liquor. We have alternatives for:

  • Rum
  • Tequila
  • Cognac
  • Vodka
  • Gin
  • Cordials
  • Sangria
  • Whiskey
  • And many more!

We also offer premium mixers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more. Check out our website to review our full product list, and contact us for more information about how to stock your bar with our low-alcohol alternatives.

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