If, like me, you’ve got been working towards Dry January, or “Damp January“, congrats, we’re midway there! And also you’re undoubtedly not alone—at the least judging by the rising marketplace for non-alcoholic grownup drinks. USA Immediately, citing information from Nielsen IQ, explains that in 2023, People spent $565 million {dollars} at retail shops on non-alcohol beer, wine, and spirits, which quantities to 35% greater than the earlier yr, and contains the largest enhance of any grownup beverage class.
And that determine does not embody what People spent on such drinks at bars and different venues. Many bars are providing extra choices, and bars that serve solely non-alcoholic drinks are additionally rising in recognition. Some of the current is Keep Zero Proof, which opened on January 12, 2024 within the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. LA Eater explains:
The concept behind Keep was to offer as a lot of the weather of a cocktail lounge expertise, from the atmosphere to a full bar counter, however with none alcoholic drinks.
Bartender Derek Brown, who just lately printed Conscious Mixology about low-ABV and non-alcoholic cocktails, designed the menu round 12 particular drinks named for every of the Chinese language zodiac indicators. The Ox makes use of Kentucky 74 bourbon different with aperitif rosso, fragrant bitters, smoke, and ginger syrup for a hanging presentation on the bar. The Rabbit mixes components of an Previous Normal with Lyre’s Highland Malt, orange and chocolate mole bitters, ginger syrup and cherry whereas the Monkey blends Caleño darkish & zesty with cola and fragrant bitters for a tackle rum and coke.
The mocktails at Keep Zero Proof will run you from 18 to 24 {dollars}. I feel all of them look scrumptious, however the two that sound particularly yummy are “The Tiger” (Free Spirits “Tequila” Different, Lime, Lapsang-Souchong, Pineapple Juice, Agave, Inexperienced Tabasco, Tajín Rim. Lime, smoke, and spice with a chunk) and “The Rooster” (Our Tart Cherry Tonic, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sweetened Blood Orange, Ginger Syrup. Ginger warmth with bubbles).
Till I get again to Los Angeles, although, I will fortunately sip on some mocktails I discovered at my native grocery retailer. I am notably keen on this zero-proof Lime Margarita from Recess, which I discovered on sale at Sprouts.
For people doing Dry or Damp January–sustain the nice work!