The “sober curious” movement isn’t just a fleeting trend: Experts predict non-alcoholic drink consumption will increase by a third through 2026. Â
But taking advantage of this shift requires more than adding a rogue Shirley Temple to your menu. From inventory and marketing to employee training and pricing, let’s explore strategies for building a successful non-alcoholic beverage program.Â
Here are a few key trends driving the demand for elevated non-alcoholic drink experiences:Â
Offering compelling non-alcoholic options isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a smart move for any bar looking to thrive. To successfully capture the demand, experiment with these six tips:Â
Syrupy concoctions and “virgin” versions of classic cocktails (which often amount to little more than juice and soda) won’t cut it. Non-alcoholic drinkers are looking for quality and sophistication. Â
Build your non-alcoholic beverage program with the best possible ingredients, such as:Â
Crafting delicious and visually appealing non-alcoholic cocktails requires the same level of attention and skill as their alcoholic counterparts. Follow these basic principles:Â
Similar to your food menu, your non-alcoholic beverage offerings should cater to a variety of preferences. A well-rounded selection ensures there’s something for everyone, encouraging larger groups to visit your bar knowing all their needs will be met. Â
This means offering a range of options, including non-alcoholic takes on classic cocktails as well as original creations. You’ll also want to cater to different tastes, whether that’s something light and refreshing, sweet and fruity, herbal and savory, or even spicy and smoky.Â
Your staff is the face of your bar, which means they need to feel confident in guiding guests through your menu and making personalized recommendations. Take the time to educate your bartenders on different non-alcoholic spirits and ingredients. Â
But don’t just hand them a product list and expect them to wing it. Instead, organize tastings and workshops to explore the nuances of each ingredient, discuss flavor profiles, and brainstorm creative combinations.Â
Pro tip: A digital-first employee training platform can help upskill your staff more efficiently via interactive modules, personalized learning paths, and performance-tracking tools.Â
Don’t let your non-alcoholic drinks go unnoticed. Promote offerings with the same energy and creativity you would for alcoholic cocktails. Â
For example, highlight your non-alcoholic menu prominently on your website, social media, and in-house menus. You can also organize tasting events or partner with local businesses to promote your NA offerings.Â
Crafting incredible non-alcoholic drinks is just the first step. To run a profitable bar, you need to have a handle on your operations. That’s where the right restaurant management software can become your secret ingredient:Â
Read More:
See why more than 40,000 restaurants use Restaurant365
By crafting a compelling non-alcoholic beverage program, you can attract new guests, enhance your brand image, and watch your bar become a destination for those seeking a night to remember—with or without the booze.Â
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