Non-Alcoholic beer is rapidly growing in popularity and is now an essential component of a successful bar. As people reduce their alcohol consumption or choose sobriety, many still want the bar experience, but don’t want sugary sodas or a boring, old water. Offering a high quality craft non-alcoholic beer at your bar could be a game changer. Here’s why:
1. Expand your Customer Base
A lot of Americans, including designated drivers, individuals in recovery, pregnant women, and those with dietary restrictions due to religious or personal reasons, avoid bars because they don’t consume alcohol. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 38% of Americans state they abstain from alcohol altogether (link: https://news.gallup.com/poll/509501/six-americans-drink-alcohol.aspx). Even among those who do drink, there’s a trend towards moderation. According to a study by LendingTree, 37% of alcohol consumers planned to reduce their drinking in 2024 (link: https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/alcohol-spending/). While intentions do not always translate into reality, these statistics highlight a trend in demand that should be capitalized on.
Incorporating non-alcoholic beer into your bar’s offerings, not only makes your establishment more inclusive but also positions it as a forward-thinking space that caters to the preferences and needs of all patrons. Moreover, offering non-alcoholic options could transform your bar into a welcoming venue for social gatherings, where everyone, regardless of their drinking preferences, can enjoy the ambiance and socialize over a good “beer.”
Adapting your menu to include non-alcoholic beverages could widen your appeal, attracting not just non-drinkers but also those who are temporarily abstaining, such as during “Dry January” or other periods of self-imposed sobriety. By recognizing and responding to these shifts in consumer behavior, your bar can cultivate a loyal clientele who appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of non-alcoholic options.
2. Boost Your Sales During Off-Peak Hours
Non-alcoholic beer presents an excellent opportunity to boost sales during typically slower business hours, such as midday lunch periods or afternoon business meetings. Many customers seek the comforting taste of beer without the side effects of alcohol, especially during the workday. Offering non-alcoholic beer allows patrons to enjoy the social ritual of having a beer, while maintaining productivity and focus.
Promoting non-alcoholic beer during these times can help you capitalize on the growing trend of mindful drinking. Consider creating special lunchtime promotions or happy hour deals featuring non-alcoholic beer to attract more customers. Additionally, hosting events or meetings with non-alcoholic beer as a featured option can differentiate your establishment as a versatile and thoughtful choice for business professionals and health-conscious patrons alike.
By strategically positioning non-alcoholic beer as a desirable option outside of traditional evening hours, you not only cater to a wider audience but also maximize your revenue potential during off-peak times.
3. Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Traditionally, bars have not been associated with health and wellness. However, the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer offers an exciting opportunity to change this perception. Non-alcoholic beer boasts several health benefits: generally lower in calories than alcoholic counterparts, strengthens the immune system, offers cardiovascular health benefits, and is rich in electrolytes. These attributes make it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy the social ambiance of a bar.
To capitalize on these health benefits, consider transforming your bar into a hub for health-focused community activities. Hosting events tailored to fitness enthusiasts, such as runner’s clubs or cyclist groups, can create a vibrant community. Non-alcoholic beer serves as the perfect recovery drink, helping to rehydrate and restore electrolyte balance after exercise.
Additionally, you could organize wellness events, such as talks on the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption or workshops on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Offering a selection of non-alcoholic beers during these events can further emphasize your commitment to promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
4. Set a Trend in Your Area
The non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing a surge in popularity, reflecting a broader shift towards mindful drinking and wellness. As a bar owner, embracing non-alcoholic beers not only meets this growing demand but also sets you apart as a leader in the industry. Positioning your establishment as one of the first in the area to champion these beverages can give you an edge in a competitive market.
To capitalize on this unique position, consider launching innovative promotions that highlight your non-alcoholic offerings. For instance, you could introduce a “Sober Hour,” featuring non-alcoholic beers and mocktails at discounted prices. This can attract a diverse crowd looking for a social atmosphere without the alcohol.
Additionally, consider seasonal or holiday-themed events that cater to those who prefer non-alcoholic options. For example, hosting a “Sober October” celebration or offering special non-alcoholic drink menus for New Year’s resolutions can attract customers looking to reduce their alcohol intake during specific times of the year.
5. Offer Innovative Mocktail Options
Non-alcoholic beer is not just a standalone alternative to traditional beer; it’s a versatile ingredient that can revolutionize your bar’s cocktail menu. Utilizing non-alcoholic beer as a base for innovative mocktails opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing your bar to offer unique and exciting drink options that cater to a diverse clientele.
Experimenting with non-alcoholic beer in cocktails can attract patrons who are looking for complex, sophisticated flavors without the alcohol content. For example, consider crafting a “Hops and Herb” mocktail by blending non-alcoholic IPA with herbal syrups, fresh citrus juice, and a splash of tonic. This type of beverage offers the hoppy bitterness beer lovers appreciate, combined with fresh, zesty elements that enhance the overall flavor profile.
You could also explore themes or seasonal ingredients to keep your mocktail menu fresh and exciting. In the autumn, a “Spiced Beer Cider” made with non-alcoholic stout, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg might be a hit. During summer, a “Tropical Beer Cooler” combining non-alcoholic lager with pineapple juice, lime, and mint could offer a refreshing twist.
To Sum it All Up
Incorporating non-alcoholic beer into your bar’s menu is more than just adding a product—it’s about creating an inclusive environment that appeals to a broader demographic. It’s about adapting to the changing landscapes of consumer needs and setting your establishment apart as a welcoming place for everyone. And Bright Barrel is here to help you achieve this. We offer competitively-priced wholesale options and would be happy to speak with you to help round out your establishment’s offerings with a series of high-quality, crafted non-alcoholic beers.
Contact us: caleb@bright-barrel.com