This holiday season, many people are looking to embrace the festive spirit without the buzz. Restaurants and bars around the state are moving beyond the sodas, juices and water offerings, and including more thoughtful, flavorful and balanced non-alcoholic drinks on their menus.
One in four American adults don’t drink alcohol, and 34% of Americans aim to drink less alcohol, according to a January 2023 consumer survey.
“Nationwide, over the past five years, we have seen a very noticeable increase and interest in the awareness, creation, and availability of non-alcoholic beverages,” said Blaze Bell, a marketing specialist and admin coordinator with Recover Alaska, an advocacy organization combating alcohol misuse.
Recover Alaska has held dry-January events annually since 2017, and every year the interest and participation has grown, Bell said. The organization also supports statewide sober events, for both youth and adults, through a mini-grant program.
“It’s been incredible to see so many companies create alcohol-free drinks,” Bell said. “Everyone should have options. Our Dry January Trivia Series, last year, was a big hit and the room was full every week.”
Now, more sober options are popping up across the state.
In Juneau, Amalga Distillery has a full zero proof menu that is always available.
“We also love to visit In Bocca al Lupo for their full zero proof menu.” said Maura Selenak, owner of Amalga Distillery in Juneau, in a December Recover Alaska press release. “Try the Lupo and Amalga collab, a Real Fake Gin and Tonic, which is always on tap at Lupo.”
In Fairbanks, the Library Bar and Bites caters non-alcoholic options that use a variety of craft syrups and juices.
“My personal favorite is the Son of Sour at the Library Bar in Fairbanks,” said Larry Lowery, owner of Library Bar and Bites in Fairbanks, in the press release from Recover Alaska. “It’s a non-alcoholic spin on our gin sour. We use the Seedlip Grove spirit which is very citrus forward. Then we add fruit jam and simple syrup for sweetness, fresh lime juice, and then egg white for that classic sour foam. Our non-alcoholic mimosa is also really popular with its housemade sunshine syrup and topped with sparkling lemonade.”
In Anchorage, many local businesses offer regular non-alcoholic drink options and events. Lovewise Kombucha, Beachtribe Sodas, 49th State Brewing and La Bodega have a non-alcoholic section. Cielito Mocktail Lounge at Cafecito Bonito, Fletcher’s at Hotel Captain Cook and Whiskey and Ramen all have dedicated zero proof cocktail options on their menus.
“If I were after a mocktail experience, I would head to Cafecito Bonito to peruse their many fabulous options,” said Pamela Hatzis, owner of La Bodega in Anchorage, in the press release. “I also love the non-alcoholic Mediterranean at South Restaurant. It uses Seedlip Garden, which offers the botanical taste of gin minus the gin. And if I were more in the mood for non-alcoholic wine, Spoonline in Girdwood always has a lovely option or two.”
This January, Recover Alaska will partner with local businesses and host events in Anchorage from 6 – 8 p.m., every Thursday at K Street Market. The events include a trivia night, a Skinny Raven Pub Run, DJ Remax and an event centered around live performances at the Anchorage Folk Festival.
Disclaimer: Blaze Bell is a co-host of the “What’s Up, Alaska?!” podcast, republished and sponsored by The Alaska Current.
Victoria Petersen is an Anchorage-based freelance journalist covering food, culture and climate.