The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
A trend of being social and sober has been steadily growing over the last few years. After the holiday season and New Year’s, a growing number of people are adopting Dry January. Avoiding alcohol throughout the month is a way to have a healthy reset in the new year.
Non-alcoholic options have been trending in general: seltzers, mocktails, 0% ABV beer, 0% ABV wine, and THC substitutes. These alternatives make it easier than ever for those who enjoy an active social life while still being able to participate in the monthlong trend. It will even save you some money!
One of the best things about Downtown Cary is the wide variety of restaurants, breweries, and bars, all within walking distance of one another. And luckily, nearly all of them offer alternative beverages. Some establishments even lean into Dry January with non-alcoholic specials front and center. With a little research and awareness, visitors to Downtown Cary can still enjoy a sober and fun evening out!
Mocktails
Mocktails are the most common alternatives. Unique and complex flavors, often used to mask the taste of alcohol, can stand on their own as a beverage. Even if it doesn’t show up on the menu, bartenders can happily make a mocktail equivalent. With their flexibility, nearly any place that offers cocktails is Dry January friendly. This can be a great option for a mixed crowd of friends who are and are not participating in the trend for a fun evening out.
Beer and Wine
Beer and wine are less flexible than cocktails, since they must be processed in advance and prepared for bottles, cans, and taps. However, brewers and winemakers are aware of the sober-friendly market and act accordingly. Athletic Brewing is a beer staple that embraces 0% ABV and is available at most local breweries, such as Bond Brothers. Even the Bark Bar in Downtown Cary Park offers choices, serving a low-ABV Juicy IPA and an Italian-Style Pilsner by FLVR! for those who enjoy unique flavors.
In addition to its selection of mocktails, the sparkling wine bar RBF offers a non-alcoholic sparkling wine available in rosé or Riesling. Chatham Street Wine Market offers bottles and cans of wine that you can take home and enjoy with friends over dinner or for a cozy movie night at home.
Come Out to Play!
There are several reasons someone might explore sober-friendly options. It could be temporary (e.g., Dry January) or for the foreseeable future. Today, patrons no longer have to choose between a fun night out and sobriety. It’s wonderful that there are many options to meet diverse needs, and it is certainly something to applaud!