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🎧 Listen up: the best NA/AF pods, pt. 1
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Best Dark NA Beers for Fall Vibes
Craft non-alcoholic beer is having a moment. Once upon a (recent) time, all you could find was O’Doul’s. Now, craft NA is everywhere. Here’s a look at some of the best non-alc dark brews (ports, stouts, seasonals) around for those crisp, cozy fall vibes.
Narrowing things down was a practically impossible task. Not even four to five years ago, our list would have been much, much shorter. And yes, O’Doul’s gets its fair share of grief, but that little beer that could, in fact, well, did. It was the only option available in the USA for almost 30 years until a small craft brewery in Connecticut launched in 2017. Athletic Brewing — maybe you’ve heard of it? Since then, NA beer is widely available across the country, ranging from large NA craft breweries like Athletic and mid-size ones like Wellbeing, RationAle, and Go Brewing to Big Alcohol providing options too, with NA brews from Budweiser, Coors, Lagunitas, and Sam Adams (just to name a few). Our neighbors up north in Canada are trailblazing too, with more and more Canadian NA brands (beer and otherwise) and if we travel across the pond, we’ll hit the NA epicenter. For those just dipping their toes into the adult non-alc world, the UK is really the heartbeat of no and low. Naturally, some British brands make their way to our list. But devoting time and space to NA in the UK is another blog post for another day.
So let’s take a look at these brews, sourced by yours truly and some friends in the NA community. These chosen few are a testament to just how far we’ve come with craft NA beer.
Ginger Espresso Beer-Tini, High Street Tonics
Go Brewing’s Street Cred Nitro Bold combines two of my favorite things: coffee + NA dark beer. Go Brewing out of Chicago is one to watch. I’m not the only one who’s obsessed.
Cheri Hammons and the High Street Tonics team chose this as their fave, and here’s why:
“We love Go Brewing’s Street Cred Nitro Bold. The smooth notes of espresso and cocoa make it a perfect fall sipper, and also make it a perfect ingredient in our well loved Ginger Espresso Beer-Tini.”
Ginger Espresso Beer-Tini:
1.5 oz Go Brewing Nitro Bold
1.5 oz Lyre’s coffee spirit
.5 oz High Street Tonics Ginger Turmeric Tonic
2 dropperfuls High Street Tonics Aromatic Bitters
Follow High Street Tonics on IG: @highstreettonics
Bravus Brewing Co.’s Oatmeal Dark got two votes from some pretty heavy hitters in the NA industry. Let’s see what they had to say about this toasty brew.
Douglas Watters, co-founder of Spirited Away (the USA’S first brick and mortar non-alcoholic bottle shop) and Dry Atlas, a non-alc industry and reviews-based website, says:
“Of the 16 stouts and 3 porters on Dry Atlas, I’m likely to grab a Bravus Oatmeal Stout. Like Guinness, it looks much heavier and more calorific than it actually is. A rich, velvety stout with notes of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of caramel—a comforting brew for cooler evenings. ”
Follow Douglas and Victoria Watters on IG: @spiritedaway.co & @dryatlas
Derek Brown, author of Mindful Mixology and co-founder of Mindful Drinking Fest (in addition to being the former proprietor of DC’s famed inclusive hospitality hotspot, Columbia Room) also raves about Bravus’ Oatmeal Dark:
“I love a good NA stout when it gets colder. This one is creamy, delicious goodness with notes of roasted coffee, caramel, and a slight sweetness. ”
Follow Derek Brown on IG: @positivedamageinc
Partake Brewing’s Oktoberfest is a Sober October dream and clocks in at only 30 calories to boot. Our Canadian friends are getting a lot right in the NA world these days, and Partake has been doing the damn thing for years now (maybe the first NA beer I ever saw at Total Wine and More).
I’m not the only one in love with this seasonal release. Tawny Lara, author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Releating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze votes for this brew as well.
“Partake Oktoberfest is freaking delish. Honestly, everything Partake makes is incredible. ”
Follow Tawny Lara on IG: @tawnymlara
Deschutes Brewery’s NA Black Butte Porter - and Untitled Art’s Chocolate Milk Dark Brew got an interesting combo vote. FYI, I’ve never heard of the former, let alone tried it, so please hold while I run to Deschutes’ website to order this bad boy (note: only ships to Oregon, Virginia, and DC).
Our combo vote comes from industry darlings Ian and Carly Blessing of All the Bitter.
“Honestly, we don’t drink much dark beer, but Deschuttes Black Butte Porter (non-alc) comes closer than just about anything to nailing the style. For a decadent treat we love to mix it 50/50 with Untitled Art’s non-alc Chocolate Milk Dark Brew.”
Follow ATB on IG: @allthebitter
MMM. I might have to try this combo and add some ATB chocolate mole bitters!
Athletic Brewing Co.’s Dark & Gourdy pumpkin ale is a natural fit for a fall roundup. Rumor has it the beer (which I’ve never tasted!?) has notes of chocolate, coffee, and obviously, pumpkin!
Olivia Sears, cofounder and CEO of BuzzCutt, a U.S.-based NA discovery app, loves this pumpkin ale.
“Athletic’s [Dark & Gourdy] is soooooo tasty. I was never a fan of fall flavor beers when I did drink, but there’s something about this non-alc one that hits different. It feels like the flavors are even more intentional. ”
Follow BuzzCutt on IG: @buzzcuttco
While we’re on the Athletic train, here are some of my own faves: Lodge Life, a blink and you’ll miss it release, this campfire s’mores in a can does not disappoint and All Out Stout, the year-round dark brew in Athletic’s portfolio. I absolutely love a stout any time of the year. I know it’s not just me. Right? Bueller?
Another combo vote here: Mash Gang’s Superstack, Lo Tide’s Check This Stout, and Untitled Art’s Chocolate Milk Dark Brew. I get it, I get it. It’s always impossible for me to narrow down faves, so I 💯 respect this submission. Also, we finally get some brews from the UK here (Mash Gang and Lo Tide).
Cristina Torres, founder/owner of the always bustling NA shop and social space, Bendición Bottle Shop, has good taste.
“My current fave fall brews are Mash Gang’s “Super Stack”, Low Tides “Check This Stout”, and Untitled Art’s “Chocolate Dark Brew”.”
Follow Bendición Bottle Shop on IG: @bendicionbottleshop
Speaking of Mash Gang, I finally got to taste the UK’s answer to liquid gold when I stopped at Generation NA in Lafayette, IN on my summer cross-country road trip. I fell in love with the low alcohol coffee stout and can’t wait to try Cristina’s pick as soon as I’m able. I mean, blueberry blackcurrant maple sour what!?!
Lo Tide’s Check this Stout out of Bath, UK gets another vote! I really do need to check this one stout, er, out. I mean, just look at that stylish can.
The team at Generation NA’s ears must have been ringing when Cristina at Bendición mentioned one of her faves. Rob Theodorow and his rockstar team are loving this dark brew:
“The honeycomb aroma up front really sets the tone for a unique and flavorful fall experience. 🍻 🍫 🍯 ”
Follow Generation NA on IG: @generationna
Atmos Brewing Co.’s Barrel-Aged NA Milk Dark gets its first vote on our list. But gosh darn it, I can’t find this one anywhere and that just makes me sad. Atmos, if you’re reading this, please send me some Barrel-Aged NA Dark please and thank you? 😇
Our friend Tyler McMahon of Instagram page @reducaholic is a fan of this dark NA sip:
“My current go-to dark is Atmos Barrel-Aged Dark, primarily because I like when darks take on more complex flavors and still stay NA. Good beer with many of the characteristics of a barrel aged dark, and I still have a couple cans left (Laura’s note: lucky!).”
Follow Tyler on IG: @reducaholic
War Chief Collection’s Handcrafted Hop Porter, Guinness Draught 0.0, Wellbeing Brewing’s Intrepid Traveler Coffee Cream Stout, and Eighteen Twenty Brewing Co.’s Stand Up & Stout are my remaining picks, knowing I can’t actually list every single dark NA beer I’ve ever loved — and ever will love.
PS: if stouts and porters aren’t your thing, check out this list of NA beer brands on ZPN. You’ll find lagers, pilseners, IPAs, hazy IPAs, sours, goses, shandys, weisses, and just about everything else. Love hops but allergic to gluten? Try hopped seltzers and teas — take a peek here.
PPS: Sam Bail of Third Place Bar in NYC thinks of a different type of autumnal beer:
“ My favorite fall beer is the Untitled Art Juicy IPA. It’s such an amazing hazy hoppy juicy gem, perfect for the golden fall weather. This was one of the first NA beers I tried when I stopped drinking and it made me go, “Yup, this is the way to go!””
Follow Third Place Bar on IG: @thirdplacebarnyc
There you have it. This was no easy feat, but someone had to do it. Happy fall sippin’, y’all. 🍻 🍂
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
AF in Arizona with Sam of @forkintasty
Guest blogger Sam of @forkintasty takes us on a zero proof tour of Phoenix, AZ. Sam is known for her fun roundups of alcohol-free and dairy-free content on IG and Tiktok.
My name is Samantha (Sam for short) and I have been sober/alcohol-free since I was in my mid-twenties (when I learned that I reacted severely to any alcohol). I am originally from the Midwest (Columbus, Ohio to be more specific) and moved to Phoenix, Arizona about 6+ years ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Valley as there are many cities/suburbs to explore! I enjoy going to new restaurants and bars and most places are able to either do alcohol-free versions/mocktails of cocktails on their menu or take the creative liberty to concoct a delicious drink! It is so important to not place judgement on those who choose not to consume alcohol and now I believe that the sober/sober-curious/alcohol-free space is more wide-spread and accessible than ever in many markets/areas around the country.
I love that many places now offer just as beautiful and creative alternatives to cocktails for those who are sober-curious. Aside from only being able to have club soda and cranberry (or versions of this) and pop/soda/iced tea/lemonade, the restaurant and bar industries have created a new space for these concoctions to shine just as bright. I often find myself pleasantly surprised when menus have designated non-alcoholic/alcohol-free sections that boast creative, delicious and Instagram-worthy drinks! When I travel, I often ask restaurants and bars if they are able to create a mocktail/alcohol-free version of cocktails and many more now have been able to accommodate this request, which I am super thankful for!
Below are some of my favorite places that offer alcohol-free options in Phoenix.
Platform 18 located inside Century Grand (Phoenix, AZ)
Undertow located inside Century Grand (Phoenix, AZ)
KHLA (Phoenix, AZ)
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (Phoenix, AZ)
The Rose Garden (Downtown Phoenix, AZ)
The Parlour Room/The White Rabbit (Gilbert, AZ)
Garden Bar (Phoenix, AZ)
Little Rituals (Downtown Phoenix, AZ)
Samantha (Sam for short) has been sober/alcohol-free since she was in her mid-twenties (when she learned that se reacted severely to any alcohol). Sam is originally from the Midwest (Columbus, Ohio to be more specific) and moved to Phoenix, Arizona about 6+ years ago.
Instagram: @forkintasty // TikTok: @forkintasty
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To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
AWAKE: Awakening the Senses in Colorado
Update: As of February 2023, AWAKE in Denver, CO is no longer open. This blog by our guest writer will continue to live on as a tribute to Colorado’s first non-alcoholic social space and bottle shop.
When bon vivants decide to go dry or cut back, alcohol is just a small part of what they miss. More often, it’s that communal feeling of sharing a moment with friends or a loved one over a cocktail. Very few restaurants and bars have sophisticated non-alcoholic menus that sufficiently recreate that experience.
Awake Denver fills this void. Established in 2021 by Billy & Christy Wynne, their mission is to provide a “safe, socially-conscious space that aims to inspire peace, joy, and justice-making” in the Denver area. Awake’s regular donations to charities reflect that commitment.
It’s not easy to be a venue that has the right vibe at any given time of day but Awake manages to pull this off. A coffeehouse in the morning, a place to meet for brunch on weekends, a lunch spot during the week, and hosting fun, often socially-conscious evening gatherings all feel at home in this cozy space in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.
On a beautiful spring day recently, we headed to Awake for Sunday brunch and live music. I started with their signature Bloody Mary—deliciously seasoned and crafted. My husband sampled from their wide variety of beers. Everything from basic Heineken 0.0 to Lagunitas IPNA to Grüvi’s dark stout is represented here for beer-lovers.
What got me most excited were the bubbles! Along with a decent wine list, the menu features sparkling wines from Grüvi, Noughty, and SOVI. I couldn’t resist creating my own flight to sample.
For those who lean more toward crafted cocktails, their menu changes seasonally while also providing classics such as Awake 75, Old Fashioneds, and Margaritas.
The food menu is rather limited, especially for vegans. We had a burrito, hummus, and almonds. All were fine, though clearly are not the focus of the menu.
If I were to add anything to this space, it would be to up the warmth factor with a few more couches and plants. The space can feel austere at times.
The service is always incredible. You can instantly tell when someone is happy to see you when walked in. Even short-staffed, David and Megan made us feel welcome.
The most magical thing about Awake happened once my husband and I were settled and the drinks came. We toasted, took a sip, and let out an audible “ahhh” — just like old times. Those who have gone sober or are considering doing so often think these moments are gone forever. Thanks to the burgeoning NA scene, they not only live on, but are more beautiful and memorable than before.
Summer hours
Monday: 7am-12pm
Tuesday: 7am-12pm
Wednesday: 7am-10pm
Thursday: 7am-10pm
Friday: 7am-10pm
Saturday: 8am-10pm
Sunday: 8am-8pm
2240 N Clay Street, Unit 100, Denver, Colorado 80211
(Across the street from Jefferson Park near Empower Field)
Elizabeth Ross Hubbell is a freelance writer and yogi passionate about living a plant-based, alcohol-free life. In addition to co-authoring several books on instruction, she has contributed to Sober Curator, Vegan Life Mag, Tiny Buddha, Center for Nutrition Studies, and Alcohol Change UK. She resides in Denver, Colorado.
Website: erhubbell.journoportfolio.com
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Inmoxicated - Bringing the Dry Bar to Wisconsin
by Nicole Nettell
Hi, #ZeroProofNation! My name is Nicole, and I’m here to introduce you to a new sober bottle shop and bar located in a state known for its historical connection to beer and overall drunkenness. This good vibes gem is called Inmoxicated, and I stopped by to get all the details you need!
Located in friendly downtown Racine, Wisconsin, Inmoxicated stands out in a good way.
With 2.7 regular bars per grocery store, we know that Wisconsin has no shortage of bars on most blocks. But what the state didn’t have is a dedicated sober space, not just an occasional mocktail menu or boring soda list.
Every year, Wisconsin lands in a top spot when a viral Facebook article crowns the drunkest state. And University students take pride when similar articles list the rowdiest colleges to attend.
For many here, heading to a dry bar might seem like a foreign idea!
But going sober is a thriving trend nationwide - with titans like Glennon Doyle, Laura McKowen, Ruby Warrington, Annie Grace, and many more leading the sober curious movement. It’s not just a short-lived social media trend, but a genuine culture shift.
Inmoxicated owner Shannon Goodman stepped up as a sober leader in her own community and broke the mold on Main Street. Her white brick shop stands out and attracts Wisconsinites who’ve been searching for alcohol-free options.
As one of them, I excitedly made the 40-minute drive from Milwaukee to check it out. Here is what I loved most about my visit:
Signature mocktail menu.
After a series of mixology trials and taste testing, Shannon and her business partner Jeff established their mocktail menu featuring ten custom creations.
A Wisconsin classic, the old-fashioned, with an aromatic smokey twist.
The best indulgent white Russian, topped with whipped cream.
A fun citrusy, orange cosmo featuring Seedlip and Lyre’s orange sec.
…just to name a few!
I was able to try the White Russian, which in my opinion is a rare find in zero-proof form. It was delicious and an inspiring reminder that we can do anything sober.
Try before you buy.
In addition to their mocktail menu, Inmoxicated carries a unique and diverse bottle lineup.
With tons of wine and ready-to-drink options, it’s the premier location in Wisconsin to stock up on booze-free favorites. You can choose from both local and international brands in one location. Plus, if you can’t decide what to buy, just pull up a chair and try the products for yourself!
Inmoxicated also stocks items like bitters and mixers to help you get creative at home.
Safe space for everyone.
In the back left corner, you’ll find a lock wall where visitors write their sober date on a lock and click it into place among others from the community. It’s a visual reminder that no one is ever alone in recovery! Inmoxicated hopes to provide a fun, positive environment for non-drinkers to enjoy friends, music, and drinks.
Visitors can even pick up a book about sobriety in the shop! I saw my personal favorite “We Are The Luckiest” by Laura McKowen on the shelf. And with a variety of seating options, you could get in a whole chapter while sipping a mocktail.
It’s truly a 5 in 1 sober experience.
Mobile dry bar.
This spring, Shannon, and Jeff’s handcrafted mocktails will be available in a full-service, mobile dry bar. You can find them at local markets and meet-ups serving their signature menu. Contact them to bring a unique experience to your next event!
Nicole Nettell is a sobriety advocate, copywriter, and freelance wellness writer based in Wisconsin.
Instagram: @sanitysips / @therecoverycatblog / @alcoholfreeinmke
Website: www.therecoverycatblog.com
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Donate here.
Booze-Free Bar Road Trip Across the USA 🚘
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit booze-free bars. It’s true, you can find non-alc cocktails and NA bevs on menus at hundreds of spots around the country (and world) but there’s something kind of special about a completely dry bar.
Hey, friends. It’s been a while. Happy 2022! The last time we met “on the road,” we had just visited NA bottle shops on the west coast. We continue our trip, in no particular geographical order, with booze-free bars. It’s 100% virtual* (ugh COVID / this would cost a load of $$*) but it’s also 100% fun. Guaranteed.
🚘 ⚡️
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*Would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
Sans Bar
Austin, TX
📸 V. Quintero
Chris Marshall started the booze free bar movement. A former counselor for people with substance use disorder, Marshall started Sans Bar as a one-night pop-up in Austin, TX in December 2017 as a direct response to providing options for his clients, as well as himself (Chris just celebrated 15 years of sobriety). What started as a one-night pop-up turned into an every Friday happening and then national/international pop-up tours. He is The Godfather, the grandfather, the Papa of this new wave of zero proof / no-low, alcohol-free / sober bars cropping up left and right. If you’re ever in Austin on a Friday night, visit the OG.
IG: @sans_bar // thesansbar.com
Listen Bar
New York, NY
Listen Bar, founded by Lorelei Bandrovschi, is 100% virtual now (but as we can tell you, being 100% virtual is still 100% awesome). COVID may have been the cause of the pivot but from the looks of the cocktail classes, live events/workshops, and booze-free bottle shop, things are pretty bangin’ over at Listen Bar.
IG: @listenbar// listen.bar
Ocean Beach Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Owner Joshua James (aka Josh the Non-Alcoholic) is on a mission to change the world. After a 20 year career in hospitality, Josh took a break from the drinking culture and with this came mental clarity, ambition and drive. He used his experience, taste, and mindset to create Ocean Beach Cafe: a booming cafe, NA bottle shop, alcohol-free tasting tasting menu (SOBAR), and booze-free event space by the ocean.
IG: @ocean.beach.cafe // oceanbeachcafe.com
Umbrella Dry Drinks
Alexandria, VA
Remember what we said about Sans Bar being the grandpa of booze-free bars? Sam Kasten, CEO and founder of Umbrella Dry Drinks, is a graduate of Chris Marshall’s Sans Bar Academy workshops. Armed with a background in retail, three years of sobriety, and a bubbly personality and can-do attitude, Kasten launched Umbrella Dry Drinks as a month-long pop-up in Alexandria, VA (suburb of the DC metro area) and hopes to find a forever home for the concept soon.
IG: @umbrelladrydrinks // umbrelladrydrinks.com
Wildcrafters
Jacksonville, FL
Wildcrafters is one of the first booze-free bars after Sans Bar to hit the map. Founder Yhang Quintero launched his tea / kava / zero proof concept in January 2020. Pop by for a jazz night, grab a gorgeous cocktail or hot beverage, or grab a can of NA beer to-go — but whatever you choose, you’ll find community, beautiful drinks, and a stunning atmosphere.
IG: @wildcraftersjax
Gem Bar
Pittman, NJ
Gem Life Collective, the parent company of Gem’s bar and bottle shop (called a bartique), is all about wellbeing, soulful bliss, and delicious AF drinks. Founder Drew Davis is fabulous and on a mission to meet her customer base where they’re at on their healing and wellness journeys. As Liz Lemon would say, I want to go to there!
IG: @boozefreebar // gemlifecollective.com
Alt Bar
Rochester, NY
Co-founders Bob and Meg Hartman are all about the #sobrietyspectrum and want their space in Rochester, NY to provide options for people who want a social experience sans booze. Currently a pop-up (don’t miss Alt Bar at Pub Hub Coffee on February 25th), expect all the fun and noise-level you’d get at a traditional bar with none of the hangovers.
IG: @altbarroc // altbarroc.com
Bendición Dry Bar
Chicago, IL
Another Sans Bar Academy graduate, founder Cristina Torres brings a punk-rock vibe to her pop-up concept. Aiming to be a place for anyone taking a break from booze (whether for a night, a month, or life), Bendición Dry Bar takes an important stand: “While [we are] a safe sober space for all seeking one, we do not tolerate any forms of racism, anti-blackess, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, any forms of sexual assault or any forms of violence. Marginalized communities will always take priority.”
IG: @bendicion_drybar // bendicionbar.com
Binge Bar
Washington, DC
📸 Tony Powell
Come as you are…and leave as you are. That’s Binge Bar’s promise. Opening a permanent spot in spring 2022, founder Gigi Arandid popped up in 2021 in the Union Market area of Washington, DC and has collaborated with local purveyors of wellness (including me…hi, Gigi!) and shared her recipes in magazines like District Fray. Get excited for ambience-elevating elements like live music and artwork by local creatives in addition to healthy lite bites and gorgeously crafted zero proof cocktails. The DC community is ready!
IG: @bingebardc
The Nixer
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has a dry bar and it’s not a hair salon ;) The Nixer is a pop-up bar experience, and mobile NA bottle shop serving the Phoenix area (note: not online DTC). “The Nixer was created specifically for the mindful drinker, health-concious, sober-curious and sober. It's a place for those of us who aren't looking to participate in alcohol consumption - whether it be for today or permanently - to socialize and enjoy a kick-ass cocktail without the pressures of alcohol.” I’m leaving on a jetplane…and on my way to The Nixer. ✈️
IG: @thenixer // thenixer.com
Inmoxicated
Racine, WI
This bottle shop, tasting room, and private party purveyor in Southeastern Wisconsin livens up the Midwest with exciting zero-proof options. As founder/owner Shannon Goodman says, “I’m an alcohol-free human Iiving in the drunkest state in the USA (Wisconsin.” To her we say, GET IT — and thank you for providing Wisconsinites alcohol-free beverages for whatever reason they’re not drinking.
IG: @inmoxicated // inmoxicated.com
Rock Bottom
Salida, CO
Rock Bottom in Salida, CO is known affectionately in its community as the “Sober Salida Bar.” Rock Bottom does pop ups, caters events (pre-batched + NA/AF drink coolers), and collaborates with local coffee shops in providing syrups for specialty drinks, etc. As founder Beck Cerón said in an IG caption about fresh syrups in reused bottles: “Using recycled material that once had booze in them, just like myself.” We feel this 💯.
IG: @sober.salida.bar
Sobar
Ellicott City, MD
If you’re counting, this is the second time Sobar makes the list. But this time, we travel to Ellicott City, Maryland (outside of Baltimore). “The mission of Sobar is to encourage choice in how we celebrate by providing healthy, sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and offering alcohol-free bars and events.” Founder Beth Harbinson is a woman in recovery and gives back to her community; she sits on Howard County’s Opioid Community Crisis Council. Look for Sobar at community events or order zero proof cocktail boxes to-go.
IG: @sober_usa // drinksobar.org
Sans Bar STL
St. Louis, MO
Sans Bar STL is an official collaboration between Sans Bar and PreventEd, a harm reduction non-profit helping lead the conversation on alcohol and other drugs. Annie O’Donoghue, external affairs strategist at PreventEd, is the brains behind the drinks, programming, and inclusive vibe at Sans Bar STL. Catering, events, zero proof cocktail recipes, merch, community: shaken, not slurred.
IG: @sansbarstl // sansbarstl.com
soBAR
Ocean City, NJ
soBAR makes the list for the third time! This popular mash-up combines “sober” and “bar” so it’s no wonder why it’s such a good fit for an alcohol-free bar. “When you take away the alcohol, what's left is the conversation. We organize parties and live events at various locations in the southern New Jersey area, allowing people the opportunity to be social and have fun, without alcohol.” If you’re in NJ, make sure to follow to see when soBAR is popping up next.
IG: @sobarnj // sobar.info
Prazbar
Chicago, IL
Pronounced “praise,” Prazbar is proudly not a juice bar. Serving Chicago, Quenjana Adams’ Prazbar is a tasting room and NA bottle shop (stop by in person or get local delivery), and the first Sunday of every month is a booze-free bar experience. “Prāzbar is here in support of all the reasons you're alcohol-free including faith, culture, health, parenting, sobriety or just cause!” We are so here for that!
IG: @notajuicebar // prazbar.com
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To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Zero Proof Retail Road Trip Across the USA - West Coast
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars/retailers, and zero proof subscription boxes.
We continue our journey in “the middle” as we move west.
We continue our (virtual*) zero proof road trip across the United States to visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars**/retailers, and online stores.
We come to you live from the West Coast.
Oregon: Alena Botanica, Suckerpunch PDX
California: The Dry Goods Beverage Company, Ocean Beach Cafe, BrightLife Beverage Co., Soft Spirits (coming soon!)
Bonus: Total Wine + More, BevMo (California only)
🚘 ⚡️
//
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
** stay tuned for our booze-free bar road trip in a separate blog post!
Suckerpunch
Portland, OR
According to Suckerpunch, the only proof you need is zero. Owner Andy McMillan’s zero proof cocktail kit concept ships nationwide and features Portland producers like Wilderton, Portland Syrups, Som Cordial, and Camelia Grove Kombucha. And if you live in PDX, you can swing by the Suckerpunch retail store on Stark St. to pick up your kit.
IG: @suckerpunchpdx // suckerpunch.store
The Dry Goods Beverage Co.
Napa Valley, CA
Husband-and-wife team Jake and Adrienne Krausz of The Dry Goods Beverage Co. believe that whether you're having alcohol or not, everyone deserves a good drink. With a background in wine-making and cocktail creation and wanting to cut back on booze for health and lifestyle reasons, these two combined their powers and thus, The Dry Goods Beverage Co. was born in the wine-soaked town of Napa Valley.
IG: @drygoodsdrinks // drygoodsdrinks.com
Ocean Beach Cafe
San Francisco, CA
Owner Joshua James (aka Josh the Non-Alcoholic) is on a mission to change the world. After a 20 year career in hospitality, Josh took a break from the drinking culture and with this came mental clarity, ambition and drive. He used his experience, taste, and mindset to create Ocean Beach Cafe: a booming cafe, NA bottle shop, and event space by the ocean.
IG: @ocean.beach.cafe // oceanbeachcafe.com
BrightLife Beverage Co.
Laguna Beach, CA
BrightLife Beverage Co. is Laguna Beach’s premier non-alcoholic beverage supply company. Says CEO / owner Jonny Cummings: “I love a good beer or cocktail, but I don’t want it to slow me down. Our shop is for the doers - the early-risers, the late-night drivers, the breast-feeding or pregnant mothers, the surfers, hikers, bikers, active folks, parents, and anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on taste or experience but don't want the negative effects of alcohol.”
IG: @brightlifebeverages // brightlifebeverages.com
Soft Spirits
Los Angeles, CA
For all you Angelinos looking for something to drink when you’re not drinking (for the night, the month, life), Soft Spirits is LA’s first zero-proof bottle shop, providing non-alcoholic spirits, wines & beers. Stay tuned for the grand opening in fall 2021.
IG: @soft_spirits // softspirits.club
Bonus:
Total Wine + BevMo!
Multiple Locations
Closer to a big box beverage emporium like Total Wine + More or BevMo! (California only)? Fret not. These warehouse stores have, well, lots of wares in store for you. Aisles upon aisles of non-alcoholic.
IG: @totalwine // TotalWine.com
IG: @bevmo_co // BevMo.com
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
Zero Proof Retail Road Trip Across the USA - The Middle-ish
Let's go on a Zero Proof Nation road trip across the United States and visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars/retailers, and zero proof subscription boxes.
We continue our journey in “the middle” as we move west.
We continue our (virtual*) road trip across the United States to visit brick and mortar NA bottle shops, combo booze free bars** /retailers, and online stores.
Midwest: Illinois, Michigan
South: Texas
West: Colorado, and Arizona.
Let’s do this! 🚘 ⚡️
//
This is Zero Proof Nation.
*would love to make this happen IRL. Should we do a Kickstarter to fund the trip? Combine a YouTube channel with the magic? Comment below!
** stay tuned for our booze-free bar road trip in a separate blog post!
Drink NA
Chicago, IL
Drink NA is for anyone on the #sobrietyspectrum looking for delicious non-alcoholic beer. That’s all. Simple, tasty, refreshing, NA. Chicagoan Chad, Drink NA founder, wanted a one-stop shop for all NA beer lovers. The rest is history.
IG: @drink_na // drinkna.com
Drink No & Low
Detroit, Michigan
Maybe you know brothers Max and Louis Borelli from their viral TikTok on making a non-alc Old Fashioned. Or maybe you’ve shopped from their online storefront featuring great finds from Europe, Australia, and other countries. These brothers have a background in import/export and wine and it shows.
IG: @drinknolow // drinknolow.com
Sipple
Houston, TX
Leading the way in Houston, co-founders and husband/wife team Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner have years of hospitality + food/beverage experience — and a passion for a healthier lifestyle. What makes Sipple unique is a focus on founder stories, all things NA, and music! The best part: Sipple Notes — including flavor profile, music pairings (“vibes”) and more.
Keep an eye out for their brick and mortar bottle shop / bar experience, coming soon!
IG: @sipple.co // sipple.co
AWAKE
Denver, CO
Denver is kind of booming in the NA space right now. AWAKE is a full-service alcohol-free bar and bottle shop with a regular schedule of inclusive events for all. Have you seen their partnership with Secret Dance Addiction, also based out of Colorado? 💃 Get to know co-founders Billy and Christy Wynne — and make new AF friends.
IG: @awakedenver // awakedenver.com
Everything NA
Phoenix, AZ
Everything NA is the umbrella company for a booze-free bottle shop — with local delivery — and pop-up bar experience. As the folks behind this concept say, choosing not to drink doesn't have to limit where you go. To the moon! But first, Phoenix.
IG: @thenixer // everythingna.com
Free NA community-sourced content, no paywalls.
To keep Zero Proof Nation the NPR of the adult non-alc industry, we need your support.
Donate here.
