How Alcohol-Free Menus Create Inclusivity and Good Vibes
What is an Alcohol-Free Menu?
An alcohol-free (AF) menu should be crafted with as much creativity and intention as an alcoholic menu.
It should clearly label AF drinks and their ABV (if any).
“Low-alcohol” drinks can contain up to 1.2% ABV and guests will need to know this specific information.
It may include alcohol-free craft cocktails, beer, wine, kombucha, zero-proof canned cocktails, CBD, tea, seltzer, and more.
Just like any menu - an AF menu represents a business.
Ask yourself this - would you go to a restaurant that didn’t serve any sauces at all because they just “don’t matter” enough to the chef?
Probably not!
For bar owners especially, an alcohol-free menu is fundamental if satisfying almost any customer is the goal.
Of course, there are levels to how fantastic an AF menu can be.
The Friday Mind (TFM) is a small business certifying bars and restaurants as AF-friendly locations.
TFM’s top rating, “AF Certified: Mindful,” gives five stars to businesses providing enough alcohol-free drinks matching the quality and depth of the alcoholic ones.
Their four-star rating “AF Certified: Above Average” requires a non-alcoholic list or section with at least two AF brews and zero-proof options.
What an AF Menu is Not (IMO):
Sugary soda
Water
Generic coffee and tea packets
Lemonade
Anything with the words “virgin” or “kiddie”
For a long time, alcohol-free beverages were thought of as “fake drinks,” or “for children.”
Around 2018, the Sober Curious Movement sparked and has continued to grow rapidly.
People all over the globe became collectively fed up with drinking culture and the ways in which we were dealing with its impacts. Millions of folks, myself included, have been inspired by fearless authors and leaders like Millie Gooch, Ruby Warrington, Catherine Gray, Holly Whitaker, Annie Grace, Glennon Doyle, and more.
Alcohol-free beverages and “dry life” have now been trending year after year in sales, on social media, and in the press.
The Sober Curious Movement gave mindful drinkers the courage to speak up and ask for quality, intention, and more complex flavors in non-alcoholic options.
It also inspired bartenders and drink-makers to be creative and inclusive!
How Do Alcohol-Free Menus Create Inclusivity?
Just by existing, alcohol-free menus help sober/sober-curious people feel safe and thoughtfully considered.
While out with friends, sober customers don’t have to sit awkwardly as friends browse the drink menu and wonder (or worry) if the business has AF options.
Someone who doesn’t drink will feel more relaxed and can better enjoy their experience when establishments offer an AF menu. They are also more likely to visit again!
I might be biased, but the sober crowd usually provides positive, uplifting vibes. And who wouldn’t want to invite that in!?
Businesses might be afraid to distance themselves from alcohol-centered events because it’s the norm.
Let them (your favorite local spots) know you’re here for NA beer flights, sober karaoke, and more.
How to Advocate for Alcohol-Free Life:
As I said earlier, an AF menu should be foundational for most bars and restaurants.
But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
The best thing we can do is show up and ask for alcohol-free options.
Not being afraid to ask, or to show your disappointment (reasonably) if zero options are provided.
To educate and inspire others, talk about your favorite AF products or the benefits of living alcohol-free.
Sharing and community are essential pillars of recovery for a reason - and that’s impact.
When we work together, we can accomplish anything!
The Sober Curious Movement is proof of that, and of how important AF menus are.
Ready for More?
Learn more about The Friday Mind.
