Breaking from the booze-heavy norm of Austin's bar scene, Dear Dry Drinkery has splashed onto East Austin's street map with a unique non-alcoholic twist. The bottle shop at 2226 East Cesar Chavez Street, is the brainchild of Joe Patterson and Grace Vroom, a determined couple who launched their shop last August after years of sobriety. "Landlords who wouldn’t rent to us because they didn’t think the concept would ever work," Vroom said in an email to Eater. It seems their persistence has paid off; they've managed to quickly go from mobile trailer to brick-and-mortar in a matter of months, according to Eater Austin.
Touting a curated selection of non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers, Dear Dry aims to prove that you don't have to split your time between dull sodas and water when seeking a sober sip. "The biggest challenge we face is convincing people that non-alcoholic drinks can be as tasty and enjoyable as alcoholic ones," Patterson explained, as stated in Eater Austin.
Vroom and Patterson, have been alcohol-free since 2016, aiming to offer a one-stop-shop to explore an array of non-alcoholic products. Not just retail, Dear Dry has positioned itself as a community hub, launching events like non-alcoholic cocktail classes and crafting sessions, allowing patrons to savor the art of mixology, minus the alcohol. "We want to be a place where people enjoy coming and enjoy getting the things that they like," Patterson said, as per Tribeza.
Furthering its mission to bolster a community interested in non-alcoholic enjoyment, the shop hosted a class on January 7th, delivered by Sober & Funky's Paige Danoff. The event educated attendees on how to craft four unique mocktails, courtesy of tips from the pros. The store aims boldly to forge connections in the community by offering such learning opportunities. "It's a beautiful thing to be able to support, uplift and bridge that community that we care so deeply for," Vroom said, reported by Tribeza.
