The trend of embracing non-alcoholic beverages is growing, leading to an increasing number of establishments like Being Bar in north Phoenix, offering a variety of non-alcoholic and alternative drinks. Being Bar, launched in October 2024, caters to a customer base seeking the social ambiance of a bar without the effects of alcohol, as Phoenix New Times reports. The owner, Josh Praus, a former bartender, has positioned the space as a trendy hotspot for drinks infused with adaptogens, nootropics, functional mushrooms, and non-alcoholic spirits, beer, and wine.

The popularity of such non-alcoholic spots is reflecting an overall shift in attitudes towards drinking, with a significant 41% of Americans choosing to drink less in 2024, as per a survey by NCS Solutions. In the same vein, establishments like The Brewster Inn in Cazenovia are offering dedicated menus for those partaking in Dry January or others who simply prefer non-alcoholic options throughout the year, according to an article by This Is CNY. Their selection includes beverages like Prickly Pear Soda and Strawberry Mint Lemonade, alongside non-alcoholic beers and hop waters.

Fueling this surge is consumers' growing health consciousness and a generational push, mainly led by Gen Z, who are more interested in exploring sober lifestyles. "The way we view and use alcohol is going to change. The stigmas against not drinking will be removed and when there's more options, we'll feel more free," Praus told Phoenix New Times. This sentiment is echoed in the variety and quality of non-alcoholic products, like the craft beer alternatives from Athletic Brewing Company and Industrial Arts Brewing Company, outlined by This Is CNY.

Social inclusivity is another driving force behind the proliferation of non-alcoholic offerings. Guerilla Gay Events in Syracuse, for example, ensure their events are welcoming to non-drinkers by highlighting the alcohol-free options available. "For so long the thought has been, having fun equals drinking alcohol. We wanted to make sure that people who choose not to drink are still welcome," Ariel Servadio, a co-organizer, said in a statement obtained by This Is CNY. This shift isn't just about providing alternatives; it's fundamentally about crafting an environment of inclusion and choice for patrons.

As for Being Bar and Praus, the focus is on providing an experience that aligns with a healthier lifestyle and positions sobriety as a positive choice. "I created something that I would like to go to myself. I wish this existed in the world and if it did, I be there every day," Praus expressed in his interview with Phoenix New Times. Across the country in Syracuse, the growing non-alcoholic scene receives similar enthusiasm and support, with local Instagram account CuseAF championing these options in the local bar and restaurant scene.