As always, businesses in the U.S. and certain parts of Europe are ahead of the curve, creating solutions to issues most of us may never even have thought of. This time, it doesn’t have much to do with the economy, health or massive things like climate change; it’s something more simple, yet quite innovative, that helps tackle an actual, valid need: To have a safe and fun space where you can go if, for whatever reason, you’ve chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Say hello to the “spirit-free” movement 🍸

TAKING BOOZE OUT OF THE EQUATION

For regular or occasional drinkers, it may be difficult to understand the need for a ‘bar’ that serves just non-alcoholic drinks 365 days of the year, but for recovering addicts, people of certain faiths, or even those who would naturally feel safer in a space where others aren’t intoxicated (*cough* women), there may be some appeal here.

For a lot of non-drinkers, it’s still important to them to enjoy being in an adult space where you can have that bar-like, “I’m outside” experience, without having to deal with a hangover the next day.

IT GOES BEYOND MAKING A MOCKTAIL

The idea isn’t to just swap out the gin in your boozy cocktail for a spirit-free alternative; it’s to create a whole different product that’s just as enjoyable as an alcoholic option. That means bartenders, from Illinois to Dublin, are using unusual (sometimes healthy) ingredients like matcha or bee pollen to make speciality drinks.

MAINTAINING THE ‘GROWN UP’ ENVIRONMENT

One critical factor that non-alcoholic bars in these parts of the world are taking into account is how to market these spaces, in order to maintain the adult-only atmosphere. At the end of the day, it’s still a bar and you probably don’t want a crying 3-year-old sat at the table closest to you, while you’re trying to get to know someone or enjoy time with your friends. 

There’s no faster way to kill the vibe, so a lot of these bars only allow in customers who are over the legal drinking age.

CHANGING CULTURE

Bye bye coffee dates, hello 1pm bar hookups without fear of judgement or looking sleazy 😇 That could be our reality in a couple of years.  

For many people, it would be great to have the option of arranging a date without the typical worries that come with meeting up at a bar. Plus, you don’t have to not be an alcohol drinker, it can just be a fun new experience to try.

Share your thoughts about this idea in the Comments!