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The latest data on non-alcoholic beverages and where to drink them in Indy

Learn what it means to be sober curious, the current popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, and where you can enjoy a mocktail in Indianapolis.

Two drinks on a table

City Editor Nicole is always happy when she sees a mocktail menu at a local restaurant.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Now more than ever, data shows that consumers are experimenting with what it means to be “sober curious.” The result has been a spike in sales of non-alcoholic beverages and a declining interest in alcoholic drinks.

Here are a few stand-out stats:

  • Total dollar sales of non-alcoholic beverages grew by 20.6% between August 2021 and 2022. Non-alcoholic beer accounted for 85.3% of those sales.
  • 36% of US consumers reported to have “lost interest in drinking alcohol in general” while 13% reported to be “interested in alternative non-alcoholic beverages.”
  • Sales of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits rose from 0.22% of total alcohol sales in the US in 2018 to 0.47% in 2022.
  • Global Market Share predicts that the non-alcoholic drinks market will grow to $30 billion by 2025.
Two drinks on a table with a menu

The menu has changed since, but City Editor Nicole enjoyed the “First Crush” zero proof drink.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Wanna know where you can enjoy a mocktail in Indy? Here are some local spots we love + what to drink there:

  • Big Woods Restaurants | City Editor Nicole visited the Speedway location and tried the Strawberry Tart Daiquiri — made with strawberry purée, orange juice, lime juice, and lemonade. Menus may not be the same at every Big Woods/Hard Truth location.
  • The Fountain Room | The Tall, Dark + Refreshing — made with blackberry, basil, and lemonade — is indeed refreshing.
  • Bodhi | The zero proof drink menu looks different since the last time we visited — try the Afterlife Surprise for us. It’s made with Spiritless Kentucky 74, lemongrass syrup, mango syrup, lemon, and mint.
  • HC Tavern + Kitchen | We’re eyeing the Pineapple Nojito with fresh mint, pineapple, lime, and soda.
  • The Ball & Biscuit | The Et Tu, Fruit combines abstinence lemon bittersweet aperitivo, wild berry puree, elderflower syrup, and mint.
  • Blue Sushi Sake Grill | It has three zero proof drinks on the menu — all for $6 each, which may be the cheapest we’ve seen.

Check out eight more spots we love for NA beverages.

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