New year, new you! That’s the mindset going into January, and that kind of thinking is what will drive a lot of alcohol sales this season. We'll go over why the space is growing, especially in the first month of the year. Below are three recipes that you can share with your customers at your bar or store.
Sometimes less is more- less alcohol by volume is what we’re referring to in this case. You would assume that people want high ABV options and in some instances, you’d be correct. However, the start of the new year is known for a heightened focus on self-improvement, resolution-making, and new beginnings, consumers trends start to favor the Better-For-You category. Things like ingredients, flavor, and nutritional information are all factors that more and more people are beginning to take into consideration before buying a drink.
Better-for-You is a category of alcohol that has a lower ABV or is non-alcoholic. These are both great and inclusive options to have in a bar/restaurant setting to accommodate any type of consumer. We’re seeing a change in the way consumers drink, and this category is nothing to ignore.
According to Mintel, the market for low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic products is expected to grow 32% by 2022. That’s a huge bump! As more businesses are starting to catch wind of this fact, we are seeing a great amount of growth in the number of businesses that are starting to carry Better-for-You options. Nearly 40% of L.A. restaurants now carry Better for You options. This growth is a clear indication of demand. 66% of consumers are making an effort to reduce their overall consumption of alcohol and 33% say they would like to see more mocktail options.
This time of the year is probably the most apropos time to stay informed and to put Better-for-You options on your radar because of Dry January. Dry January has become quite popular in the modern adult beverage zeitgeist. This annual trend has become supplemental for many consumers when ushering in the new year. The practice of Dry January is a month-long observance where people abstain from alcohol for the entirety of January. People participate in this for many reasons; to save money, boost their immunity, get better sleep, or even just to improve overall health.
Within the observance of Dry January, there is another national trend to keep top of mind: National Mocktail Week. National Mocktail Week is January 10-16. This relatively recent trend is exactly what it sounds like—a time to showcase and highlight all the tasty Better-for-You possibilities through mocktails.
Needless to say, this regal trend of mocktail making and low-alcohol options is here to stay! Given all this insight, you won’t want to miss your chance to capitalize on this growing category. Now that you have a better understanding of the “what” and “why” of the Better-for-You category, visit eRNDC and place your order today. Need help on implementing non-alcoholic options? Try out some of these delicious mocktail recipes below! Find ingredients here.
Birds of Paradise
- 2 oz Bittersweet Liqueur Alternative
- .75 oz Pineapple Juice
- .5 oz Oregeat Syrup
- .5 oz Lime Juice
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with pineapple fronds.
Citrus Hibiscus Sling
- 1.5 oz Orange Liqueur Alternative
- 1 oz Hibiscus Syrup
- .75 oz Lemon Juice
- 3 oz Soda Water
- 2 to 3 Mint Leaves
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a collins glass. Garnish with orange slice and basil leaf.
Bittersweet Raspberry
- 1.5 oz Bittersweet Liqueur Alternative
- .25 oz Raspberry Puree
- .25 oz Lemon Juice
- 3 oz Grapefruit Soda
Shake all ingredients with ice except grapefruit soda. Strain over fresh ice in a collins glass. Top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit slice and raspberry.