The Rise of Spirit Free Cocktails

Tawnya Zwicker, proprietor of Silver Creek Lanes in Silverton, OR, is not just serving up strikes and spares. She is breaking new ground behind the bar. For two years, her dedicated spirit-free cocktail menu has been a hit with guests who want to enjoy a crafted, sophisticated drink without alcohol. From young adults leading a trend toward mindful drinking to wellness enthusiasts looking to cut back, Silver Creek's spirit-free offerings cater to a growing crowd more interested in a good time than a buzz.

"We found that our sober and non-drinking guests wanted a way to feel included in social gatherings," Zwicker explains. "It's nice to have something special to sip on without feeling pressured to choose soda or water." Silver Creek's approach to inclusion has made it a favorite spot for guests who want a fun night out with friends but prefer to stay alcohol-free.

And it is a growing trend. 40% of U.S. adults are actively cutting back on alcohol, with Gen Z leading the charge: Gen Z consumes 20% less alcohol than Millennials, who in turn drink less than Gen X, and Gen X drinks less than Baby Boomers. This shift is not just about individual choices but a societal trend. Movements like #Dry January and #Sober Curious have gone mainstream, highlighting a rise in "mindful drinking” with social media amplifying these trends, sparking conversations about health, wellness, and alternative ways to enjoy social life without alcohol. Recent market reports show a 33% increase in the sales of non-alcoholic beverages over the past year, reflecting broader consumer demand for alcohol-free options.

The Right Ingredients Make All the Difference

Zwicker is selective about ingredients, choosing high-quality brands like Ritual Zero Proof, whose tequila substitute is the star of her Simple Margarita. "We want people to feel like they're getting something just as sophisticated as a regular cocktail," she says. The drinks have become a hit on social media, with her staff sharing posts about them reaching a whole new audience.

To make ordering even smoother, Silver Creek labels their spirit-free drinks with a subtle "Simple" prefix, like "Simple Gin and Tonic," so guests and staff know they are alcohol-free without drawing attention to the choice. "We've created a little code language," Zwicker says. "It's our way of saying this is just as special but spirit-free."

Presentation Matters!

These drinks do not just taste amazing; they look the part, too. Silver Creek uses elegant glassware with distinct blue stripes or smoky swirls to identify spirit-free beverages. But the real showstopper? The ice. Picture frozen lemon slices, blueberries, and even edible flowers beautifully suspended in the glass, thanks to custom ice molds. Top it all off with decorative bamboo picks, and you have drinks that are practically begging to be shared on Instagram.

And it is paying off. Silver Creek's menu includes seven carefully crafted spirit-free cocktails, and they want to expand even more. Zwicker and her team are mixing up social norms around drinking in bowling centers. Offering a selection of spirit-free cocktails shows they are in tune with evolving trends and guest needs. Zwicker says, "We're seeing more people on sober journeys, wellness paths, or just choosing to cut back. If we did not offer spirit-free drinks, we'd miss out on sales from one or two guests in a group of ten." Silver Creek promotes their regular cocktail menu on their overhead screens, and right beside it is the spirit-free option.

Pricing

Pricing these drinks is another thoughtful choice at Silver Creek. Zwicker has priced their mocktails at $8, just a few dollars less than their alcoholic counterparts. She explains, "We want people to try them, to see that they're worth it. And the costs we put into these drinks reflect the quality and experience."

The result? Mocktails are now just as much a part of Silver Creek's drink culture as the classic cocktails, and guests who do not drink feel just as welcome to raise a glass with their friends. With a blend of taste, elegance, and inclusivity, Silver Creek Lanes proves that everyone deserves a seat at the bar—cocktail or not.

Cheers to that!