There’s no denying it: Americans—Raleighites included—are drinking less, and the NA bev scene in Oak City is flourishing. With mocktails, THC seltzers and the like becoming increasingly mainstream, a new local menu is catering to the ~damp~ experience.
Enter The Haymaker’s first-to-market “pick-your-proof” cocktail menu, letting imbibers sip the same flavors with a Goldilocks-style buzz factor: full-proof, half-proof or zero-proof in most every bev. (Some ’tails—like an old-fashioned—simply can’t be concocted half-proof unless it’s a half pour, notes the bar’s new owner, Glenn Shriver.)
Shriver—who recently reopened and revitalized the Fayetteville Street cocktail bar after a short hiatus—says the idea is simple: Meet drinkers where they are.
“One of the issues coming up for people who are drinking less is that going out and getting drinks is part of being social, even if it’s not about the alcohol,” says the mixology veteran. “They just end up going home, but we want people to stay and talk and meet strangers.”
Translation: The menu adapts to the bargoer’s preferences—not the other way around. And the price point reflects that proof point: $14 for full-proof, $11 for half-proof and $8 for zero-proof.
The Haymaker isn’t alone in embracing the shift. Other local bars like Dram & Draught, Killjoy and Watts & Ward have long been pouring a mean mocktail—proof that Raleigh’s spirits culture is expanding well beyond the traditional buzz.
Bottom line: Whether you’re boozing a lot, a little or not at all, a beverage—and a good time—are now on the menu for everyone.
We chat with Umbrella Dry Bar owner to get the lowdown on the industry.
No booze, no problem. The nonalcoholic beverage scene in Raleigh is only continuing to flourish, with pop-ups from brands like Umbrella Dry Bar and Dry Garden taking place across the city—NTM local alt options like THC/CBD drinks becoming more mainstream. Whether you’re straight sober or just not in the mood to imbibe in alcohol, it seems like there are more options than ever for those wanting to stay dry.
And “these aren’t just substitutes,” says Umbrella Dry Bar founder Meg Paradise; “they represent conscious lifestyle choices that often lead to a cascade of other positive benefits, and we’re meeting so many people in an exploratory phase, many of whom still enjoy alcohol but are cultivating a more mindful and balanced relationship with it.”
As the industry continues to evolve, we chatted with Paradise on what you need to know about NA beverages right now.
Beyond the Replica: Two Main Spirit Categories When exploring nonalcoholic spirits, there are generally two approaches. The first is the “1:1 analog,” or replica-style spirit, crafted to mimic the flavor profile of traditional spirits like bourbon or gin. These were very popular when the NA movement was gaining traction, offering a familiar substitute for classic cocktails. However, the second category is where things get really interesting—these are original, innovative spirits doing their own thing, often with unique flavor combinations and profiles that aren’t trying to be a direct replacement.
Functionality Beyond the Lack of Hangover One of the most compelling aspects of many newer NA beverages, particularly within that second, original category, is their functional benefits. Beyond the obvious perk of no hangover, these drinks often incorporate adaptogens, nootropics and other botanicals that aim to provide specific health benefits. We see products marketed for everything from a “party starter” or “mood uplifter” to supporting social ease, focus, clarity, creativity, and even relaxation and better sleep. It’s a whole new dimension of mindful drinking.
The RTD Revolution: Variety & Convenience The ready-to-drink (RTD) nonalcoholic cocktail market has exploded! We offer a “mix and match” selection at our shop [within The Self Care Marketplace], and the sheer variety available now compared to just a year ago is astounding. It’s a fantastic way for people to experiment with different flavors and brands without committing to a full bottle. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for enjoying a sophisticated drink on the go. We also consciously curate our RTD selection to be sugar-conscious, with most options ranging between 2–8 grams of sugar per can, and nothing exceeding 12 grams.
Building Your NA Bar Cart Think of building your nonalcoholic bar cart just like you would a traditional one. We stock a diverse range of NA spirits, alongside essential cocktail components like high-quality syrups, aromatic bitters and a variety of garnishes. This allows people to get creative and craft complex and delicious nonalcoholic cocktails at home, mirroring the ritual and enjoyment of traditional mixology.
