Dry January is a well-known movement in which consumers refrain from drinking alcohol for the month to start the year off on a healthy note. Another month has been added to this trend: Sober October.
In last December’s Category Focus article, Beverage Industry highlighted the low/no alcohol market. Consumers are partaking in what is known at the sober curious movement for a variety of reasons, with many evaluating their relationship with alcohol.
With Sober October kicking off, here are a few non-alcohol options to get in the spirit, sans spirit:
Giesen Group: The family-owned, New Zealand-based Giesen Group debuted a 0% Chardonnay. The release follows a “significant investment in spinning cone technology,” the company says, and meets demand for premium, non-alcohol wines that deliver in quality, flavor and complexity. It marks the seventh varietal in the brand’s award-winning range and joins a portfolio of 0% Sparkling Brut, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rosé and Premium Red. Giesen’s winemaking team ensures the highest-quality 0% wines that are made with gentle extraction to preserve varietal character. “We were excited to take on the challenge of creating Giesen 0% Chardonnay, staying true to our goal of offering the highest quality non-alcoholic wine while delivering authentic varietal character,” said Duncan Shoulder, Giesen director of innovation, in a statement. “It took us a bit longer to perfect this wine, as we wanted it to reflect the vibrant and intricate flavor profile of a classic, drier style Chardonnay. The result is a fresh and zesty palate with creamy vanilla notes and a long, silky finish — a wine that will appeal to the many Chardonnay lovers who appreciate this variety as much as we do.”
Blind Tiger: The spirit-free, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand Blind Tiger unveiled two new creations: Southside Mojito and Sidecar Mimosa. Southside Mojito is a sparkling blend of mint and lime with hints of juniper, the company says, combining elements from the historic Southside and Mojito drinks. The Southside was reputedly enjoyed by Al Capone, originating during the Prohibition era and known for its blend of gin, mint and citrus. The Mojito is a Cuban classic that features a mix of rum, lime, mint and soda. Sidecar Mimosa is described as a sparkling blend of orange and lemon, with notes of brandy and bitters. It draws inspiration from the Sidecar and Mimosa, two cocktails with storied pasts, the company says. The Sidecar is known for its combination of cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice, while the iconic mimosa is a blend of Champagne and orange juice. A moniker for speakeasies, Blind Tiger has received 29 top-tier awards from an array of beverage competitions and can be found in over a thousand retailers around the country.
Devil’s Foot: Over the summer, Devil’s Foot Beverage Co., Asheville, N.C., revealed its Zero Proof Margarita. The Margarita is the eighth installation of the brand’s Zero Proof series, a collection of non-alcohol beverages that underscores Devil’s Foot’s dedication to “producing drinks crafted with locally sourced ingredients that cater to the growing consumer appetite for healthier and alcohol-free choices.” The Zero Proof Margarita is made from fresh ingredients found in the traditional cocktail, including fresh lime, orange and salt. The beverage is free from artificial additives and preservatives and made with 100% organic lime juice, organic orange juice, organic cane sugar, South Carolina honey, sea salt and filtered water. It contains only 18 grams of sugar per can. Devil’s Foot partnered with Edmund’s Oast Brewery on a new Limed IPA set to launch later this year. “We have wanted to collaborate with our friends at Edmund’s Oast in Charleston for a while and the Zero Proof Margarita and Limed IPA presented a perfect opportunity,” said Ben Colvin, Devil’s Foot founder, in a statement.
Runner’s High Brewing Co.: Tilray Beverages recently launched a non-alcohol brand: Runner’s High Brewing Co. Runner’s High strives to elevate, motivate and celebrate the unique lifestyle of the social running community, the company says. “With the explosive growth of running for sport or for hobby, there is an opportunity for a non-alcoholic brew that runners reach for after a run, no matter the distance,” said Prinz Pinakatt, chief marketing officer at TIlray Beverages, in a statement. “We want Runner’s High to be the ‘beer of choice’ of runners and their community of social and casual runners, not just elite athletes.” With three non-alcoholic brews, Runner’s High is available in three varieties: Golden Wheat, Raspberry Wheat and Dark Chocolate. Golden Wheat is a bright golden ale with citrus, pine needles and pink grapefruit aromas and just 90 calories, while Raspberry Wheat features ripe raspberry and raspberry jam flavors. Dark Chocolate comes in at only 60 calories and has tasting notes of moist chocolate cake with rich flavor. Launched in Atlanta, the brews are set to expand to several markets throughout the rest of the year.
