Mocktail orders increasing in Capital Region amid Dry January
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- This January, bars like Nine Pine Cider Works are seeing a rise in drink orders that look like cocktails, taste like cocktails, but have no alcohol. The rise of mocktails during Dry January is also something bars are seeing year-round, coinciding with a larger nationwide study on how often the younger generation is consuming alcohol.
Dry January is a growing trend where people do not consume alcohol for the entire month. One customer at a store in Schoharie, Brandon Isles said he's participating in Dry January.
"It's a nice way to start the year and winter is not the best time of year, so I thought it would be nice to try to feel my best even though it's difficult," said Isles.
That's where mocktails are playing a key role. Nick Thomas, a tasting room employee at Nine Pin Cider Works in Albany said they have two mocktails on the menu for winter -- which have been very popular.
"I feel like more people are coming in for our non-alcoholic mocktails in addition to the other non-alcoholic options that we have if they're choosing not to drink this month," said Thomas.
Plus, this increase is not something bars are only seeing in January. According to a recent study by Gallup, young adults in the U.S. are drinking less alcohol than that age group did two decades ago. The study said alcohol consumption has decreased among young adults by 10%, increased among adults over the age of 55 and has become less frequent for the young adults that do drink.
Dry A.F. Craft Beverage Shop in Schoharie is a prime example. Owner Jennifer Barnett said her shop is the only store in the Capital Region that exclusively sells non-alcoholic drinks.
“When you go out and you socialize and there’s not many options besides like water, soda, or sugary ginger ale, that was really bumming me out," said Barnett. "It's about giving people options and ways to be included so that they can still hangout with those people who are drinking and not feel boring."
Barnett's shop features plenty of mocktails, elixers, non-alcoholic spirits and more.
“Our mock spirits are right behind you, and a lot of people are really surprised to know that they can still have a rum and coke, they can still have a gin and tonic and it can taste really legit," said Barnett.
Isles, who came into dry A.F. Craft Beverages on Saturday as a participant of Dry January, said although the month has been difficult, it's been worth it.
“I feel great you know, now work is better all aspects of life are better," said Thomas.
For more information on the non-alcoholic options at dry A.F. Craft Beverage Shop, visit their Facebook page. For more information on Nine Pin's mocktails, visit their website.