The Booze-Free Beverage Industry Is Booming

<p>This week on <em>Under The Radar</em>:</p> <p>Booze-free beverages are having a moment — and no, we’re not talking about your grandfather’s O’Doul’s or sugary sweet mocktails. A wide variety of non-alcoholic craft beers are popping up on liquor store shelves near you, while bar menus are expanding to make space for spirit-free cocktails.</p> <p>Alcohol sales did spike last year, as Americans drank more during the pandemic. But millennials are driving a boom in the non-alcoholic beverage business, and industry leaders say these drinks aren’t just for the sober or sober-curious. But will the general public make a full culture shift to non-alcoholic drinks?</p> <p><strong>Guests:</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://athleticbrewing.com/pages/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Shufelt</a></strong> is co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Co., a Connecticut-based non-alcoholic brewery.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://juliabainbridge.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julia Bainbridge</a></strong> is the author of “Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason,” and a 2021 Food &amp; Wine “Game Changer.”</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.mocktailclub.com/pages/inspired-by-life-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pauline Idogho</a></strong> is founder and CEO of Mocktail Club, a Black-owned non-alcoholic cocktail company based in Washington D.C.</p>