Trend Watch Sober Bars: Alcohol-Free Evenings Are Booming
A cocktail evening without alcohol? What may sound sobering at first is a trend that has long since conquered major cities - and the palates - of this world.
March 20, 2023
Anyone who enters The Virgin Mary Bar in Dublin without doing any prior research will at first hardly notice any difference from ordinary evening venues. The interior design is modern, with chic furniture and atmospheric lighting. The bartender stands behind the bar with a shaker in his hand, nodding briefly to the newcomers. Everything seems "normal''. It's only when you look at the menu that you become disillusioned. Because you won't find any alcoholic drinks at The Virgin Mary Bar ...
Goodbye, alcohol - hello, Sober Bar
Alcohol-free bars - almost oxymoron, but it's a trend. © Ali Dadras
Sober bars: A trend that has emerged quietly in recent years - and yet has made big waves. From London to Dublin to New York, pubs and chic nightclubs that are dedicated to sober nights are sprouting up everywhere. Nevertheless, a visit to the Sober Bars brings pleasure, and without any hangover the next day.
Sober night-swarming for good reasons
On the one hand, interest in a healthier lifestyle is increasingly on the rise, especially among the younger generations. In Japan, this downward trend is so apparent that the government even wanted to boost the declining interest in alcohol among the Gen-Z generation by means of a campaign.
Sober bars promise creative drinks and a party mood - all without alcohol. © Laure Noverraz
Trends such as Dry February and time-honored traditions such as abstaining from alcohol during Lent also show: Not drinking anything containing alcohol for a certain period of time is increasingly becoming an option for many people. In the process, one's own health is just as much a consideration as one's well-being the next day. Another advantage of the Sober Bars is that people who suffer from alcohol addiction or are teetotal can spend a more carefree time with their friends in the evening.
3 cool Sober Bars
The Virgin Mary Bar.
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Where: 54 Capel St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 C9K2, Ireland
Web: thevirginmarybar.com
The Wellbeing Bar in the heart of Dublin invites you to sober evenings in a trendy ambience since its opening in May 2019. You can look forward to excellent mocktails. In addition, The Virgin Mary offers its own online store with international non-alcoholic beverages.
Hekate Cafe & Elixir Lounge
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Where: 167 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009, United States
Web: hekatenyc.com
Hekate Café & Elixir Lounge in New York is an intimate sober bar with a feel-good atmosphere: in addition to non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, it also offers a rich event menu.
Hyatt Hotels: Zero Proof, Zero Judgment
"Dorothy in the Daytime" by Anna Welker: Hyatt offers Sober Drinking. © Hyatt
Where: selected U.S. properties (Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, JdV by Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Thompson Hotels)
Web: hyatt.com
Hyatt launched the "Zero Proof, Zero Judgment" program in collaboration with Ritual Zero Proof and Fever-Tree in 2021. Guests can choose from a wider range of creative non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails at Hyatt hotels' bars and restaurants.
