The American Mixologist Online® Newsletter Vol. 11, No. 20 All Rights Reserved
Drinks

While sales of every type of alcoholic beverage are rising, more than one national poll indicates that increasing numbers of Americans are continuing to limit their personal consumption, suggesting that a growing segment of your current market and potential clientele are looking for alternatives to socializing with alcohol. Aside from personal preference, reasons include cost, stricter D.W.I. laws, and health concerns.

More than a passing fad, NABs are now part of the dynamics of our industry. This trend has propelled alcohol-free products into a multi-billion dollar industry, and the fastest growing category of beverages in the country. As a result, there is an increasingly large sampling of tempting NABs from which restaurateurs may choose, beverages whose profit margins typically far exceed nearly all other categories. Increasing the sales of alcohol-free beverages for many has become a boon to the bottom line.

• ENERGY DRINKS — Long a popular institution in Europe, energy drinks have hit our shores in a big way. These products are specially formulated to deliver biologically active ingredients—such as herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceutical grade amino acids—in a great tasting beverage. These products stimulate the metabolism and rejuvenate by replenishing the mind and body with energy.
  
  
• NON-ALCOHOLIC BEERS — Few restaurants today are successful marketing only one label of non-alcoholic beer. Personal preferences are such that people have come to expect a selection of non-alcoholic beers to choose from. Non-alcoholic brews have ascended in quality to the point where, in many instances, they are indistinguishable from the alcoholic versions.
  
  
• READY-TO-DRINK ICED TEAS — A singularly American institution, over 35 million gallons of iced tea are consumed in this country each year, which equates to about 9.3 glasses per man, woman, and child. While these ready-to-drink beverages have a higher cost percentage than freshly brewed iced teas, they are convenient, require no preparation, and have built-in consumer brand loyalty.
  
  
• SMOOTHIES — Popular with the health-conscious crowd for years, fruit-based smoothies or slushes can generate hefty profits, particularly in warm weather. Several companies offer pre-made mixes and machines that will help you crank out these tempting drinks all day long. The mixes are generally made with fresh fruit juices, so they are long on flavor.
  
  
• BOTTLED WATERS — Bottled waters are skyrocketing in popularity. People are becoming increasingly more familiar with the many different types and brands of bottled waters, and as a result, savvy operators are today stocking more than just ONE brand for their customers. There are sparkling waters with light effervescence (Bartlett and Ty Nant), medium effervescence (Ramlösa and San Pellegrino), and high effervescence (Perrier). Still waters vary in the amount of minerals they contain, which affects how they taste.
  
  
• LEMONADE — This great American beverage has become a fixture in many restaurants. In addition to being a delicious, thirst-satisfying beverage, it has scores of drink-making applications. Flavored lemonades, such as raspberry and kiwi, are also gaining in popularity.
  
  High profits and no liability make these no octane products a most significant mega-trend. Stock up and ride the wave.

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The Original Guide to Alcohol-Free Beverages and Drinks

Don't miss out on this hot new category! Serve delicious taste-tested alcohol free specialties to your customers and friends and enjoy low cost and great taste. The recipes span the breadth of alcohol-free mixology, including blended drinks, coffee, tea and cocoa specialties, ice cream drinks, and specialties made with lemonade, juices and sparkling cider. Plus reviews of the best products to use when making your creations!

~ by Robert Plotkin ~ 108 pages ~ 6" x 9" Item# ALF54 ~ $15.95 ~

Shipped in the US only

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