I'm Not an Alcohol Person and the Market Is Catching On
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When you decide to stop drinking, one of the most challenging things is dealing with other people's reactions. They often want to know why. And, of course, that answer is different for everyone. Lately, my response has simply been stating what's true for me: "I'm just not an alcohol person." There is no story there—I just don't like the taste or how it makes me feel. For me, it is a preference, not the result of something challenging.
For a long time, I pretended to be an alcohol person. When out at a bar, I would nurse a beer for hours so no one would ask questions. When out at dinner with friends, I'd take a few sips of wine just to blend in. Sometimes, I'd even dump part of the drink out in the bathroom to avoid getting 'caught'.
The lack of non-alcoholic options available at bars, restaurants, music venues, baby showers, dinner parties, and backyard BBQs has historically been problematic (and so boring!) for people seeking alternatives. When I ask, "What do you have that is non-alcoholic?" people often look at me blankly for a moment before saying something like, "Coke products and water."
Moving from Indy to Asheville, North Carolina, a few years ago was a big wake-up call! Asheville has a large community of people in recovery, plus it's one of the most inclusive places ever. I was shocked to discover fun, non-alcoholic drinks at every single bar, restaurant, brewery, and music venue. These options went beyond pop and water and even beyond NA beer. They had kombucha, inventive mocktails with health benefits, fizzy flavored drinks on tap, and so on... it was a blast!
When I moved back to Indianapolis, I was concerned about the limited NA options. Around that time, Loren's AF was just opening! And even better, Kristin and Andee asked me to work there! Unlike other employees who could expertly advise customers on the different textures and nuances of wines or how the NA whiskey and bourbon taste (what is even the difference?!), I couldn't offer very helpful insight. However, what I could do was empathize with customers, especially those new to the movement who were frustrated by the lack of NA options out there. I let them know they weren't crazy and that it's something that needs a major overhaul. I would also encourage them to speak up so more venues and restaurants would have more options for me... I mean, for all of us, ahem.
For a long time, I pretended to be an alcohol person. When out at a bar, I would nurse a beer for hours so no one would ask questions. When out at dinner with friends, I'd take a few sips of wine just to blend in. Sometimes, I'd even dump part of the drink out in the bathroom to avoid getting 'caught'.
The lack of non-alcoholic options available at bars, restaurants, music venues, baby showers, dinner parties, and backyard BBQs has historically been problematic (and so boring!) for people seeking alternatives. When I ask, "What do you have that is non-alcoholic?" people often look at me blankly for a moment before saying something like, "Coke products and water."
Moving from Indy to Asheville, North Carolina, a few years ago was a big wake-up call! Asheville has a large community of people in recovery, plus it's one of the most inclusive places ever. I was shocked to discover fun, non-alcoholic drinks at every single bar, restaurant, brewery, and music venue. These options went beyond pop and water and even beyond NA beer. They had kombucha, inventive mocktails with health benefits, fizzy flavored drinks on tap, and so on... it was a blast!
When I moved back to Indianapolis, I was concerned about the limited NA options. Around that time, Loren's AF was just opening! And even better, Kristin and Andee asked me to work there! Unlike other employees who could expertly advise customers on the different textures and nuances of wines or how the NA whiskey and bourbon taste (what is even the difference?!), I couldn't offer very helpful insight. However, what I could do was empathize with customers, especially those new to the movement who were frustrated by the lack of NA options out there. I let them know they weren't crazy and that it's something that needs a major overhaul. I would also encourage them to speak up so more venues and restaurants would have more options for me... I mean, for all of us, ahem.
I love that Loren's AF is revolutionizing the Indy area's NA landscape, providing a range of fantastic non-alcoholic beverages that cater to people like me. Just as coffee shops have embraced alternatives like soy and oat milk, I believe the tipping point for non-alcoholic options is here. And Loren's AF is leading the charge!.
***By the way, I eventually quit pretending to drink around the time the rosé craze started so I MISSED THE WHOLE THING. I hadn't even tried it until I got my first Gruvi at Loren's AF. It is my absolute favorite now. And with the NA options, you really can do rosé all day!
Here are my favorite recommendations at Loren's AF:
***By the way, I eventually quit pretending to drink around the time the rosé craze started so I MISSED THE WHOLE THING. I hadn't even tried it until I got my first Gruvi at Loren's AF. It is my absolute favorite now. And with the NA options, you really can do rosé all day!
Here are my favorite recommendations at Loren's AF:
- Jøyus Sparkling Rosé
- Grüvi Rose
- Original Sin White Widow Cider
- Bollygood - All flavors!
Laura Haehl
Intuition Coach
Instagram: @reignworld.co
