MN Blockchain's First NA Bar Serves Up a “Bit” of Success

Zero Proof Insights: Our First NA Corporate Experience

Written by Cate Faulkner

Seizing the Moment: Saying 'Yes' to a Last-Minute NA Opportunity

When our friend Christine Portillo reached out on September 28th to inquire if we could provide non-alcoholic (NA) cocktails at MNblockchain's inaugural "The State of Blockchain" event on October 6th, we eagerly accepted. This marked our first corporate endeavor, catering to 200 guests, and we were enthusiastic about the challenge.

No License, No Problem: The Logistics of Setting Up an NA Bar

With not much time to prepare, we were grateful that setting up an NA bar requires no licensing, unlike traditional alcohol bars. Our rapid assembly included Cate, Jen, Callan (Cate's daughter), and Ashley from Piccadilly Pours, who is also a ZPC member. We focused on inventory and layout, as well as curating a diverse range of NA products. Vibrant fruit and herb garnishes and robust green plants set our bar apart, underscoring the healthful allure of our elevated NA options.

Innovation Meets Tradition
While the Minnesota Blockchain Initiative propels the state into the forefront of the global technology revolution, the event's venue within the historic Minnesota Grain Exchange building served as a poignant juxtaposition, mirroring how the NA Movement and it’s own innovation is rewriting social norms against a backdrop of long standing traditions.

NA Mixology 101: The Birth of Minneapple Mule, Lemon Golgang, and Basil Rosa

Our NA cocktails—namely "Minneapple Mule” , "Lemon Golgang," and "Basil Rosa"—were well-received, especially by members of the University of Minnesota's Blockchain Club who were there to share insights about Web3 and blockchain in various contexts—on campus, in class, and through research. Also, attendees with adult children appreciated our inclusive offerings. One gentleman, upon discovering the NA nature of our cocktails, humorously exclaimed, "You had me fooled!"

In contrast, the adjacent bar offered cheap alcohol and sugary sodas, highlighting the marked difference in quality. Many guests were astonished upon learning our cocktails were NA.

Beyond the Buzz: The Growing Appetite for NA at Corporate Events

Our first corporate experience was a resounding success. It revealed a growing appetite for NA options, highlighting the antiquated, alcohol-centric nature of corporate events. The evening reinforced the need for a more inclusive, health-conscious approach to socializing, especially within the corporate sphere.

Thank you Bre McGee!

And thanks to our wonderful friend and photographer, Bre McGee, Uncommon Collaborative, who was there to take photos all day! And as you can see in the photo in the gallery, she climbed ALL the way up the ladder to the old tote board where decades ago they used to manually post commodity prices and trading information. She was able to capture some amazing photos of the entire room!