Shattering Stigmas Around Not Drinking: Reframing the Mocktail Experience
Zero Proof Insights of Eating at a Meeting Podcast | by Cate
Reframing the “Mocktail” Experience
Tracy Stuckrath is a pioneer and leading expert in the food and beverage sector, known for her work in employee engagement, inclusion, profitability, food safety, and sustainability. Our dialogue circled around issues of inclusivity and sustainability, reframing the "mocktail" experience, and pushing for more nonalcoholic options at events.
Joining the HERstory Initiative
When Tracy initially invited us to participate in Women's HERstory Month, we were thrilled—not just for the chance to discuss nonalcoholic beverage options, but even more so to join a cadre of women striving to effect change on a grand scale. We felt both grateful and humbled by the recognition.
Jen’s Perspective of Women in Business
In the industry, Jen perceives women as powerful community builders, focusing on aspects that extend beyond mere revenue generation. She feels increasingly empowered, thanks in part to seminal figures in the sober community like Holly Whitaker, author of "Quit Like a Woman," and Laura McKowen, author of "The Luckiest Club." These women, along with a growing community of sober females, are reshaping the societal conversation about sobriety, adding a wellspring of inspiration to our cause.
My Personal Milestones
While pondering the transformative moments that marked my role as both a mother and a facilitator in the nonalcoholic beverage space, I thought of the two weddings that I had recently orchestrated for my two daughters. Both provided highly visible platforms to integrate signature NA cocktails and dealcoholized sparkling wines into celebratory contexts often dominated by alcoholic options. Weddings can sometimes feel like a stronghold resistant to NA beverages, yet my offerings were not just accepted but actively celebrated. The overwhelming embrace of these options by attendees across the span of the weekend festivities validated the potential for change. These experiences served as a microcosm of the broader shift I envision, a tangible moment when a choice emanating from personal belief found communal validation.
The Bartender's Secret: Navigating Covert Demand for NA Options
Our conversation took an intriguing turn, sharing two stories—Tracy's and my own. In both tales, guests discreetly paid bartenders to serve nonalcoholic beverages that appeared alcoholic. Tracy's friend did this at a bar to feel her best the next day, while in my experience, the bartender revealed that several other guests had also engaged in similar subterfuge, tipping him to serve nonalcoholic options. His tips that evening were enormous, all based on these secret requests. This action reveals a deeper societal tension between ingrained alcohol-centric norms and the escalating demand for nonalcoholic alternatives. While humorous, this narrative also underscores a significant latent need for inclusive beverage choices.
Ramps, Strollers, and NA Options: The Universal Utility of Inclusive Choices
Tracy talked about a friend who pointed out how the universal utility of ramps, originally intended to aid those with mobility issues, has evolved to benefit a wide range of people, from parents with strollers to delivery personnel with heavy packages. This comparison resonated strongly with me. Much like these ramps, nonalcoholic beverages are proving to be more than just an alternative for those who abstain from alcohol; they serve a broader societal agenda for inclusivity.
Breaking the Ice: The Quiet Revolution of Asking for NA Drinks
A very important issue we touched upon was the timidity among consumers in asking for nonalcoholic options in settings dominated by alcohol. In one instance, a patron who requested an NA drink was initially met with a quizzical look, but as the evening wore on, more guests began to make similar requests. This implies that there’s a shared responsibility. Patrons should be emboldened to ask for what they want, and establishments must cultivate an atmosphere where such queries are not only tolerated but also welcomed.
Navigating the NA Maze: Where Logic Doesn’t Always Prevail
We discussed a broad array of subjects, ranging from the financial intricacies of pricing nonalcoholic drinks at ticketed events to the various venues where we've showcased NA options. We also examined the diverse—and sometimes startling—public reactions these offerings have garnered. Although logic hasn't always prevailed in these experiences, each one has served as an invaluable wellspring of insight, propelling our progressive mission forward.
Sips Toward Inclusivity: The Palpable Evolution of NA Choices
The need for an industry evolution is palpable. The transition of NA options from a compromise to an enriching choice is well underway. As societal norms continue to evolve, so too should the NA beverages, making each sip a step toward a more inclusive world.
Eating at a Meeting Podcast with Tracy Stuckrath, “Shattering Stigmas Around Not Drinking: Reframing the Mocktail Experience” Listen to the entire podcast here.
