Sober Sips

As the owner of a consulting company and partner of a real estate agent, CARTER JEWELL attended events every night that revolved around alcohol. “By last October, I joked that I felt like I had wine, grapes, and brie for dinner five nights in a row. It was always the same set up. I started looking for options for a nice drink that would not make me drunk,” she says.

Jewell noticed that plenty of other people seemed to be interested in drinking less alcohol. And while the national market was responding to this trend with new, creative alternatives, it wasn’t always easy to access those products locally. Trying a nonalcoholic beverage required purchasing a case or two online. At bars and restaurants, staff did not seem aware of the nonalcoholic beers and spirits on their own shelves.

“Before I even thought about a mocktail bar, I saw folks cutting back on alcoholic beverages. And I began to see products becoming more available and becoming more complex. I wanted a place where folks could see and try all available nonalcoholic options,” she says.

In December, Jewell opened Mocksie Craft Mocktails in the Soda Pop District with her own curated selection of unique nonalcoholic beers, seltzers, spirits, and wine. “I have 30 nonalcoholic beers and 12 wines. I bet I have 75 unique items, at least,” she says, counting out loud.

Her newest nonalcoholic alternatives are made with ingredients that promote relaxation. “A lot of people use alcohol to calm down. Now a more health-conscious industry is turning to adaptogens that help the body respond to stress,” explains Jewell. Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plant substances that help the body manage stress and restore balance.

“We have many unique adaptogenic spirits. We carry Three Spirits brand that includes one with caffeine, one that’s fun and flirty, and one that is a nightcap to settle down at the end of a long day,” she says. “And Dromme is a calming spirit that can become a relaxing ritual.” Guests at Mocksie are finding a calm, mindful drinking experience through the complex blend of quality botanicals, adaptogens that rejuvenate and elevate energy levels, and nootropics which encourage mental stamina and performance, all without the effects of alcohol.

Part of Mocksie’s success is fueled by the growing trend of women who are drinking less or abstaining altogether. “It’s interesting that when I was starting, I thought my market would be women in their 30s and women trying to get pregnant. I found my audience is much wider and includes groups I had not thought of like women in menopause, who say alcohol makes their symptoms worse, and women enduring chemotherapy who want some normalcy by drinking wine with friends. And everyone in between. It’s really a wonderful opportunity to meet all segments of the community,” she says.

In addition to her line of beverages, Jewell is hosting monthly events at Mocksie and bartending off-site for weddings, parties, and other events. “We are doing four events every month at Mocksie. It’s a chance to meet other nonalcoholic drinkers and the opportunity for industry education,” Jewell says. Mocktails 101 offers an opportunity to learn about and try nonalcoholic spirits for home bars while Sober Hobby Socials are great for people interested in abstaining or cutting back while working a jigsaw puzzle together or making a craft.

With the holiday party season approaching, Jewell says the best advice for women who want to cut back or eliminate alcohol is to give yourself an incredible amount of patience and grace. “Every time you decide not to drink can be a big deal. If you are cutting back and you drink a beer, don’t beat yourself up. Trying to change your lifestyle is a good step.”

Jewell encourages anyone interested in this movement to help promote it. “Make yourself familiar with available options. Ask about nonalcoholic options, whether you are sober or sober-curious. If we show that folks care about this, we help destigmatize the ask,” she concludes.

To view more of photographer Logan Burke’s work, go to LoganBurkePhoto.com

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