FUN FACT: The green Pewabic tiles at the Detroit People Mover Cadillac Station were created for a Stroh’s brewery that never ended up being built.
Hey, it’s JB!
In Michigan, nonalcoholic drinks are in.
Over the last year, Michigan was the top state per capita to add “nonalcoholic” options to menus out of the five states with the most additions, according to BridgeDetroit’s analysis of a survey conducted by the restaurant technology company SpotOn. Michigan was also the top state to add “virgin” drinks to menus per capita, according to the data.
These drinks – referred to as mocktails, near beer or zero proof liquor – are made to taste like alcoholic beverages but don’t contain alcohol. Estimates vary, but most agree–the market is quickly growing, driven by decreases in alcohol consumption and even people switching over from soft drinks. On average, Gen Z drinks about a fifth less alcohol than millennials.
In Detroit, the non-alcoholic beverage company Casamara Club has found success, selling at establishments ranging from coffee shops to bars to restaurants. The company, founded six years ago, now sells its drinks in 21 states including Michigan, and in Canada. Additionally, the event company Absence of Proof hosts nonalcoholic gatherings in Detroit at bars, cafes, and other locations.
Detroit’s history with nonalcoholic drinks dates back to Prohibition when Stroh’s rebranded, running its beer through a process to make a no-alcohol lager, or near beer.
To find a nonalcoholic drink in the city, check out Eater Detroit’s list of the best in Detroit.
Dig In,
JB
- New ERA Community Group is providing free wine and light refreshments at Nardin Park for Wine Down Wednesday, Oct. 30.
- Owner of the former Bikes and Coffee Benjamin Kehoe has opened a new coffee shop, Lincoln Factory Cafe, inside the Art Park/Dreamtroit complex.
- Norm’s Diner is the new breakfast oasis West Village needs and a Mexican Coney Island arrives on Michigan Ave. with huevos rancheros, Eater Detroit editor Serena Daniels reports.
A schedule of pop-ups for the week:
Thurs., Oct. 24:
Pink Flamingo, 2746 Vermont St. 6-10 p.m.
Eat Cafe Bertrand at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Khana at The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd. 5-9 p.m.
Melway Burgers at Lincoln Factory, 1331 Holden. 6 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 25:
Hightowers Catering at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Sat., Oct. 26:
Boos BBQ at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Various food vendors at Featherstone, 600 Plum St. 4-8 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 27:
The Egg Hunt at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marksie’s Cooking at Red Hook, 2761 E. Jefferson. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Paper Plate Diner at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Mon., Oct. 28:
Kusina at Motor City Wine, 1949 Michigan Ave.
Tacos Hernandez at The Kiesling, 449 E. Milwaukee Ave. 5-10 p.m.
- Barda and Puma are hiring for their kitchen teams.
- Jolly Pumpkin is hiring a bartender.
- Evelyn’s Midtown Kitchen is hiring a kitchen assistant.
