08.28.2023

Today’s Forecast

76º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 6:42 p.m.

🍹 Mocktails are having their moment

The latest data on non-alcoholic beverages and where to drink them in Madison

It’s hot, have a slushy at Blind Shot. Photo by Blind Shot Social Club

Now more than ever, data shows that consumers are experimenting with what it means to be “sober curious.” The result has been a spike in sales of non-alcoholic beverages and a declining interest in alcoholic drinks.

Here are a few stand-out stats:

Total dollar sales of non-alcoholic beverages grew by 20.6% between August 2021 and 2022. Non-alcoholic beer accounted for 85.3% of those sales.
36% of US consumers reported to have “lost interest in drinking alcohol in general,” while 13% reported to be “interested in alternative non-alcoholic beverages.”
Sales of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits rose from 0.22% of total alcohol sales in the US in 2018 to 0.47% in 2022.
Global Market Share predicts that the non-alcoholic drinks market will grow to $30 billion by 2025.

608 little palace — Little Palace’s drinks are as pretty as they are tasty. | Photo by Little Palace

Wanna know where you can enjoy a mocktail in Madison? These are some of the local spots we love + what to drink there:

Blind Shot Social Club | Blind Shot’s mocktail list is extensive and creative. The Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read is a mix of zero-proof whiskey, orange, cherry, bitters, and coke.
Merchant | Raru’s Blessing combines strawberry rhubarb syrup, honey syrup, lemon juice, and soda water.
Mint Mark | When at Mint Mark, order the Mint Madness — NA Floreale L’Aperitivo, mint syrup, and lime.
Heritage Tavern | Heritage doesn’t stop at mocktails, try the 0% Château del ISH sparkling wine.
Little Palace | Two words: Lychee float. Lychee puree with sparkling NA rosé.

Asked

What’s your go-to NA drink?

A. Shirley Temple
B. Club soda with lime
C. Sparkling juice
D. Heineken 0

Let us know

Events

Monday, Aug. 28

We Read to a Dog | Monday, Aug. 28 | 3-4 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Read aloud to a furry friend from Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

YOUR Lunch Time LIVE | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 12-1 p.m. | Capitol grounds, 2 E. Main St., Madison | Free | Spend your lunch break enjoying a free outdoor concert.
Lucid Tuesday | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 9 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave, Madison | $5 | Feel the beats of local electronic talent.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

CPR/AED Class | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Fire Station 12, 400 S. Point Rd., Madison | Free | Learn how to save a life with the Madison Fire Department.
Madison College vs. Malcolm X College | Wednesday, Aug. 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Goodman Pitch, 3201 Anderson St., Madison | Free | Cheer on the Madison College men’s soccer team.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Magic City Hippies | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Majestic Madison, 115 King St., Madison | $25-$40 | This group describes their sound as an era-less mosaic of poolside grooves.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

▼SPONSORED▼

Now Open

New at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino: Rock & Brews, Cream City Coffee

Demon Chicken Mini Article Aug 2023.jpeg

Next time you’re in town, try one of Rock & Brews’ Headliner Sandwiches: The Demon, a perfectly fried chicken breast tossed in house hot sauce and all the fixin’s. | Photo provided by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

This month, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee welcomed two new establishments:

Rock & Brews (Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m-midnight; Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m.-midnight), American from-scratch classics created by iconic KISS musical duo Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
Cream City Coffee (open daily 6 a.m.-8 p.m.), your go-to caffeine hot spot to get your coffee fix + enjoy an artisanal sandwich or savory pastry while you’re at it.

Eat and drink your way through Milwaukee

News Notes

Edu

US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will visit Madison on Thursday, Sept. 7 as part of his Back to School Bus Tour. The goal is to spotlight successful education models and advocate for collaborative investments in youth. High school career pathways programs will also be a topic of discussion. (Channel 3000)

Outdoors

The Mendota Yacht Club is gearing up for its regatta Wednesday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 10. Set to attract sailors from across North America, the event will host about 130 boats on Lake Mendota and celebrate the 100th birthday of the E Scow sailboat. (NBC 15)

Regional

Public Health Madison and Dane County now offers free PFAS water testing for eligible homeowners with private wells. Locals with an annual household income under $94,650 can apply for free testing, while others have access to affordable paid testing.

Community

Madison Public Library is crafting a three-year strategic plan to enhance its alignment with the community. Give your two cents by taking the survey or attending the virtual listening session on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Drink

Frank Beer Distributors is hosting a pub crawl next Thursday, Sept. 7. Crawlers have a chance to win a Coors Light bike at each participating location including Red Zone, Jordan’s, and Mondays.

Finance

How many cards are in your wallet? Make your answer “one.” Earn a $200 sign-up bonus simply by spending $500 in your first three months with this card. Pair that with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months — oh, and unlimited cash back.*

Answered

On Friday, we asked what feature you’d want in your dream home, and here’s what you said:

608 homes engagement mod — Not surprisingly, our Madisonian readers prioritize lake access. | Graph via 608today

The majority of our readers would prefer lake access over a home theater, wine cellar, and in-ground pool. This doesn’t surprise us, considering we live in a city surrounded by lakes.

Share 608today

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_4}} friends are tapped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

I spotted the “Top Chef” crew filming a farmers’ market challenge on Saturday. The crew and cast have been spotted all around the city this week, we can expect to see Season 21 air on Bravo around March 2024.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY