#231 Why 2025 Will Kill Your Drinking Habits Cheers to Change

This week, we’re diving into the bold, the controversial, and the
downright fascinating: the trends that might need to die, the
rise of alcohol-free markets, and why the industry might secretly
want you to stay addicted.


What’s in the episode? - Trends on life support:
Bye-bye to outdated booze fads (you know the ones) - The
alcohol-free takeover: US struggles, UK wins, and why moderation
is Italy’s hot new vibe - The price-quality conundrum: Are
alcohol-free drinks worth it, or just a rip-off? - The future is
sparkling (and THC-infused): From Nogronis to infused water –
what’s next?


Spoiler alert: Alcohol isn’t even the main reason we drink
together anymore. So, what is?


Are you team alcohol-free or "just don’t overthink it"? Let’s
chat in the comments ️





Alexander Gottschalk
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)





Shownotes:


(00:00:00) Intro - Trends to die in drinks


https://metro.co.uk/2025/01/18/im-a-drinks-writer-booze-trends-die-2025-22376036/


(00:02:52) The major alcohol-free markets


US wine sales down


https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/data-shows-wine-decline-consumers-spending-less-drinking-less-rcna187628


US spirits opportunities


https://www.theiwsr.com/where-are-the-opportunities-for-no-alcohol-spirits-in-the-us/


Italys call for moderation


https://winenews.it/en/alcohol-and-wine-a-bond-to-rethink-between-choice-ability-and-critical-awareness_546968


IWSR UK market lookout on alcohol free drinks


https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/uk-no-and-low-market-more-than-doubles-year-on-year-in-2024/


Bulk wine can benefit from duty changes in UK


https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/bulk-wine-to-benefit-from-duty-changes/


(00:13:48) Alcohol between science and ideology


https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/alcohol-caught-between-science-and-ideology


Industry hooked on heavy drinkers


https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/alcohol-industry-sales-heavy-drinkers-ba82727f


The complex case of moderate drinking


https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/the-complex-case-of-moderate-drinking-549114


(00:15:40) The balance between price and quality


Remove the piss


https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBbpdzttbsA/


the boozy rip-off


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/17/great-non-alcoholic-rip-off-why-booze-free-drinks-cost/


Alcohol is not the reason for drinking together


https://slate.com/business/2025/01/dry-january-nonalcoholic-cocktails-price-craft-ingredients-bartenders.html?via=rss


Having fun without alcohol


https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/dry-january-sommeliere-katharina-iglesias-on-how-to-indulge-without-booze


(00:25:02) How to adapt to consumer demands


Don't use wine terms while describing alcohol free wine


https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/01/16/na-wine-nonalcoholic-terminology-language/


More hotels and restaurants are moving towards alcohol free
drinks.


https://www.costar.com/article/1347944700/mocktails-non-alcoholic-drinks-can-elevate-experiences-for-many-hotel-guests


Sober gastronomy adaption


https://oldster.substack.com/p/too-many-bars-and-restaurants-still


(00:28:56) Interesting categories and drinks to watch out for


Nogroni is the most sought after alcohol free cocktail


https://www.mixology.eu/der-nogroni-der-erste-alkoholfreie-neo-klassiker-ein-test


Infused water instead of alcohol-free drinks


https://www.luxtimes.lu/yourluxembourg/foodandnightlife/naturally-flavoured-water-as-an-alternative-to-wine/34695028.html


NA drinks growth THC and Co


https://eu.tennessean.com/story/money/2025/01/23/nashville-non-alcoholic-drinks-thc-mushrooms/77726898007/


Sparkling Tea Tasting


https://www.spiegel.de/tests/kueche/alkoholfreie-sekt-alternativen-im-test-prost-ohne-prozente-a-e40741d3-705a-4fe4-ab62-8a42854627c1