Do NA Bar Programs Hurt Alcohol Sales—or Boost Them?

The rise of non-alcoholic (NA) spirits and cocktail programs has some bar owners wondering: Are we just shifting customers away from traditional alcohol, or is this truly expanding our market? It’s a fair question, especially for venues balancing innovation with revenue. Let’s break it down.

1. NA Options Bring in New Guests — They Don’t Just Shift the Same Ones

A well-designed NA bar program can attract entirely new customers—people who might have skipped your venue entirely because they weren’t drinking alcohol that night. This includes designated drivers, pregnant guests, those taking a break from alcohol, and health-conscious patrons. Instead of “stealing” a sale from your alcohol menu, you’re creating a sale that wouldn’t have happened at all.

2. They Increase Group Spend

In mixed groups, one non-drinker can affect the whole table’s decision to stay and spend. If they only have soda or water to choose from, they might suggest moving on. Offering NA cocktails keeps the group together, which means more total orders—from drinks to appetizers to desserts—boosting the overall check average.

3. NA Drinks Encourage Daytime and Weekday Sales

Traditional cocktails may dominate evening hours, but NA options can shine during brunch, lunch, and corporate events—times when people might skip alcohol. Having an NA cocktail list gives your menu versatility and makes it easier to sell beverages throughout the day without worrying about over-serving.

4. It’s About Inclusivity, Not Cannibalization

In the hospitality industry, making every guest feel welcome pays off. By offering non-alcoholic spirits like Cut Above in craft mocktails, you’re signaling that you value the experience of all patrons—not just those drinking alcohol. Over time, this builds loyalty and repeat visits, which benefit your alcohol sales too.

5. Data Says NA Drinkers Still Buy Alcohol

Surveys show that many customers who order NA cocktails are “moderators,” not full-time abstainers. They may alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the same night. Having NA options can keep them at your bar longer—meaning you still capture their alcohol purchases and their NA ones.

The Bottom Line: A thoughtful NA bar program isn’t a competitor to alcohol—it’s a complement. Done right, it can bring in new guests, keep groups together, and increase your total revenue. That’s why more bars are investing in zero-proof spirits like Cut Above to create cocktails that look, feel, and taste like the real thing—without the buzz.

Shop our full lineup of zero proof alcohol free Spirits.

Try our Sample Size Variety Pack to discover which one is your favorite. (The variety pack includes all 4 Cut Above Spirits with 3 alcohol free cocktails in each of the 4 trial size bottles!)