To bring moderation even more mainstream, Ritual Zero Proof, a spirit alternative beverage company, is partnering with the authentic Chicago icon and restaurant chain Uno Pizzeria & Grill to introduce a new kind of choice to their menu: non-alcoholic cocktails that have the taste, bite and experience of traditional spirits, the company states.
Starting January 6, just in time for Dry January, pizza lovers will be able to order from a selection of Ritual cocktails at 71 Uno Pizzeria & Grill locations nationwide, including a non-alcoholic Margarita, Hurricane, Old Fashioned and Peach Mule, according to the company.
Ritual replicates the experience of traditional spirits with the same taste and burn, but without any alcohol and few to no calories–meaning consumers can enjoy their favorite cocktails even when they don’t want the alcohol.
Non-Alcoholic Category Gaining Momentum
“Broad adoption at restaurants is the next step for the non-alcoholic category. It’s exciting to see a major player like Uno Pizzeria & Grill recognize the importance of providing options that allow guests to enjoy the experience of a well-crafted cocktail even when they don’t want alcohol. It’s a new hospitality standard that we are certain others will follow,” says Ritual Zero Proof Co-Founder, Marcus Sakey in a news release. “Like vegetarian and gluten-free options, people want choices when they go out to eat. It’s time for the same power of consumer choice to extend into all beverage menus.”
With more conscious consumers adopting mindful drinking habits, bars and restaurants are looking to expand their menu offerings to cater to a growing demographic of sober curious individuals. In fact, the demand for no-and low-alcohol beverages at bars and restaurants continues to increase nationwide, surpassing $11 billion in market value in 2022, according to IWSR.
Meeting Consumer Demand
“We are always looking for tasteful ways to meet consumer demand for better-for-you alternatives that don’t detract from the dining experience,” adds Uno Pizzeria & Grill Director of Marketing, Chris Dellamarggio in the release. “When we identified the opportunity to expand our beverage menu for the mindful drinker, we knew it had to be with Ritual Zero Proof, which is as good as it gets. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us offer an expanded line of zero-proof cocktails to our valued guests.”
Zero proof cocktails with Ritual will be available at Uno Pizzeria & Grill locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, with plans to roll out to all locations before the end of the year, the company states.
