As a craft beer expert, I have witnessed the growing popularity of beer festivals in Northwest Arkansas. With events like the Fayetteville Foam Fest and the Bentonville Film Festival, there is no shortage of opportunities to sample some of the best brews in the region. However, as the demand for non-alcoholic options continues to rise, it's important to explore the options available for those who don't drink alcohol. Before we dive into the specific non-alcoholic options at beer festivals in Northwest Arkansas, let's first discuss the overall rise of non-alcoholic beer. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for these options in the craft beer industry.
This is due to a variety of factors, including health concerns, designated drivers, and a desire for more inclusive events. According to a report by Nielsen, sales of non-alcoholic beer have increased by 39% in the past five years. This trend is expected to continue as more and more breweries begin to offer non-alcoholic options. In fact, some breweries are even specializing in non-alcoholic beer, such as Athletic Brewing Co. and WellBeing Brewing Co.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Options at Beer Festivals
Now that we understand the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer, let's take a look at some of the options available at beer festivals in Northwest Arkansas.Mocktails
One of the most popular non-alcoholic options at these festivals is mocktails.These are essentially cocktails without the alcohol. They are made with a variety of ingredients, such as fruit juices, herbs, and spices, to create a refreshing and flavorful drink. Mocktails are a great option for those who want to feel like they are partaking in the festivities without consuming alcohol. At the Fayetteville Foam Fest, you can find mocktails at the "Sober Zone" sponsored by WellBeing Brewing Co. They offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, including their own craft beers and mocktails made with their non-alcoholic beer as a base.
Some popular mocktails include the "WellBeing Mule" made with ginger beer and lime juice, and the "WellBeing Paloma" made with grapefruit juice and club soda.
Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, has also become a popular non-alcoholic option at beer festivals. It has a slightly tangy and fizzy taste, making it a great alternative to beer. Kombucha is also known for its health benefits, as it contains probiotics and antioxidants. At the Bentonville Film Festival, you can find kombucha from local brewery Ozark Mountain Kombucha. They offer a variety of flavors, including ginger peach and blueberry lavender.Kombucha is a great option for those who want a non-alcoholic drink that is both tasty and good for their health.
Craft Sodas
Craft sodas have also become a popular non-alcoholic option at beer festivals. These are not your typical sodas that you can find at any grocery store. Craft sodas are made with high-quality ingredients and come in unique flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. At the Fayetteville Foam Fest, you can find craft sodas from local brewery Core Brewing Co. They offer a variety of flavors, including black cherry cream and pineapple coconut.Craft sodas are a great option for those who want a non-alcoholic drink that is fun and flavorful.
Why Non-Alcoholic Options are Important
Some may wonder why it's necessary to have non-alcoholic options at beer festivals. After all, the main focus of these events is usually beer. However, it's important to remember that not everyone drinks alcohol, and it's essential to have options for those who don't.Non-alcoholic options also make these events more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. It allows those who don't drink alcohol to still be a part of the festivities and not feel left out.It also promotes responsible drinking by providing alternatives for designated drivers or those who want to pace themselves.
