Whether it’s for health reasons, because everything (including that sloppy night out) is captured on social media, or because there are so many fun non-alcoholic options on the market (hello Austin-based Kin Euphorics), people are drinking less alcohol than they once did and it’s become almost it’s become trendy to be a teetotaler. As a result, the non-alcoholic beverage space is growing exponentially and ‘dry bars’ have popped up around the country – like Sans Bar in Austin that opened as a series of pop ups in 2017. We chatted with San’s Bar owner Chris Marshall and he shared a couple of recipes that would make for a pretty and refreshing addition to any summer barbecue.
How did you come up with the idea to open Sans Bar?
I was working as a substance use counselor when I realized so many clients and friends wanted to still be social but didn’t want to be surrounded by alcohol. I wanted to offer a space where with good drinks and an opportunity for adults to authentically connect sans alcohol.
Has the response been bigger or on par with what you thought it would be?
When we started, we understood we were disrupting the typical Austin nightlife scene and anticipated that it would take a few years for folks to recognize that our mission was more than a fad. Each weekend, we see 5-6 people come in who are just curious about what an alcohol-free bar looks like.
How many drink options do you offer?
We currently offer over 10 zero proof cocktails, 6 beers and 5 wine options.
What are your most popular mock-tails, in addition to the Watermelon & Mint Nojito and Summber Berry Smash?
A crowd favorite lately has been The Slow Burn. It features local brand Tenneyson, ginger beer, and a house-made rosemary simple syrup.
Another great zero proof cocktail is the Blueberry Mint Julep which features Austin’s only NA bourbon Kentucky 74, muddled blueberries, and a distilled botanical called Amethyst.
Any plans for expansion?
Right now we are on a 15-city tour, hosting upscale events with the goal of promoting more equitable drinking options for everyone. We’ll continue to be a leader in the non-alcoholic space by offering franchise opportunities in 2023.
Anything you’d like to add?
Travis County is the cradle of the zero-proof movement, and we hope that in 5 years NA beers and mocktails will be ubiquitous at sports venues, high-end restaurants and movie theaters across Austin.
When did it open?
Sans Bar is currently open Fridays 7pm-12pm with plans to increase hours of operation in the future.
Watermelon and Mint Nojito
2 cups muddled watermelon
1.5 oz. of agave or simple syrup
2 limes
8 mint sprigs
6oz. ginger beer
Summer Berry Sour
1 cup Fresh Assorted Berries
2oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
2oz. Amethyst Blueberry Ginger
2 oz. fresh lemon juice
4 dashes All The Bitters Aromatic Bitters
