Activation Bar 101

What is an activation bar?

An activation bar in the context of alcohol-free or mocktail bars now refers to a dedicated and interactive station within the bar setup aimed at engaging guests in unique experiences related to non-alcoholic beverages.

Activation bars are often used at events to create memorable experiences for your sober guests, it brings intentionality, art and heart into making your sober guests feel included and excited to attend. These alcohol-free or mocktail bars could be designed to showcase the art of crafting sophisticated mocktails, a specific brand of NA mixers or drinks, offer tastings of zero-proof spirits, or provide educational sessions on the ingredients and techniques used to create and celebrate with NA concoctions.

The concept aligns with the rising trend of experiential marketing and events and the growing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic beverages. ACTIVATE YOUR NA BAR BABY!

Activation Bars represent a potential opportunity for an alcohol-free or mocktail bar or event to elevate the guest experience and promote the artistry and creativity behind non-alcoholic mixology – like we are waaaaay beyond sugary Shirley Temples and upping the ante on fun and even holistic wellness benefits sprinkled into the mix.

We think, here at The Sober Curator, that in addition to badass NA mixology it should include fresh herbs, tonics and elixirs around a given theme to elevate the experience even more.

Adaptogens? Elixirs? Herbs? Flowers? Tonics?

Let’s go!

**Unsplash+In collaboration with Margaret Jaszowska**

How to Design One For Your Next Event:

Consider the Event. Is there a logical theme or add-on that would enrich the experience for all guests or the guest of honor – think baby showers, sober weddings, sober bachelor or bachelorette, SO-BIRTHDAYS, cool teen parties, and for our sober Golden Girls out there.
Once you have a fun theme, what angle will you focus on – adaptogens? Elixirs? Herbs? Flowers? Fruits? Flavors? Tonics? Micheladas with a selection of NA beers? (I personally prefer my Heineken 0 or Corona 0 served as a Chelada.) Or, as a fun twist to elevate your NA wine or beer offerings, make it a flute of tasters.
Think about the setup and aesthetic: appropriate glassware, do you need a blender on hand, a mixer, fun-shaped ice, umbrellas, fruit wedges, flowers, herbs, citrus, essential oils (make sure they are food safe variety), a mini-chalkboard menu, a fun cart, sweet, salty or spicy rim station? For outdoor or larger-format gatherings, a coffee trailer business can give the same setup mindset a more mobile footprint.
Is the theme your guide to finding recipes or a given product?
Consider contacting a local NA company to see if they might be keen to participate and/or innovate with you.
Start small; maybe you just want to create a fun mini-activation bar at home with a couple of zero-proof spirits, bitters with adaptogens, dried citrus, lavender sprigs, or cinnamon sticks in a jar to feel you have an elevated offering for your next sober guest that pops by.

What are some fun new products to consider highlighting?

A few industry experts shared their favorites to try:

I love All the Bitters Fig & Black Walnut Bitters, but really any of their products. Owned by former sommeliers Ian and Carly Blessing, this family business continues to be the leader in creating non-alcoholic drinks with real ingredients. I’m excited that Giffard has produced exceptional cordials, ranging from ginger to elderflower. This helps expand mindful mixologists’ repertoire for classic and creative cocktails.

What if I just want to add NA wines to my list of options?

A few industry experts shared their favorites to try:

I enjoyed Kolonne Null’s NA cuvee blanc sparkling wine. There are several really good sparkling wines, but it doesn’t hurt to grow the category. I think Germany has produced some of the best non-alcoholic wines, though they are certainly not alone.

Others fun for spring and summer events include:

What if I just want to add NA beer to my list of options?

Checkout our in-house expert’s advice and inspiration here: NA Beers & 90s: NA Beer Reviews by Sober Curator Justin Lamb

Questions, collabs or recipes you want us to share?

Reach out to me on IG: @meganswanwellness or LinkedIn

Stay tuned as we start to share themed NA Activation Bar recipes, themes and inspiration to elevate your events to not only make everyone feel more honored and included but even add a touch of wellness impact to your celebration.

LAVENDER FIELDS ACTIVATION BAR

*ideal for baby showers, summer weddings, and your daughter’s graduation party

Shopping List + Set Up Ideas:

Order ahead + relax: All The Bitter – Alcohol-Free Lavender Bitters – and Amazon List

Dried Edible Flowers
Dried Lavender
Lavender Tea
Aura Bora Sorted Sparkling Water
Ritual Gin Alternative
Q Mixers Elderflower Tonic Water

Grab Fresh the Day Of:

Lemons + Limes
Blueberries
Fresh Lavender
Fresh Mint, Basil
Fresh Juices: Pear, Grapefruit or Lemon
Ice Cubes
Super fun overachiever option to make your own with purple flowers/ Chive Blossoms or Lavender, wink, wink!

Set-Up

White Table Cloth for best contrast of pretty drinks and purple flowers.
Want to go super fancy? Get some vintage purple glass goblets?
Although clear glasses will be just as pretty to let the purple POP!
Order pretty napkins, maybe a purple floral arrangement or two.
Next level order yourself a lilac dress or polo button-up to coordinate!

Lavender Haze Radio Playlist:

Mocktail Ideas:

Blueberry Mojito
Lavender Sparkling Lemonade
Pear + Mint Lavender Spritz
Lady Lavender Mocktail
Lavender Adaptogen G+T Alternative

Pinterest Inspo + Recipe Board HERE*

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