Bavarian Distillery Embracing Alcohol-Free Beverage Trend: New Non-Alcoholic Drinks Available
**"Not everyone wants a smoke, booze, or loud parties anymore" - this sentiment was expressed by musician Marteria in his song "Kids" over a decade ago.
Today, this sentiment seems to hold true, especially for younger generations. According to data from Statista, per-capita alcohol consumption in Germany has been on the decline for years, a trend that is particularly notable among Generation Z (1995-2005).
The Rise of Alcohol-Free Drinks: Breweries and Distilleries Adapt
For breweries and distilleries, this shift presents a challenge. One solution they're exploring is alcohol-free alternatives that retain the taste of traditional drinks. Stefan Penninger, owner of the Bavarian distillery Penninger, is one such innovator. He's developed an alcohol-free herbal schnapps, aiming to capitalize on the trend of reduced alcohol consumption, particularly among younger demographics.
Penninger's approach of using vinegar as a natural preservative instead of artificial additives sets his product apart. He explains, "I've never been a big fan of just mixing preservatives, flavors, and water."
The market for such drinks is booming, with the production volume of alcohol-free beer having doubled in the past decade, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Similar trends are observed in the production of alcohol-free hard spirits, with clones of gin, whiskey, and liqueur increasingly popular.
Alcohol-Free Schnapps: Close to the Real Thing
While Penninger's alcohol-free herbal schnapps may taste different from the traditional version when consumed neat, it can be mixed with various soft drinks to replicate the flavor of a cocktail. The key is finding the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
The advantage of these alcohol-free drinks, according to Penninger, is that they offer a top-quality, cocktail-like alternative to soft drinks, even for those avoiding alcohol. This creates a more festive party atmosphere compared to drinking only soft drinks.
Penninger saw a particular demand for alcohol-free drinks from his pregnant wife who grew tired of drinking water or soft drinks. Drivers who are out all night have also expressed appreciation for the option, helping them avoid annoying follow-up questions or stupid remarks.
Despite the overall decline in alcohol consumption, Germany remains a high-consumption country, with around 120 liters consumed per person annually. Peer pressure remains a factor, indicating there's still a long way to go for those championing alcohol-free drinks.
Mocktail Recipes: Get Creative with Alcohol-Free Drinks
Penninger promotes two mixed drinks that are easy to make at home.
Franz Joseph:
- 2 cl Penninger Alcohol-Free Herbal Schnapps
- 15 cl Wildberry Bitterlimonade
- Ice cubes and a lemon wedge
Bavarian Spritz:
- 2 cl Penninger Alcohol-Free Herbal Schnapps
- 10 cl alcohol-free Prosecco
- 6 cl soda water
Experiment with different mixers, fruit juices, and herbs to find your preferred balance and create your own unique alcohol-free cocktails. Enjoy!**"
In response to the declining alcohol consumption, particularly among younger demographics, breweries and distilleries are exploring the production of alcohol-free alternatives that retain the taste of traditional drinks. For instance, Stefan Penninger has developed an alcohol-free herbal schnapps, using vinegar as a natural preservative instead of artificial additives.
Moreover, the market for such drinks is booming, with the production volume of alcohol-free beer nearly doubling in the past decade. Penninger's alcohol-free herbal schnapps can be mixed with various soft drinks to replicate the flavor of a cocktail, offering a top-quality, cocktail-like alternative to soft drinks for those avoiding alcohol.
