San Antonio’s bar scene is adapting to a clear shift among younger adults who are drinking less alcohol. Bars and restaurants across the city are expanding their menus with a variety of non‑alcoholic beverages, from sparkling prosecco to hemp‑infused drinks, to keep patrons socializing without the effects of alcohol.
Research confirms the trend
Jessica Perrotte, an assistant professor of psychology at Texas State University, says national surveys show a steady decline in alcohol consumption among 18‑ to 34‑year‑olds. Gallup data indicate the share of this age group who report drinking fell from 72 % about twenty years ago to 62 % in surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023. Perrotte explains that many young adults, including heavy drinkers and those with alcohol‑use disorder, are motivated by harm‑reduction goals such as avoiding hangovers and impaired driving.
Local owners respond
Derik Cortez, managing partner of downtown bar Sojourn Trading Company, notes a post‑COVID shift in drinking habits. “There’s a lot of mental‑health issues that we’ve all dealt with, and people are looking at life a little differently,” he said. Sojourn now offers a non‑alcoholic sparkling prosecco that tastes like the real thing and a “phony negroni” that mimics the classic cocktail without alcohol.
Roundabout in the Beacon Hill neighborhood is also broadening its selection. Co‑owner Denise Aguirre says the bar is adding hemp‑infused beverages, root beer, kombucha, Nitro coffee on draft, and even water kefir from a local San Antonio brewery. She notes that recent Texas legislation raised the licensing fee for THC products from $150 to $5,000, prompting the bar to diversify its non‑alcoholic lineup.
Health considerations
Perrotte cautions that many of these new drinks combine multiple ingredients—THC, CBD, melatonin, caffeine—whose interactions are still under‑researched. She urges consumers to be aware of the limited data on how such combinations affect individuals both short‑term and long‑term.
Despite those concerns, Aguirre says patrons appreciate the ability to relax and enjoy a night out while still remembering the experience. “People still want to feel relaxed and have fun, but they also want to remember what happened that night,” she explained.
What this means for the community
The growing availability of non‑alcoholic options reflects a broader cultural shift toward healthier socializing. By offering appealing alternatives, San Antonio’s bars are supporting families and young adults who value responsible enjoyment, aligning with community‑first values while keeping the local nightlife vibrant.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
