Today we're talking about the rise of zero-proof spirits with the CEO/Founders of Optimist Botanicals, whose alcohol-free offerings are catering to a rapidly growing market of the "sober-curious" here in the US. I've been seeing a ton of non-alcoholic bottlings entering the market — think Seedlip, Proteau, Som Cordial and more. And it had me wondering: are more people choosing the sober lifestyle these days, or is there something bigger at play here?

Optimist's flavor profiles are reminiscent of Southern California’s coastlines, desertscapes, and chaparral. Whether you’re just wrapping up your Dry January like I am and looking for more balance after a crazy year, or are abstaining all together, I think there are some interesting things to be gleaned from their insights on the zero proof spirits trend.