A Better Buzz: Non-Alchemy - Adding NA Options to Your Beverage Program

Welcome to A Better Buzz: Non-Alchemy - Adding NA Options to Your Beverage Program! Join us at AltBar for an exciting in-person event where you'll learn how to elevate your beverage program with non-alcoholic options. Whether you're a bartender, mixologist, or beverage enthusiast, this event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their drink offerings. Discover new and innovative ways to create delicious non-alcoholic cocktails that will impress your guests and increase your bottom line. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your beverage program to the next level!

This panel features Ralph DiTucci, owner of Grace & Disgrace and Cristallino Ice, and Chris Clemens, creator of the Nonrocaholic Instagram account. Ralph will speak to how to add NA options into a fully alcoholic menu, and Chris will discuss why this is important to consumers. The panel will be moderated by Meg Hartman, co-owner and partner at AltBar.

Each ticket includes a complimentary non-alcoholic cocktail sponsored by The Pathfinder, Ghia, and All the Bitter, as well as samples of several non-alcoholic spirits that are distributed by TJ Sheehan's. We will discuss pour costs, how to use NA spirits in cocktails, and provide suggestions for products to add to your menu.

Come with questions! After the panel ends, we will host an industry happy hour (cash bar) so there will be plenty of time for networking & discussion.

Doors open at 5:30; panel will begin at 6pm.

Chris Clemens, a Rochester native, is a dedicated non-profit professional and advocate for sober living. After confronting his own challenges with substance abuse, he began his journey of recovery in 1996. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping others navigate life without alcohol. Through his platform nonROCaholic, Chris creates original content across a website and social media to highlight craft nonalcoholic beverages, offer educational resources, and foster community. His mission is to inspire others and celebrate the thriving world of artisanal nonalcoholic options.

Ralph DiTucci is a hospitality industry professional with over 30 years of bartending, managing, and owning bars. He owns Grace & Disgrace, a lounge that offers small bites & craft cocktails, as well as Cristallino Ice. He has offered non-alcoholic options on his menu at Grace & Disgrace since the first day, and has been a big supporter and encourager of the non-alcoholic movement in Rochester.

Meg Hartman owns AltBar with her husband, Bob. She and Bob opened the brick & mortar location of Altbar in June 2024 after running successful pop-ups around Rochester and the surrounding area since December of 2021. She is passionate about being intentionally inclusive, and that has extended to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to socialize with a quality beverage in hand (that doesn't need to contain alcohol). Prior to opening AltBar, Meg has 20 years of marketing experience.