Between drinking bone broth as part of our morning ritual and Dry January becoming a viral international trend, it’s clear that Gen Z—myself included—is not embracing the drinking culture as much as previous generations.

According to a 2025 Gallup poll, only 50 percent of adults ages 18-34 drink alcohol, down 9 percent from 2023. And with this downward trend of less alcohol being consumed, bars and restaurants are adapting to attract a sober—or sober-curious—crowd. 

Michael’s On East is ready to meet them where they are with its new Zero Proof collection, offering sophisticated, fun ways for drinkers and nondrinkers alike to socialize without having to deal with the consequences the next morning.

Lara Baykent, a mixologist at Michael’s, says she's noticed a growing trend of people shying away from alcohol when they go out, referencing how big cities like New York City and Los Angeles are starting to have exclusively zero-proof bars, and how it’s an untapped market in Sarasota.  

“There’s a lot of people ordering our zero-proof cocktails,” she says. “They absolutely do want it.”

She created four of the five drinks offered in the new collection. Another bartender, Rick Wiseman, created the fifth drink, called The Honey Keeper. All five drinks are made with ingredients sourced from local vendors and zero-proof spirits. 

And these drinks in this collection are just the start, says Baykent. Michael’s will be expanding its zero-proof cocktail menu as its mixologists continue to hone  their skills. 

Here’s a preview of what the restaurant is mixing up right now.

Southern Belle

My favorite zero-proof beverage of the group, this opaque drink resembles a glass of lemonade in both taste and color, and is poured in a short-ribbed glass with a sugar rim, garnished with a dehydrated lime. It’s the perfect sip for a hot summer day, bringing back memories of sitting in a rocking chair on the porch, a light breeze blowing through, making you feel like a true Southern belle. (Tip: Try Michael’s miso-glazed sea bass satay and savory mango salad with this drink.)

The Honey Keeper

This golden drink ($16), topped with a honeycomb-shaped ice cube, has an herbal bite from the orange bitters that’s complemented by the sweetness of smoked nutmeg honey, and  it all goes down smoothly. Essentially, The Honey Keeper is the zero-proof drink version of a warm hug. 

Tease Tini

From the coupe martini glass to the rich fresh espresso flavor, this drink ($15) is pure sophistication. The bitter coffee liqueur alternative is chased with the sweetness of the vanilla. It’s the perfect drink for a night out. 

Silk Syndicate

Dressed up in the same sleek martini glass as the Tease Tini, the Silk Syndicate’s ($16) muddled orange and cherries, paired with cherry bitters, evokes a straightforward flavor that is both sweet and tart. Its refreshing taste is the perfect palate cleanser for any one of Michael’s savory appetizers—my suggestion is the fresh Maine lobster sliders. 

Midnight in Manhattan

Imagine you’re on the rooftop in New York City, looking out at the skyline, holding the perfect drink in your hand. That’s exactly the mental image the Midnight in Manhattan ($18) elicits, with its orange aromatic adding a bright citrus twist to the soft, mellow notes grapefruit. Pair this drink with the baked cheesy oysters with caviar.

Michael's on East is located at 1212 East Ave., Sarasota. For more information, visit bestfood.com or call (941) 366-0037.