Beverages Episodes

Have you ever wondered if the wine you serve at events can do more than just fill a glass? Tracy sits down with Sandy Bridger and Cameron Bridger, the passionate duo behind Raleigh’s DRINK shop, to reveal how wine selection can support sustainability, elevate guest experience, and drive meaningful community impact. The Bridgers break down how to balance technical food pairings with adventurous, story-worthy bottles, why small producers matter, and how event professionals can collaborate with beverage directors to go beyond the default wine list. Discover the pitfalls of high-alcohol, mass-produced wines at receptions, smart questions to ask about sourcing, and creative ways to include non-alcoholic options and support local. Step behind the wine wall and learn how a thoughtfully curated list brings people together—one memorable sip at a time.

Each March Tracy celebrates Women’s HERStory Month. To wrap up 2025's celebration, she had a conversation that’s redefining inclusivity in food and beverage. Laura Silverman, founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, is leading the charge in the non-alcoholic beverage movement, proving that choice and inclusion belong at every table. With 17+ years of sobriety, Laura’s journey is deeply personal. After struggling with binge drinking in college and getting sober at 24, she saw firsthand how limited and uninspiring the non-alcoholic beverage landscape was. So, she built the resource she wished existed—a global hub connecting people with alcohol-free options, community, and education. 💡 As a thought leader in the adult non-alcoholic beverage movement, Laura isn’t here to vilify alcohol—she’s here to empower choice. Whether you're taking a night off, redefining your relationship with drinking, or just looking for something beyond soda and seltzer, her work ensures safe, equ…

At IMEX America 2024, Tracy hit the show floor and stopped random event pros—some she knew, some she didn’t—to ask: What’s your best tip for managing food and beverage at events? Their answers? Pure gold! From the importance of low-sodium options to creative uses of lighting and signage, the insights from these 15+ event professionals are packed with inspiration to take your events to the next level. In under 20 minutes, learn how understanding cultural differences, incorporating local flavors, minimizing food waste, and even printing personalized cookies can transform your F&B strategy. You'll also hear about: 🌟 Ensuring everyone—from guests to crew—is well-fed and appreciated. 🌟 The power of detailed communication with chefs and venues. 🌟 Elevating guest experiences with allergen labeling, nutritional transparency, and creative touches. This episode is a must-listen for event professionals who want to wow their attendees and make F&B an unforgettable part of their events…

🌟 Join me for the next Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE interview during Women's HERstory Month, where I sit down with the fabulous Cocktail Bandits! 🍹 ✨ In the heart of Charleston, where history meets innovation, Johnny Caldwell and Taneka...

🍹 In this episode, Tracy sits down with Marcos Salazar, CEO of the Adult Nonalcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), to explore the booming growth of the adult non-alcoholic beverage market. From the evolving definitions of what makes a beverage "adult," to navigating regulations and the powerful cultural shift towards moderation and health, Marcos unpacks how this industry is far from a passing fad. They discuss the increasing demand for sophisticated, flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives and how venues, event planners, and hospitality leaders can turn this trend into opportunities for revenue and inclusion. Marcos shares insights into market data, membership benefits of ANBA, and the community-building power of events like the Mindful Drinking Fest. Whether you’re hosting a wedding or planning a major conference, you’ll hear practical takeaways for making adult non-alcoholic beverages part of every inclusive, memorable celebration. Tune in for data, best practices, and inspirati…

Tracy is joined by Cate Faulkner and Jen Veralla of Zero Proof Collective to spotlight why elevated non-alcoholic (NA) beverages are a must-have at events. Together, they outline seven persuasive reasons—from inclusivity and guest safety to innovation and increased revenue—why NA drinks go far beyond sodas and water. The discussion covers the cultural shift in drinking habits, actionable ways to promote non alcoholic options, key challenges with venue implementation, and creative ideas for planners to integrate sophisticated NA cocktails that do not exclude anyone. This episode is essential listening for meeting planners, hospitality professionals, and venue managers seeking to foster more inclusive, mindful, and profitable event environments. Get practical insights, real-world stories, and pro tips for transforming your event beverage experience.

Jen Gilhoi and Cate Faulkner are the Co-Founders of the Zero Proof Collective in Minneapolis, MN. Sharing the lived experience of sobriety, they are purpose-driven and focused on reframing the “mocktail” experience so guests have plenty of elevated non-alcoholic (NA) options to enjoy, and bars, restaurants, hotels, and beverage companies can increase revenue with the new, fast-growing market. Through bi-monthly events, consulting, crafting, and serving elevated zero-proof cocktails, Jen and Cate are gathering business leaders to learn, collaborate and collectively communicate with clarity. Join Tracy, Jen, and Cate as they discuss how they are making #HERstory helping evolve culture so NA options are served everywhere with acceptance and inclusivity to valued customers and guests.

We learned in episode #177 how the non-alcoholic beverage market is growing rapidly, not just for #DryJanuary but overall and throughout the year. One wine store owner I talked to last month said that 38% of people of drinking age are choosing not to consume alcohol or are consuming LESS of it. That is why Lauren Chitwood and her co-founders created the non-alcoholic brand Spiritless. They were three young mothers with eight kids between them who were driven entrepreneurs and passionate social drinkers who enjoyed an evening cocktail to unwind from their day. Like most consumers buying their alcohol-free spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) non-alcoholic canned cocktails, they were "feeling the strain of weekday drinks at work dinners, added calories, and sluggish mornings after a few glasses." Listen as Lauren shares how they started the business, their experience as female founders in the spirits industry, and how low and non-alcoholic beverages are an incredible tool for drin…

I stopped drinking alcohol in 2019. It was a CHOICE I made because I no longer wanted to experience the after-effects of drinking too much, spending the money, or consuming the calories associated with it. Since then my drink of choice has been a club soda with lime or water with lemon. I've tried "mocktails" before with hit-or-miss success. And, I have been "mocked" by servers and bartenders asking me, "You know that it has no alcohol in it?" Uh, Yes, that is why I ordered it. From now on though, and because of chatting with and then reading Derek Brown’s book, "Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails", I WANT and really EXPECT to be able to buy a sophisticated adult drink that is non-alcoholic. Tracy is excited to introduce YOU to Derek, founder of Positive Damage, Inc., who wants "to normalize drinking sophisticated adult drinks without alcohol ... to me, they’re cocktails.” Listen as we chat about what a sophisticated adult beverage actual…

Did you know that wine, beer, and spirit manufacturers are not required to tell you what's in their products? It's true. Amanda Thomson, CEO, and Founder of Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Wine wants to change that - especially as it relates to wine.

The cocktail editor, coach and mixologist, Erin R. Petrey What are the cocktail (alcoholic and non!) basics that everyone should know about making excellent drinks? Grab a glass and tune in to learn from cocktail editor, coach and mixologist, Erin R. Petrey about how cocktails are made, why they are made the way they are, and the history behind what's in the glass. Learn what to serve for your New Year celebrations and events in 2022, including non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails.