If you’re relatively new to Megan in the Midwest, you might not know about my food-focused endeavor, A Bite of Indy. A Bite of Indy was born in 2019 out of necessity; I was looking for resources solely focused on where to eat/drink/indulge in delectable goodness in The Circle City, and couldn’t find what I was looking for…so, I decided to make it myself. I launched an Instagram page, for fun, to share all of my food adventures with anyone else who was looking for where to eat next.

Through A Bite of Indy, I found myself fortunate enough to connect with @drinklorensaf. This week, I met up with co-founder, Kristen (who, by the way, is an ABSOLUTE GEM of a human). We bonded over our health journey and passion for education, and I learned that Kristen and her sister, Andee, decided to quit drinking alcohol in 2021. However, they found that the Indianapolis market was missing alcohol-free drink options. So, like me, they decided to do it themselves!

Loren’s AF Beverages, an alcohol-free bottle shop, is opening in Carmel this weekend, August 20th. Their goal is to flip the script on the concept that alcohol is central to social gatherings, and allow folks who don’t drink, or don’t want to drink, an alternative to the social drinking that has so largely dominated friendly get togethers for (basically) forever. Any good hostess TRULY with the most-ess will be willing and able to cater to diverse palates. Besides having a variety of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres, a good gathering should also have a variety of beverages.

Which is where Kristen & Andee’s shop comes in. I stopped in Loren’s AF Beverage brick and mortar shop in Carmel (which is located right next door to Cafe Patachou’s Hazel Dell/Main Street location) and was shocked at how diverse and bountiful their selection is. They’ve curated an abundance of alcohol free wines, liquor alternatives, and non-alcoholic malt beverages. Chardonnay, Brut, Sparkling Rose, ready-to-pour mocktails. There is something for EVERYONE in this store.

Being able to socialize and meet new friends without the added pressure of drinking alcohol is incredibly important to me. I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, and find that alcohol is often a trigger for a flare up for me, which leaves my joints swollen and tender and is truly awful. And while I do enjoy a fun cocktail or glass of celebratory champagne, there’s no reason that my friends and I can’t get together to socialize and play games without alcohol.

As you’re planning your next gathering with friends and family, I would highly encourage you to stop in Loren’s to grab a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne or a 6 pack of non-alcoholic malt free beverages for your guests (and yourself!) to enjoy 10/10 recommend!