# Award-Winning Spirit Alternatives For Bitter For Worse's Smoky no.56 is Smoky, Sweet & Citrusy By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-06-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-alternative References: [specialtyfood](https://www.specialtyfood.com/news/article/non-alcoholic-cocktails-brand-for-bitter-for-worse-wins-top-honors-at-the-2023-bartenders-spirits-awards-fancy-food-show-booth-iv-28-127677/) & [forbitterforworse](https://forbitterforworse.com/collections/all-products)  For [Bitter For Worse's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bark-bitter) Smoky no.56 is a potent spirit alternative that's said to "remind you of the friend who tells you like it is—and then gives you the biggest, most accepting hug." With [notes of smoke, citrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bittermilk-no8) and a hint of maple, this sipper is well-suited to being served with still or sparkling water or used to make a Bloody Mary or Mai Tai. The brand sets itself apart with a proprietary "reverse bootlegging" process that incorporates raw certified organic botanicals rather than off-the-shelf extracts or lab-derived natural flavors. At the Bartenders Spirits Awards—which is exclusively judged by bartenders—For Bitter For Worse's Smoky no.56 won a silver medal in the [non-alcoholic spirits category](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mock-one-nonalcoholic-spirits). In all, the Portland-based startup took home five metals at the event, including Producer of the Year. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Spirit Alternatives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop flavor profiles and production processes for non-alcoholic alternatives that closely mimic the taste and experience of traditional spirits. - **Reverse Bootlegging:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of raw certified organic botanicals in the creation of spirits and other beverage products, rather than relying on off-the-shelf extracts or lab-derived natural flavors. - **Bartenders Spirits Awards:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish unique competitions and awards specifically for the evaluation and recognition of non-alcoholic spirits and related products, to help drive innovation in the industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Beverage:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new non-alcoholic beverage options with complex flavor profiles and premium branding to cater to the evolving consumer preferences for healthier alternatives. - **Hospitality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative non-alcoholic cocktail menus and experiences to meet the increasing demand from consumers who want to enjoy social gatherings without consuming alcohol. - **Startups:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Support the growth of innovative startups focused on creating high-quality non-alcoholic spirits and beverages by providing funding, mentorship, and resources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fizzy Hemp-Infused Mocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-than-booze.md) - [Alcohol-Free Botanical Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bittersweet-aperitivo.md) - [Premium Zero-Proof Alcohol Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-alcoholfree-cocktails.md) - [Award-Winning Classic Mocktail Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-mocktail.md) - [Flavorful Zero-Alcohol Bitters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-alcohol-bitters.md) - [Smoky Non-Alcoholic Elixirs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocklys-madame-lorange.md) - [Functional Alcohol-Free Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonbuz.md) - [Zero-Alcohol Botanical Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bittersweet-aperitivo1.md) - [Award-Winning Non-Alcoholic Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kava-haven.md)