FISHERS, Ind. — While many bars in central Indiana are preparing drinks to ring in the new year, a bar in Fishers will be doing so without alcohol.
Memento Zero Proof Lounge was born out of an idea to create a new hangout spot, so it became Indiana's first nonalcoholic bar.
"One of our big things was to give that 18-20 crowd a place to go. But through going sober, we found out there's this whole wide world of nonalcoholic alternatives, and it blossomed into what we have now," said Max Gavin, co-founder of the lounge.
The menu is full of classic cocktails, but the alcohol is switched out with different ingredients. While creating the drinks, the owners have gotten a good response.
"It seems like everyone is pretty shocked with how genuinely like an alcoholic cocktail it really tastes," Gavin said.
The lounge will be welcoming 2024 with their "Death to 2023 Bash," but it's not just about hosting a big party but giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate.
"We are not anti-alcohol — we are just trying to show that it's not the only way to have fun, and you can do these traditions we all have," Shwa Hall said.
There may be some new faces that'll come in to start their new year's resolutions, so the lounge will be expanding their menu and education.
"Come in on Jan. 1, have your night on New Year's Eve, but come in and try it," Gavin said. "If you come in and don't like it, you don't have to quit drinking for the month."
While the owners have poured their hearts into the menu, creating a space for everyone is the key ingredient.
"We want true connections, true conversations and true socializing that is not influenced by outside substances at all," Hall said.
To learn more about Memento Proof Lounge or what they have to offer, you can visit their social media pages.