Bottle Raiders Announces Zero Proof Choice Awards, the First US Nonalcoholic Drinks Competition

Click here to enter your nonalcoholic or functional beverage brand

Bottle Raiders, a premier media platform for beverage discovery and recommendations, has announced the inaugural Zero Proof Choice Awards — the first awards program in the U.S. exclusively celebrating nonalcoholic and functional beverages. Winners will be revealed on Sept. 27 at New York City’s first zero-proof festival, Drinks with Benefits, held at the Altman Building.

Created to spotlight innovation in the fast-growing zero-proof sector, the Zero Proof Choice Awards invites brands to enter their top products across a range of categories, including NA beer and malt beverages, wine alternatives, nonalcoholic spirits, ready-to-drink options, cocktail bitters and functional beverages (both hemp-based and non-hemp). A special category will also recognize standout founders and pioneering brands.

The awards will be judged by expert panels comprising bartenders, NA specialists and seasoned reviewers. Judging will be conducted blind and by category, ensuring a range of industry perspectives are considered.

Leading the event as masters of ceremonies will be two major voices in the alcohol-free movement: Sam Bail, founder of Third Place Bar, a pop-up NA bar series in NYC, and Laura Silverman, founder of Zero Proof Nation, a digital platform celebrating the people and culture behind the sober-curious lifestyle.

“There’s been an incredible surge of excitement in the non-alcoholic and functional beverage space, but very few have truly evaluated and celebrated the products driving it forward,” Bottle Raiders founder Dan Abrams said. “We’re investing heavily in this category — from original content to national events — because we believe it’s not a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in how people drink. The Zero Proof Choice Awards will recognize the brands setting the standard and shaping the future.”

Early registration for the awards runs April 28 through May 31, with general registration open June 1 through July 31. Brands can enter now at bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards to compete for national recognition, brand exposure and industry credibility.

The Drinks with Benefits festival, where the winners will be unveiled, has already confirmed over 30 partners, including Kin Euphorics, Ghia, Giesen Wines, Best Day Brewing, Curious Elixirs and more. The event promises to be a key destination for the beverage industry and sober-curious consumers alike.

About Bottle Raiders

Founded in 2024 by media entrepreneur Dan Abrams, Bottle Raiders is a trusted platform for discovering the best alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Through expert reviews, its Raided Score™ system, AI-powered app and national whiskey and agave events, the platform connects consumers with credible, curated recommendations across the beverage world.