The Venn diagram of sober-curious folks and wellness fanatics is nearly a perfect circle. We’ve traded the three-hour martini lunch for stabbing a $20 salad with a biodegradable fork and washing it down with a $10 “functional” soda that promises to lower your blood sugar, reduce inflammation and take the edge off, no alcohol needed.

“Meritocracy is a myth—especially if you’re an indie entrepreneur.” In this candid essay, Tawny Lara reflects on the challenges of building (parentheses), a non-alcoholic spirit brand, without venture capital. She shares how her recovery journey parallels entrepreneurship, emphasizing resilience, community, and staying true to her mission despite financial constraints.

Sober couple Tawny Lara and Nick Mechak created (parentheses), a duo of intense N/A spirits. The aperitif (Before) leans bitter, while the digestif (After) tastes smokier.

Parentheses After is a non-alcoholic botanical aperitif priced at around $27. Made with kelp vinegar, turbinado cane sugar, and botanical extracts, it features angelica, cherry bark, marshmallow root, black cardamom, peppermint, lemon balm, calendula, chamomile, and lavender, herbs traditionally associated with calming and digestive benefits. It’s meant to be consumed after eating — a non-alc digestif, if you will — and has a “Before” counterpart. 

Parentheses Before is a non-alcoholic, vinegar-based botanical aperitif crafted by the (parentheses) brand, founded by Tawny Lara, a writer in recovery and advocate for the sober curious movement, and her husband, Nick, a fermentation expert with sommelier skills. The brand has a “Before” and “After” expression — one meant to be consumed before a meal and the other following. Before features gentian, ashwagandha, prickly ash, cardamom, citrus and rose. A bottle is priced at around $27. 

In this episode of Elevator Talk, founders from Pecana, KEY, Vigie Limoncello, (parentheses), and Water Plus Supplements pitch their innovative beverage brands, sharing their unique stories and product offerings. 

Discover a curated selection of top-tier spirits and wines perfect for holiday gifting. This guide highlights exceptional bottles that cater to various tastes, ensuring your gifts are both thoughtful and delightful.