BUFFALO, N.Y. — There’s just something about a nice drink at the end of a long day.

"Having that ritual that way of decompressing after a long day is a habit that all of us tend to get into," said Meg Hartman. "I really like gin. I'm also an Aperol, Campari, amaro fan."

But, as she got older and drinking took a bigger toll, things shifted.

"This is a traditional Aperol Spritz. This time it's with all non-alcoholic options," she said, holding up a cocktail.

It’s not the only N/A option in her home. Her husband Bob quit drinking four and a half years ago.

"I was taking alcohol and using it as a self medication for mental illness," he said. "It just wasn't doing good things for me."

It was limiting though.

"We'd get the babysitter and we'd go out to eat and then there'll be nothing to do afterwards," Bob explained.

That's when the two took their mixology from the home to the people.

"We are in our dining room, aka the AltBar shop," said Meg, showing off a room filled with boxes and bottles.

The two started a pop-up bottle shop and bar called AltBar.

"The best part is when they drink and then they've got the, 'oh wow,' like the surprised look on their face, like this is great," said Meg.

It's something a bit more inclusive than ordering a soda or water.

"It's about feeling like you're an adult and having an adult experience and an elevated drink and an elevated cocktail," said Bob.

It’s not just for people who are sober.

"The research says that 83% of people who purchase non-alcoholic beverages also drink alcohol," said Meg.

These spirits are different. They’re sometimes more watery and not really something you’d take a shot of. You also won’t get a buzz. But they do have a place.

"We [...] get a lot of people who also drink alcohol and want something healthier," said Meg. "We also get pregnant people often who are looking who miss having a good adult beverage."

Since it’s a craft item, prices can be similar to, if not more, than their alcoholic counterparts. The people are still lining up though.

"The quality and the variety has just exploded in the last few years," said Bob.

It’s been a game-changer for Bob.

"I don't know if I would have been able to stay sober for this long without non alcoholic options," he said.

It's also been a game-changer for this family.

"So this is the official architectural plan for our space," said Meg, unfolding blueprints for the new AltBar.

Soon, they’ll open the doors on a permanent brick and mortar bottle shop and bar.

"Just like you would walk into a liquor store, they'll walk into here and they'll be like, 'oh my gosh, I have so many choices'," said Meg.

As the industry grows, whether at their store or in homes, they’ll hopefully have plenty of customers raising a non-alcoholic glass.

The Hartmans plan on offering catering and private parties for anyone looking for an alcohol-free event.

While it’s not their focus, there are N/A options that have alleged mood-altering attributes, whether that’s CBD- or THC-infused beer or cocktails, kava, or drinks with adaptogens and nootropics.

Research is mixed on what effect these actually have though.