A nonalcoholic bar is opening in Doylestown, offering handcrafted zero-proof cocktails and a fresh alternative for those seeking a booze-free night out.
Free Spirit Social House, owned by Christa Vigilante, will debut at 29 S. Main St. While Vigilante also owns the flagship location in Buckingham, the new venue will be larger and place a greater emphasis on community.
“I think in this space, we really get the opportunity to be a lot more creative. We have a lot more room to host people. We have a lot more room for events, and we can really play around with drinks and give people not only what they want, but new things we could never have done in the other space,” Vigilante told Whatnow Philadelphia.
The interior will feature a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
“We didn’t want things to feel like a traditional bar, so a lot of our colors are really bright. We have creams, turquoise, greens and oranges. It feels very alive and boisterous. We want people to feel happy and joyful,” she said.
The beverage menu will be extensive, featuring more than 100 drinks ranging from espresso and tea to nonalcoholic and kava-based beverages. Known for its calming properties, kava may promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, produce mild euphoria and ease muscle tension without causing the same type of intoxication associated with alcohol.
“We always start with, ‘What do you typically like flavor-wise? Do you like something that’s sweet? Do you want something that’s more savory? Do you want something that’s citrus-forward? Or do you want something that has more berries?’ There’s really a wide range of drinks,” Vigilante said.
To pair with the drinks, the social house will serve a menu blending American nostalgia classics, including grilled cheese and mac and cheese, with influences from Asian street food.
The space will also feature a smaller retail section, similar to the one at the Buckingham location.
“If you like a cocktail or beverage that we make, the ingredients we use to make it will be available for sale if you want to try to replicate things at home,” she said.
Whether sober curious or simply looking to try something new, Vigilante looks forward to offering the community an alternative.
“Maybe it’s a lifestyle choice, or maybe you’re just not drinking for the day, or there’s a ton of bars in Doylestown—maybe we’re just a pit stop on a night out on the town in between, but you’re taking a pause. It’s all about people just knowing what’s out there,” she said.
The team awaits final approvals and plans to open in August. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
