Tired of navigating holiday parties with nothing but soda and sparkling water? Done being the only one without something festive in your glass? Ready to host with confidence instead of apology? There's a better option. ENAB Lab is where Austin's alcohol-free curious gather monthly to discover sophisticated, slow-sipping alternatives that actually taste incredible. No judgment, no boring drinks, no FOMO.
Get your ticket today! Click here.
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This December, we're celebrating the season with maple syrup, but not the way you think. Forget pancakes. We're exploring maple as a sophisticated sweetener that brings depth, warmth, and complexity to elevated non-alcoholic beverages. Learn the science of sweetener substitution while we channel our inner Buddy the Elf.
(Dressing as your favorite elf is encouraged - let's make this festive!)
What Happens at ENAB Lab
2:00 PM - Arrive & Choose Your Welcome Drink
Step up to our portable bar and select between two maple-forward ENABs designed for the season. Both are designed for slow-sipping sophistication, no sugar crashes, just layered flavors. Take photos, settle in with curated music playing, and meet people who actually get it.
2:15 PM - Find Your Flavor Tribe
Meet fellow Austin ENAB enthusiasts, take photos with your elf costume (or without!), groove to curated holiday tunes, and learn which of the 8 Flavor Tribes matches your taste personality. This month, we're spotlighting Warming Spice and Earthly Comfort, the tribes that make winter feel cozy.
2:30 PM - Make Something Extraordinary
Roll up your sleeves as we make a maple-centered ENAB together using the 4-Pillar System, the systematic framework that makes elevated non-alcoholic beverages actually work. Walk away knowing how to recreate bar-quality drinks at home AND navigate holiday hosting like a pro.
Earthly Comfort, the tribes that make winter feel cozy.
3:30 PM - Sip, Connect & Celebrate
Enjoy what you made, swap Instagram handles, take elf costume photos, and ask all your questions about holiday entertaining. Leave with your recipe card so you can wow your friends at your next gathering.
What People Actually Say
"Scot, you have a gift AND a gifted palate."
— Chef Dante Hill, Executive Chef, Texas Senate
"Scot is able to bring so many levels to the experience. I'm smelling something, I'm tasting something initially, and then I'm tasting something else after I've taken that sip. There's a part of me that feels super hip that I'm drinking a non-alcoholic beverage."
— Emilie Kopp, Austin LGBT Chamber 2025 Board Chair
You'll Walk Out Knowing
Hands-on experience creating a sophisticated maple-centered ENAB
✓ Knowledge of your personal Flavor Tribe
✓ The confidence to order elevated non-alcoholic drinks anywhere
✓ Sweetener substitution principles for any drink you make at home
✓ Recipes and techniques to wow your friends at holiday parties
✓ Connection to Austin's inclusive, alcohol-free curious community
✓ Holiday hosting strategies that accommodate everyone
✓ A head start on Dry January (if that's your plan)
Who This Workshop Is For
Whether you're alcohol-free, exploring alternatives for one night or every other drink, supporting someone in your life, or just curious what "elevated non-alcoholic" even means - everyone's welcome.
"People need alternatives, no matter the journey they are on. This is a perfect way to elevate their experience both at home and around town."
— Tina Cannon, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, and Executive Director, Visit Austin Foundation
About Your Host
Scot Maitland is The Elevated Bear, Austin's systematic ENAB educator and the creator of the 4-Pillar Framework. With a background teaching corporate workshops (including Samsung Austin) and partnerships across Austin's hospitality scene, Scot is building the methodology that proves non-alcoholic beverages deserve the same respect as craft cocktails.
FAQs
- Nervous about coming solo? Most people do. Then they leave with new friends who text them recipes. That's how this works.
- Do I have to dress up? Nope! Costumes are encouraged for fun and photos, but you'll fit in perfectly either way. Come as you are.
- Need experience? Nope. First-timers are the majority. You'll be fine.
- What's included? Everything. All ingredients, glassware, and bar tools. Plus the recipe card to take home. Just bring yourself.
- Is this LGBTQ+ friendly? Absolutely. Everyone's welcome as long as they're respectful.
- Can I take photos? Yes! We encourage sharing your ENAB Lab experience. Tag @theelevatedbear so we can see your elf costumes and creations!
- I'm planning to do Dry January. Is this helpful prep? Absolutely! This workshop will give you the skills and confidence to navigate January (and beyond) with sophisticated options.
- If you like boring drinks, this workshop isn't for you.
Make your holidays elevated. Grab your ticket before they're gone!
