Sober Revolution: Why the US Right is Embracing Mocktails | TNNEWS

Butterworth’s: A Unique Gathering Spot in Washington DC

Butterworth’s, a restaurant with a distinctive flair in Washington DC, has become an informal hub for the Maga elite. One table even bears a plaque marking it as the official “nook” of Raheem Kassam, a former adviser to British politician Nigel Farage and a co-owner of the establishment. Steve Bannon is often seen enjoying the Carolina gold rice, although the bone-marrow escargot is the standout dish, praised by young Maga enthusiasts for its supposed collagen benefits.

Challenging the Wellness Trend

When Bart Hutchins launched this farm-to-table brasserie in 2024, he aimed to defy the rising tide of wellness and sobriety culture. Hutchins, who is both the chef and a partner at Butterworth’s, has a strong aversion to non-alcoholic “mocktails.” “I made a rule: no stocking that stuff,” he explained. “If you want juice, just ask for it; I’m not going to pretend it’s a cocktail.”

Shifting Drinking Habits Among Conservatives

Despite Hutchins’ stance, a quiet revolution is taking place as more Republican staffers and politicians frequent Butterworth’s. A Gallup poll from August revealed that alcohol consumption in America is at its lowest in nearly 90 years, with Republicans leading the charge towards sobriety.

Republican Sobriety: A Surprising Trend

Gallup’s research, which has tracked American drinking habits since the 1930s, showed a dramatic drop in alcohol consumption among Republicans from 65% in 2023 to 46% in 2025. This decline is significant, though the reasons remain unclear, according to Lydia Saad, Gallup’s director of US social research.

Exploring the Reasons Behind the Shift

Laurence Whyatt, a Barclays analyst, speculates that the broader decline in drinking might be linked to economic factors like inflation. However, the specific drop among Republicans remains puzzling. Some suggest it could be influenced by prominent figures like Donald Trump, known for his preference for Diet Coke, or a resurgence of Christian values.

Notable Figures and Their Influence

Several high-profile conservatives, including Trump, Robert F Kennedy Jr., and Tucker Carlson, have embraced sobriety for various reasons. This trend is also evident among younger conservatives, who are increasingly health-conscious.

The Changing Social Landscape

Hutchins has noticed a shift in his clientele’s preferences, leading him to introduce a few non-alcoholic options at Butterworth’s. Despite this, the restaurant maintains a lively atmosphere, with many patrons still enjoying traditional drinks.

Health and Economic Factors

Recent studies have questioned the health benefits of even moderate drinking, and the US surgeon general has suggested warning labels on alcohol. This, combined with economic pressures, may be contributing to the decline in alcohol consumption.

Generational Differences in Drinking

Malcolm Purinton, a beer historian, notes that younger generations, shaped by the pandemic, may view alcohol differently than their predecessors. This generational shift could be influencing the broader trend towards sobriety.

Unraveling the Republican Sobriety Puzzle

While the reasons for the Republican shift remain elusive, some suggest it may be linked to changes in party demographics, with more religious groups joining the ranks. However, the trend is consistent across various Republican subgroups.

The Future of Sobriety in America

Experts are uncertain whether this trend will persist. As Butterworth’s continues to cater to diverse preferences, the broader implications of this shift in drinking habits remain to be seen.

“We have a lot of British clientele,” Hutchins noted. “They often comment on the lack of lunchtime martinis here. It’s a cultural shift that’s hard to ignore.”