DeMarco’s Italian in Greenville Delivers Stylish Sips Without the Alcohol
A rising number of today’s restaurant and bar patrons are choosing to drink less or not at all. Millennials and Gen Z are driving the shift, with multiple surveys reporting that over half of both generations say they are cutting back on alcohol. Many are mixing it up with a trend called “zebra striping,” spending the night alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. So, what do smart restaurateurs do to answer this growing demand for non-alcoholic and low-ABV options?
The team at DeMarco’s Italian in downtown Greenville has responded with a selection of plant-powered spirits (brands like Three Spirits, Little Saints and Ghia) used to create botanically infused mocktails. These are perfect for guests who prefer a more moderate drink but still appreciate the ritual and presentation of a great drink.
Alongside Italian wines and signature handcrafted cocktails on the beverage menu, the restaurant offers a “cocktail alternatives” list that’s full of flavor and creativity:
Pick Me Up Before You Go Go - bright, energizing mix of Three Spirits Livener, orgeat and lemon cordial
Lion's Mane 75 - bold, botanical twist on a French 75 made with Little Saints Ember, lemon and hibiscus syrup
Nostro Spritz - bubbly, citrusy blend of IL Nostro Aperitivo, orange cordial and non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Night Cap Sour - Three Spirits Night Cap, lemon, vanilla, ginger, egg white and cardamom
Amalfi Paloma - Mediterranean-inspired refresher with Three Spirits Social, Ghia Aperitif, grapefruit, lime and blood orange soda
St. Agrestis "Phony Negroni" - nuanced, spirit-free Negroni with Tuscan juniper, southern Italian citrus and floral herbal notes
DeMarco’s has quickly become a hit with Greenville diners since opening its doors in February 2025, and the family-owned restaurant known for its modern Italian-American fare is making it easier (and more fun) for its mix of families and downtown professionals to embrace moderation.
This thoughtful bar program is led by Level 2 sommelier Michael Pickering. He and DeMarco’s operating partner Mike Wible are focused on creating a celebratory feel in the restaurant—with or without the buzz. Pickering says, “We want to make sure everyone at the table has something special to sip on.”
Photo credit: Grub Freaks
Editor’s note: This article was posted on August 19, 2025. Please be aware that pricing, hours of operation, availability of specials and menu items may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, please refer directly to the restaurants mentioned above.