Suckerpunch, a Zero-Proof Cocktail Bar, Opens This Weekend

Photo credit: Carly Diaz

There was a lot of media excitement about zero-proof drinks in this town for a while, but the chatter about them seems to have calmed down, likely due to pandemic woes. So when I got a press release announcing that Suckerpunch, “Portland’s first zero-proof (no alcohol) bar, is opening this weekend,” I was pretty chuffed. They open for guests on Thursday, February 24.

Like gorgeous jewels. Photo credit: Carly Diaz

A little background from the press release:

“Suckerpunch started in 2020 as a zero-proof events and cocktail kits company. This weekend, Suckerpunch will open the next iteration of their revolutionary brand: an experimental pop-up zero-proof cocktail bar serving sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails in a familiar and intimate bar setting.”

That’s right—they are in pop-up mode while they look for a permanent location (hopefully that will happen later this year). And that also means that Suckerpunch is the only place in Portland that is a full-service zero-proof cocktail bar right now. In other words, you can drink as much as you want and still feel clear-headed by the end of the night.

Photo credit: Carly Diaz

“We’re excited to finally bring a dedicated zero-proof bar to Portland,” explains Andy McMillan, owner of Suckerpunch. “We’ll be using this pop-up space to develop recipes, experiment with service, and host tastings and events. Whether you’re sober, curious, or just taking a night off, we look forward to finally welcoming you in!”

The pop-up will take the form of a set tasting of three cocktails + dessert pairing (reminds me of the early days of NYC’s Chikalicious in its creativity). Cocktails are made with seasonal ingredients, which means the menu will change throughout the year, season to season.

Here are their opening three cocktails:

Straight From The Fire. Roasted corn tea, smoked pecan wood maple syrup, barrel aged simple syrup, cooked grape must, The Bitter Housewife bull run barrel aged bitter, fresh sage.
Island Boy. Montinore Estate Verjus, Som turmeric drinking vinegar, Sanbitter, yuzu syrup, fresh lime, galangal.
Thank You For Being A Friend. Steven Smith Lord Bergamot tea, orgeat syrup, date syrup, lemon, cinnamon, aquafaba.

Along with drinks, there’s dessert. Photo credit: Carly Diaz

A curated retail experience will also be added to the space this spring.

Suckerpunch will operate at the Goat Blocks in SE Portland (entrance is in the central courtyard) from 6pm to 11pm every Thursday through Sunday. Reservations (via Resy) are required right now, with seatings at 6pm and 8pm. $40.00 per guest, and a 22% service charge, which is shared equally among the staff, is included. Additional gratuity is not required.

Congrats, Suckerpunch! I look forward to great non-alcoholic things from you.

Suckerpunch (opening Thursday, February 24, 2022)
1030 SE Belmont Street, Portland
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