Developing a zero-proof beverage course: Insights from industry professionals, educators, and students

Abstract

This study examined beverage-focused hospitality courses in U.S. undergraduate programs, revealing that most courses address alcoholic beverages, with only two offering nonalcoholic (zero-proof) content. Given the growing demand for nonalcoholic beverages, the study aimed to identify key beverages and topics missing from current curricula and create an optimal zero-proof beverages course. Input from food and beverage professionals and hospitality educators highlighted coffee, tea, water, functional beverages, fermented beverages, and zero-proof cocktails as critical. The course was developed using the Integrated Course Design Framework and reviewed by hospitality educators and students for improvement. A syllabus template is included.