NEW ORLEANS, LA, November 28, 2024 — New Orleans nightlife has officially entered a new era. On Friday, November 14, Mélange by Cali Sober at Bamboula’s opened its doors above the iconic Bamboula’s on Frenchmen Street, the world-famous, locals-favorite music corridor often called “the locals’ Bourbon Street.” With its debut, Mélange becomes the city’s first zero-proof, functional, and THC beverage bar and is redefining what a night out in the Faubourg Marigny Music District can look like.
Founded by local entrepreneur and nationally recognized sober-curiosity advocate Monica Olano, Mélange was created to meet a growing demand for thoughtful, flavorful, and wellness-forward alternatives to traditional cocktails. Olano, best known as Cali Sober Mom and the founder of Cali Sober Market, has been a driving force in bringing functional beverages and zero-proof education into the mainstream. Following the rapid success of Cali Sober Market earlier this year, Olano saw a clear opportunity to expand the movement into New Orleans nightlife. Last week’s opening of Mélange marks a milestone in that vision.
Mélange by Cali Sober at Bamboula’s features one-of-a-kind zero-proof cocktails crafted with the techniques of classic mixology and made with adaptogens, functional botanicals, and meticulously layered ingredients. Guests can also explore THC-infused beverage options that offer a different type of elevated social experience for those who choose it. Each drink is designed to deliver the look, taste, and ritual of a classic cocktail while highlighting the enjoyment and intention behind mindful drinking.
Perched above Bamboula’s, which is widely regarded as the hottest club on Frenchmen Street for live, local New Orleans music, Mélange offers its own balcony overlooking the legendary entertainment corridor. The bar blends the energy of New Orleans nightlife with a welcoming, alcohol-free setting. Since opening on Friday, it has already started attracting a mix of sober and sober-curious guests, wellness-minded locals, cannabis consumers, and visitors seeking a vibrant night out without next-day regrets.
“Mélange is about giving people options that feel good, taste incredible, and match the full experience of a night out in New Orleans,” said founder Monica Olano. “People are ready for zero-proof to be its own category. They want intentional drinks and a place where choosing not to drink alcohol feels completely natural. The response from opening weekend showed us just how much this was needed.”
With the rise of non-alcoholic and THC beverages across the U.S., Mélange is positioning New Orleans as a leader in the next chapter of hospitality, wellness, and social drinking. To learn more visit https://www.melangeonfrenchmen.com/.
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About Mélange by Cali Sober at Bamboula’s
Mélange by Cali Sober at Bamboula’s is New Orleans’ first non-alcoholic, functional, and THC beverage bar, offering a one-of-a-kind zero-proof cocktail experience inspired by modern wellness and classic mixology. Located above Bamboula’s, the most popular live-music venue on Frenchmen Street, Mélange blends adaptogenic ingredients, functional botanicals, and craft beverage innovation to create elevated cocktails without alcohol. Founded by Monica Olano, a national advocate for sober-curious living and founder of Cali Sober Market, Mélange provides an inclusive space for mindful drinkers, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a vibrant night out without the hangover. Learn more at melangeonfrenchmen.com.
