What if non-alcoholic drinks were just as complex, cultural, and satisfying as craft cocktails?

On this episode of The Perfect Bite podcast, host Sarah Perkins sits down with Benno Nelson, co-founder of Five Corners Beverage Company, a Chicago-based brand crafting deeply flavored, globally inspired non-alcoholic canned drinks for adults.

Benno shares how his journey into sobriety — paired with a lifelong love of food, beverage, and global storytelling — sparked the idea for Five Corners. Rather than creating sugary substitutes or imitation cocktails, Five Corners honors traditional non-alcoholic drinks from around the world, focusing on the five foundational tastes: salty, sour, bitter, savory, and sweet.

This episode explores the evolution of the non-alcoholic beverage movement, why Chicago is the perfect testing ground for innovative drinks, and how intentional flavor design can create true alternatives—not compromises.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why non-alcoholic drinks deserve depth, culture, and story
• Benno’s sobriety journey and how it shaped Five Corners
• The inspiration behind flavors like Salted Lemonade and Sangrita
• How global beverage traditions influenced Five Corners’ recipes
• Building a beverage startup intentionally and locally in Chicago
• Why non-alcoholic menus are additive — not cannibalistic — for restaurants
• Lessons in entrepreneurship, patience, and community-driven growth

To learn more about Five Corners or order your own packs around the country, head to www.fivecornersbev.com. Get 10% off your online order with code ‘BITE’!

You can purchase and experience Five Corners Beverage at retailers, restaurants and venues throughout the Chicago area. 

You can follow Five Corners on Instagram @fivecornersbev.

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