Alcohol-Free is Here to Stay!
Doing a Dry January or joining the Sober-Curious movement? No matter the motivation, there is no reason why you can’t host or attend a social gathering and still serve up some delicious beverage options!
For many, the start of a new year screams New Year’s resolutions—out with the hangovers and in with health goals after a month-long indulgence fest. Furthermore, this year the sober curious lifestyle is making waves worldwide, and spoiler alert: it’s more than just a passing trend, it’s here to stay.
So, what’s “sober curious” anyway?
It’s all about getting mindful (or curious) about your drinking habits—not necessarily swearing off alcohol completely. Sober curious can mean cutting back on the number of drinks you have each week, taking occasional booze breaks (hello, sober weekends!), prioritizing quality over quantity OR simply mixing in non-alcoholic options in between the cocktails while you party the night away.
Whether your guests are hopping on the sober curious bandwagon or just trying out Dry January, being a great host in 2025 means having great non-alcoholic options on your drinks menu—because, let’s agree, nobody wants to sip on Diet Coke all night.
What about the corporate scene?
If you’re on the office party committee (we salute you, party planners), including alcohol-free choices for the Friday bar or company summer party is becoming a must. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels included and with less Monday morning regrets of "did I really karaoke Bohemian Rhapsody solo?!".
Hosting Like a Pro: Tips for Alcohol-Free Awesomeness
Don’t worry! The beverage industry is already way ahead of you and ON IT with next-level non-alcoholic drinks.
Easy Crowd-Pleasers (Buy & Serve)
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails
St. Agrestis: Retro vibes and cute glass bottles serving Phony Negroni, Espresso Negroni, and more. Buy it here
Ghia "Spritz": Try flavors like Lime & Salt or Sumak & Chili for a little zing. Grab them here
Little Saints: Adds potent ingredients like mushrooms for a funky twist. Sip on Negroni Spritz, Spicy Margarita, Espresso Martini, Paloma, and more. Shop here
Aplós: With adaptogens, lion’s mane, and hemp - it’s a vibe. Try the Chili Margarita or Ume Spritz. Check them out
Sparkling "Wine"
In my opinion, non-alcoholic red- and white wine still have some way to go before being a viable alternative. Sparkling wine, on the other hand, is a whole other story and a delicious alternative to champagne or cava:
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Co.: The Blue bottle is chef’s kiss. Get yours here
Töst: A rosé colored Cranberry/Ginger or a buttery yellow Ginger/Elderberry. Shop here
Beer
The big brands have nailed their 0% game: Heineken, Peroni, Guinness (yes, Guinness!). But for bonus points, go craft:
Brewdog, Best Day Brewing, Athletic Brewing Co., Mikkeller—you name it. (Double-check for sneaky 0.5% ABVs)
Spirits
ISH: Gin, Aperol, Caribbean Spice or Mexican Agave – no matter your craving, they’ve got you! (Shop here)
Mix & Shake
If you’re ready to channel your inner bartender (or hire one), mocktails are your best friend. Pinterest is your best friend here—just search “alcohol-free [insert your favorite cocktail name]” and watch the magic. Here’s some inspiration:
Orange-Thyme Delight: Fresh orange juice + muddled thyme + lemon juice + sparkling water = Fresh & herby
Cherry Mojito: Chopped cherries + mint + lime juice + agave syrup + sparkling water = Cherry on top (literally).
Spicy Margarita: Jalapeño + cilantro + agave + celery juice + lime = zingy perfection.
Rosemary-Pomegranate Soda: Pomegranate juice + rosemary syrup + soda water = Simple and delicious.
The Elevator Pitch!
Still convincing your friends or boss to jump on the non-alcohol train? Here are a few of the (many) benefits to cutting down on the alcohol:
Better sleep
Sharper mind
Fewer calories
No booze-blues anxiety
Health boost (your liver, heart, etc. will thank you)
Whether you’re going all-in on sober living or just testing the waters, this article proves it: alcohol-free can be just as fun, tasty, and celebratory. Cheers to that!
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