Sober, Not Stirred.

Can I have anything other than Heineken 0?

If you've noticed what I've noticed recently: our world is starting to turn sober... Curious.

Okay, yeah - so maybe not completely sober, but the trend of "sober curious" is heavy on the rise. It seemed like overnight, we woke up to see non-alcoholic (NA) options offered EVERYWHERE - Kroger, Whole Foods, Hudson House, HG, even that dive bar down the street.

While only a few years ago the sole NA option anyone knew of was Heineken 0, today we have endless options to choose from whether we’re grocery shopping or out at the bars.

When I was in college, Lambda Chi Alpha was infamous for their champagne showers (i.e. popping and shaking up champagne bottles) all over the football tailgaters as early as 9 o'clock in the morning. Did you read that right? SHOWERING in CHAMPAGNE was NORMAL (well, at least at Los Angeles tailgates... Yikes).

In college, the culture was and seemed to always come back to: alcohol. Sushi would simply not be had without sake. Wine Wednesdays were in full swing, and to imagine a tailgate mixer without Coors Light? Just forget about it.

But something different, refreshing even, seems to be taking over bars across the DFW area. People in their 20's and 30's are actually choosing NA options for a night out or day by the pool... What in the world is going on, Dallas?!

Instead of the familiar buzz of the person next to us saying, "Can I get a Jack and Coke?" our ears perk up with the unfamiliar, "What non alcoholic beers do you have?"

-- everyone turns to stare --

And much to our surprise, the NA beverage menu is presented with ease from our fav bartender. While many have not given up alcohol completely, the sober-curious social phenomenon is gaining traction. So, as a sober-curious girlie myself, I thought I'd offer some of my tips and tricks, my favorite sober swap outs, and words of encouragement.

Tips and Tricks for the Sober-Curious

• Talk about it. You'd be surprised to know how many people are interested in exploring sobriety. If you’re wanting to explore deeper into the sober-curious world, talk about it with friends. Google search it. Reddit it. There are TONS of people who are exploring the sober-curious world who may be able to offer that conversation or little nudge you’re needing for encouragement.

• BYOM. Oh, you've never heard of Bring Your Own Mocktail? Oh, must just be a me thing. No, seriously though, having something in your hand that you enjoy drinking when surrounded by alcohol can be a lifeline when you're trying this new sober-curious thing. Habits are hard to break! Setting yourself up for success begins in the little things.

• Read about it. Did you know that "sober-literature" is a thing? Like, an entire subsection of Reddit thing. These authors put into words some of those big questions like, "Why do I want to explore this?" "Why is this so hard?" or maybe, "Why is this so easy for me, but so hard for everyone else?" My top two favorite books if you're interested/exploring the sober-curious are the following:

  • A Thinking Person's Guide to Sobriety by Bert Pluymen

  • Refreshingly Sober: How to Control Alcohol Consumption - A Sober Curious Book for Those who want to Take Control of Their Drinking by John Campbell

My Favorite (Tried, Tested, and Verified) Sober Swap-Outs

• Free AF Paloma Mocktail. Coming out on top, time after time after time is Free AF's "Paloma." All of Free AF's drinks contain a botanical extract called Afterglow* that mimics the warm feeling that those (first) few sips of alcohol give us, without the consequences. Their paloma rocks a carbonated, sweet, yet balanced and bitter taste. With a wedge of lime in a fun cocktail glass, this is hands down my favorite NA option to date.

• Athletic Brewing Hazy IPA. If you're even somewhat familiar with the sober-curious movement, chances are you've heard of Athletic Brewing Company. Created by Bill Shufelt, this beer company is quickly rising to the top above the OG Heineken 0's debut in 2017. The beer is unbelievably and remarkably similar to the taste of your favorite IPA. Don't like IPA? Don't worry. They boast in their options ranging from a Golden Ale, IPA, Hazy IPA, and even a Lite for your summertime pool party next weekend. Check out this article by the Wall Street Journal that reports on their success titled "The Hottest Beer in America." It's literally taking over the beer market (much to our brewery aficionado's dismay...)

• Recess "Margarita." Recess may be known for their adaptogenic & CBD infused sparkling waters, but did you know they were one of the first on the market for canned NA mocktails? Their rendition on a margarita is my favorite. The lime is so refreshing and each can is only 5g of sugar and infused with adaptogenic herbs* that create a nice, calming effect (without the bad side effects like a hangover).

• Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé. I'll shoot you straight, wine is hard to mimic. In my experience, beer is the easiest to mimic, then to cocktails. But wine is just simply going to taste different every time. (Or maybe that’s the Napa snob in me talking.) Regardless, if you're still craving that glass on the front porch after a long week but looking for an NA alternative, Surely has a lot of options. (Word for the wise: their sparkling options definitely give a better taste profile than non sparkling). Think rosé kombucha...

*Note that these extracts have not been tested for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please ask your doctor before consuming drinks that contain Afterglow & adaptogenic herbs.

Words of Encouragement for the Sober-Curious

• You're pioneering. If you feel downcast and a little alone, it's because you're very much at the beginning of a movement that will only continue to gain traction. You may feel you're the only one having these thoughts and emotions as you explore your options, but take heart knowing that in time (and as you talk about it and read more about it), you will find a sober-curious community.

• You're on a journey. There will likely be a temptation to polarize as you learn the in's and out's of what this journey looks like for you. But remember: no one ever failed on a journey.
  

• Have fun with it. Try that new NA beer. Have a mocktail making party with your friends. Find ways to find adventure in this new journey as you un-learn and re-learn habits.

That's all for now, my sober-curious folks. Now go enjoy a NA glass for me.

Your therapist,

Jess