Our Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverages for the Sober Curious
Everyone has their own relationship with alcohol. I identify as a sober-curious person. As much as I enjoy sharing a bottle of wine with dear friends, I also deeply honor and respect my health and often times choose not to imbibe. In those times, I’ve tasted, tried and dabbled with non-alcoholic beverages that might replace the reward I’m looking for when I turn to alcohol. During the week, I tend to reach for a cup of tea or a kombucha. But for those more celebratory moments, a Friday night with friends, or after a long-ass hike, I want a little something more. Over the years, the booming non-alcoholic beverage industry has a lot to offer. I’m proud to say that I have many of these products in my liquor cabinet and in my fridge, as do my close friends. As always, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Gin.
Seedlip: They paved the way in 2016 when they released three flavors of non-alcoholic gin. Distributed by Diageo, you’ll recognize this brand in many bars, which is a great option if you’re out and about.
Garden: a fresh, herbal blend of peas & traditional garden herbs including rosemary, thyme & spearmint.
Grove: a sophisticated, bright, citrus blend of Mediterranean orange, lemon peel, lemongrass and ginger with a dry finish.
Spice: a warm, aromatic blend of allspice & cardamom with fresh citrus top notes to balance the long bitter finish.
Their website has a ton of recipes. My favorite cocktail to make at home is either a gimlet or a simple gin and tonic. Other great non-alcoholic gins for you to try out include Drink Monday (locally owned + just released a zero-proof whiskey!) and Amass. Full disclosure: I’ve never tried Amass, but damn their branding is good. As are the reviews.
An Aperitif.
I found Ghia at Home Ec., a great little home goods spot in Little Italy, but you can find it at most boutique liquor stores. This non-alcoholic aperitif can best be compared to a fruity Campari: bright, citrusy, herbal. Make a spritz or try this warm, hot-toddy meets mulled wine riff.
2 oz Ghia
8 oz water
1 tsp honey
1 tsp coriander and/or fennel seeds, whole fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
Combine water and fresh ginger slices with coriander and/or fennel seeds in a saucepan over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer and let steep for one hour, then strain. Add a lug of Ghia and honey to taste. Drink from a mug while it's warm.
Great tasting beer.
I was first introduced to Athletic Brewing when we did a beer dinner for dry-January in 2021. Remember those? When I first tried their beer, I let out an audible gasp. It was so good.
Their best seller is the Run Wild IPA and their All Out Dark Stout is also a fan fav, both beers winning multiple awards.
Because I lean toward lighter beers, my favorite is the Upside Dawn Golden Ale. Their selzers are also fantastic.
Shout out to The Tower Bar and Regal Beagle for carrying their canned IPA and giving us some options while we’re out with friends.
There’s really no better non-alcoholic beer on the market right now; you have to give it a try.
Cannabis cocktails.
There are a lot of favorites in this realm, and it really depends on your own tolerance. Apparently, the unspoken rule with these CBD-infused waters is that these female millennials aren’t going to swap their La Croix unless the branding is on point. It worked for me. Post-yoga refreshment on a Sunday morning? Yup. Thursday night with a book in the bath? Yup.
Wine
Tost Sparkling Wine: a sparkly sub perfect in place of champagne
Null: a prickly red wine-inspired bev.
