Across the country, people are cutting back on alcohol. Gallup’s latest survey found that only 54% of adults say they drink alcohol, the lowest share in a nearly 90-year trend. The number is a record low compared to 62% in 2023 and 58% in 2024. Health concerns are the most common reason people are quitting alcohol, besides financial savings.
The “changing” drinking culture
What’s driving the change? A lot of people now believe even moderate drinking isn’t good for your health. For the first time, more than half of Americans say that having one or two drinks a day can be harmful. Young adults and women are especially likely to see alcohol as unhealthy, and they’re also the ones cutting back the most.
I quit drinking almost three years ago. Back then, I didn’t realize how much I’d have to relearn about social life without alcohol. I’d spend way too much time scrolling through restaurant menus before going out, trying to figure out what I could order that wouldn’t feel awkward. Now, it’s a lot easier. With more people quitting alcohol, or at least drinking less, there are many alcohol-free options on the menus. And no one looks at you twice for ordering soda or kombucha.
Non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar
Not every social plan needs to include alcohol. You can still enjoy time with your friends and have something non-alcoholic to sip on without feeling uncomfortable. Here is what I usually order when I go to a bar:
Non-alcoholic beer: Most bars carry at least one or two alcohol-free options now. They taste as good as the alcoholic versions and are good to have when you want to feel a part of your drinking crew.
Non-alcoholic wine: If you’re a wine person, you can still have your glass without alcohol in it. I usually enjoy my non-alcoholic wine with a lemon blend or a few berries.
Soda or ginger beer: I typically order a soda like Dr Pepper or Root Beer when there aren’t many options at the bar. If the bar has ginger beer, I’ll go for that instead. It’s stronger, a little spicy, and more flavorful than regular soda.
Soda water with bitters: Soda water with bitters is one of my go-to drinks. Some bitters have alcohol, but non-alcoholic ones are easy to find now. I ask for soda water with a few dashes of bitters and a lemon or lime slice.
Virgin mojitos: A virgin mojito with mint, lime, and sparkling water is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. And even though most people think of this as a typical summer drink, I enjoy it all year-round.
Kombucha: It has become a popular non-alcoholic alternative to cocktails and beers. You can find alcohol-free kombucha at bars, often on tap. However, it can vary widely in quality and taste based on ingredients and fermentation periods.
Ask the bartender
If you’re not sure which non-alcoholic drink to get, ask the bartender. Most of them don’t mind mixing different flavors for you without the alcohol. I usually mention what I like —maybe citrusy, not too sweet —and let them surprise me. It usually turns out better than anything I would’ve ordered off the menu, and every once in a while, I find a new favorite alcohol-free drink.
What to order in different social settings?
Bars have many drinks to accommodate people who don’t drink alcohol. But what can you drink in other social settings?
When I quit initially, I felt very restricted and had no idea about the alternatives I could have had. Gradually, I realized many delicious drinks could be ordered, whether you’re starting sobriety or just looking for a change.
Family get-togethers
Family get-togethers are the easiest because you can bring your choice of drink with you without worrying about what is on the menu. You can bring sparkling water, sodas, alcohol-free beer, or even homemade mocktails. My personal favorite is blueberry mojito mocktail made with blueberries, lime, sweetener, mint leaves, and soda water.
Dinner or brunch with friends
Coffee or some coffee-based drink is my go-to for brunches when I’m out with my friends. However, for dinner nights, there are many options offered by most restaurants, such as soda, mocktails, lemonade, and even flavored sparkling water. For the summer, iced tea is another great substitute that comes in many flavors.
Weddings or special occasions
These events can be challenging because you don’t want to spoil the moment, but still want to enjoy yourself. Order something non-alcoholic as soon as you get to the bar. Sparkling water, ginger ale, or soda are usually served at most weddings. During toasts, ask for sparkling cider or alcohol-free champagne.
Handling peer pressure in social settings
Most people who quit drinking worry they won’t fit in when everyone else is drinking. Remember, people who respect you don’t care what’s in your glass. Just make sure they understand and are clearly aware of your choices to avoid any uncomfortable scenarios. Some may be more supportive than others, but it is easier to explain yourself than to turn down drinks in every social setting.
Have a chat with friends and family. Talk to the people closest to you before the special events, such as weddings. Let them know you’re not drinking, so they don’t keep offering or making jokes about it.
Set boundaries. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices. If someone keeps asking, it’s okay to say, “I’m not drinking tonight,” and leave it there.
Offer to drive. If you offer to drive, nobody will question you. You’re providing a valuable service to your friends and families, who cannot do so because of drinking. It’s a socially acceptable reason that nobody will mind.
Suggest alternatives. Not every social setting has to include drinking alcohol. Suggest activities such as morning hikes, museum visits, and coffee dates where you can easily avoid alcohol but also enjoy the company of your friends.
Everyone has their own reason for skipping alcohol: health, focus, better sleep, or just wanting to save money. There are plenty of drinks that can help you relax without getting buzzed. Don’t be afraid to try different flavors; you might end up finding something you actually enjoy and learn to say ‘no’ in social settings where you may feel pressured by everyone drinking around you.
At the end of the day, it’s your choice, your rules.
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