Feature Focus: ‘Tis the Season for Sober Celebrations

‘Tis the Season for Sober Celebrations

By Deborah C. Gerbers In recent years, the word “sober” has taken on a more complex meaning. It seems that the stigma once attached to sobriety is being slowly shifted to a wider acceptance and understanding of a particular lifestyle. Many people are making the choice to abstain from alcohol to maintain a healthier routine, some simply have never desired to drink, and still others are sober by necessity due to addiction and recovery. For those who have battled addiction and overcome the disease, the fact that society has destigmatized sober living across the board can be comforting. Regardless of the reason, sober living is becoming more popular, and with the upcoming holiday season, we’d like to share some ideas to keep your parties in line with the teetotaler standard.

Be Discreet

It may be tempting to make a huge announcement that the holiday party will be alcohol-free but be careful not to make your guests uncomfortable or awkward. If you know there are guests who are sensitive to alcohol (especially in social situations), let them know privately your plans. Tell them there will be many options for them without the pressure of avoiding a fully stocked bar. You can also let other guests know ahead of time (again, privately) that there will be no alcohol served at the party. Chances are, most people will not even think twice and will be thrilled to be there.

Offer a Signature Mocktail

“Mocktails” are growing in popularity and taking the entertaining world by storm. You can find recipe books just about anywhere, and many bars and restaurants offer an entire menu section devoted to alcohol-free drinks. Mocktails can be as simple as seltzer with cranberry juice and a twist of lime, or as complicated as a “craft-style” drink with alcohol-free spirits made from herbs and spices. Try recipes beforehand and pick one or two for your party—maybe one cold (like an icy cranberry-ginger ale with a festive fruit skewer of candied cranberries and orange slices) and one hot (perhaps an herbal, fruit brewed tea with simple syrup and rosemary garnish). This is where creativity takes over. You can also make most types of cocktails alcohol-free by simply omitting the liquor.

Have a Variety of Options

Even if you plan to serve one or two signature drinks, be sure to keep simple options on hand as well. You’d be surprised how many people are just as happy with a bottle of water, a soda, sparkling flavored seltzer, or even a non-alcoholic beer (but these so-called “NA” beers do contain a trace amount of alcohol, so make sure your guests who cannot have even one drop know this). There are also many fancier options for a sober party, like Recess Sparkling Water, which is brewed with natural fruits and infused with vitamins and adaptogens. Other beverages on the market are Mingle Mocktails, SOUND sparkling beverages, Ritual Zero-Proof cocktail alternatives, Kin Euphoric Spritz, and Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Aperitif to name a few.

This holiday season, embrace an alternative way to celebrate—all the fun and festivities, without the booze. a