“Why Bother with Mocktails?“

This is a well-meaning question, often asked with good intentions! In a world where alcohol is deeply ingrained in all aspects of our social lives, it’s understandable why some might be confused when alcohol-free folks choose to drink a mocktail or non-alcoholic (NA) beverage.

The fact that this question is so common tells us a lot about cultural conditioning—beliefs so ingrained in our society that we don’t even think to question them.

Alcohol has historically been a part of every social gathering, every milestone event, and every weekend activity. The idea that we need to “take the edge off” with a substance, or make ourselves more exciting, edgy, or interesting by drinking alcohol, has been a long-held societal belief.

Now, however, the choice to drink less or no alcohol has become a socially celebrated option—one that might even be seen as more interesting than the old story that alcohol is a necessity for fun.

Instead of asking, “Why mocktails?” a better question might be: “Why do we do anything we enjoy?”

As humans, we’re motivated to seek joy. We do plenty of things for enjoyment or to get a “natural buzz”—whether it’s exercising, watching a favorite show, buying fresh flowers, or cooking a good meal. But no one asks, “Why did you put all that effort into making a delicious recipe?”

When it comes to beverages, especially those enjoyed socially, they’re held to a different standard—and that’s a direct result of cultural conditioning.

Big Alcohol has led people to believe that there’s no point in drinking a beverage unless it takes the edge off or artificially (and temporarily) enhances the experience. However, we are now in the midst of a historic cultural shift that challenges this notion, embracing the idea that alcohol isn’t a necessity to enjoy yourself.

Mocktails are no longer seen as just a placeholder for an alcoholic beverage to get you through a social event. Instead, they’re an invitation to prioritize your health and well-being, enjoy a sensory experience, and show up with authenticity—fueled by organic confidence.

NA beverages offer the chance to enjoy something special that breaks up the routine—without a hangover, crippling hangxiety, or regrets about things you wish you hadn’t said or done.

If you’re new to mocktails or interested in experimenting with a sober-curious lifestyle, here’s a short list of some benefits NA beverages have to offer:

Break from routine: Mocktails are a fun way to mark the transition from workweek to weekend. There’s nothing worse than water in a tall cup at a restaurant or bar. Mocktails let you enjoy an adult beverage that feels celebratory and signifies a change from your regular routine.

Inclusive socializing: Mocktails provide a tasty alternative to water for non-drinkers at gatherings. This helps everyone feel included, and it’s less obvious to others that you aren’t drinking alcohol (if being discreet is important to you).

Health benefits: You can do all the healthy things in the world—yoga, green juice, etc.—but if you’re regularly binge drinking, you’re constantly working to recover and get back to baseline, instead of making steady progress with your health.

Enjoy a sensory experience: There are so many fun drinks and flavors out there! With alcohol, everything starts to taste the same after a few drinks, but with NA beverages, your senses stay fully intact, allowing you to appreciate the whole sensory experience of your drinks and food.

Be fully present: You miss a lot of little miracles right in front of you when your brain is foggy or blurred—both while drinking and when hungover.

No regrets: Find me someone with zero regrets from drinking! Regrets are an inevitable cost of alcohol—at least some of the time.

No hangxiety: Hangxiety (hangover-induced anxiety) can linger for days after drinking—it’s the worst feeling!

Boost confidence naturally: If you can have a good time at social events without alcohol to take the edge off, you can do just about anything.

Interested in more resources to support your sober curiosity or alcohol-free lifestyle? Here are some links below:

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Barb Shepard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, OCD and Anxiety Specialist, and Sober Curious advocate in Syracuse, New York. Any content on my website or blog is a not substitute for therapy and is for educational purposes only. I cannot provide tailored therapeutic advice unless you are a therapy client. Reading this blog or listening to audio content does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking therapy, visit psychologytoday.com. If you are in crisis, dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.