Keep the Ritual, Change the Ingredients
Are you a newly sober or sober curious woman trying to navigate your social life without alcohol? I see you.
When I first stopped drinking, going out was a challenge and I missed having something *special* to drink at home on the weekends. I found myself thinking, what fun would it be to meet up with my friends for dinner and order a water with lime or a diet coke, while they were sipping away on fancy cocktails, the latest trending craft beer variety, or a glass of wine that perfectly complements the meal?
To be honest, it sounded boring, and a little scary. And as a result, I felt less motivated to go out in the evenings and uncertain about how I was going to navigate upcoming social outings, family traditions, and things I used to love doing with a drink in my hand.
How was I going to celebrate after a successful day on the slopes with my husband?
What was I going to do at our family barbeques in the summertime?
Would I just sit there on New Year’s while everyone is cheersing over a glass of champagne?
I knew that I didn’t want to drink alcohol anymore. It was clear that it was no longer serving me (was it ever, really?) but I didn’t know how to proceed in building a new, alcohol-free social life.
And then a friend told me something that changed my perspective on things.
Keep the ritual, but change the ingredients.
Simple but so freaking helpful in reimagining my beautiful AF life!
I didn’t have to opt-out of going to parties (although my boundary work taught me that heck yes I can if I choose to), and I could also cheers at midnight on NYE (okay, more like an early cheers at like 9 pm before going to bed 🤫).
If you are a sober curious woman who is looking to make a change in her life, I’ve got some good news for you.
The non-alcoholic beverage market has completely EXPLODED. Choices for NA beers or mocktails were pretty slim pickings, even just a few years ago, at least in the United States. But there is a big shift happening and more and more restaurants and bars are catering to their NA clientele. It makes me very happy.
I’ve been trying out a bunch of NA products from The Zero Proof ( and have put together a list of some of my go-to non-alcoholic drinks for some frequent occasions that maybe you are trying to prepare for, too.
So remember, as you are getting started on your alcohol-free journey, your mantra can be “I’m going to keep the ritual, but change the ingredients”. This can be a journey you can enjoy!
And for 15% off your order at the Zero Proof, use code: LindsayHennekey15
Here are some NA drinks I bring to the occasion. 👇
Meeting up with my friends for a Girl’s Night In
After a long day on the slopes with my husband
Hiyo Blackberry-Lemon Non-Alcoholic Social Tonic, a ready-to-drink, adaptogen-infused peach and mango tonic.
De Soi Trés Rosé Non-Alcoholic Apéritif if I’m looking for something a little different.
HOP WTR - I love how they have so many different flavors!
Packed in the cooler to bring to the family BBQ
A pack of Athletic Brew’s Run Wild IPA
Solo-time on the couch with a good book
Sitting on the patio on a late summer evening
Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions about this post or would like to explore working with me, send me an email at info@lindsayhennekey.com or schedule a free sobriety strategy session, here.
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