Embracing the Alcohol-Free Drink Renaissance
Alcohol-free drinks…maybe this is a great topic for a blog! Maybe I should write it? Maybe I will!
The Evolution of Alcohol-Free Drinks
When I first started on my journey in 2020, there weren’t that many AF (alcohol-free) options. We had to get very creative, and even at that, many of us simply ordered seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice. Not that I don’t like that, but really? Why weren’t there more choices?
The options were either sticky, sweet faux wines or hoppy teas. Maybe some people liked those, but I wasn’t a fan. And then, when I did order a mocktail by simply asking for a drink minus the liquor, I was subjected to something that had a “less than” taste.
Thankfully, all this began to change rapidly. Seemingly overnight, numerous AF beer options from various companies sprang up … and they were GOOD! The next thing I found were "shrubs," which are drinks with an apple cider vinegar base that, mixed in sparkling water, is very tasty and also good for me! Imagine that? ME drinking something healthy.
Now, we have many choices of AF wines, beers, and liquors to choose from, and restaurants have printed off AF mocktail menus. On the social front, there are now many ways to meet and greet other people on a similar path: Sober in the City and Counterculture Club are two that come to mind. I still love the feeling of having something special in the evenings in my glass besides tea or water, and I’m sure many of you do too!
An AF Perspective
There are a few added bonuses when choosing to drink an AF beverage. One of our favorite NA (non-alcoholic) beer brands, Athletic Brewing has a saying: "Without compromise." And that is exactly what these AF drinks give me. The ability to enjoy an adult beverage, without compromise!
I still get to drink beer on the beach! I no longer have to “hide” it when the police ride by on their 4-wheelers or pour it out quickly to avoid detection.
I have my wits about me! New Years Day 2023 brought an emergency involving my best friend’s cat. I was able to respond and help her get him to the emergency vetspital for treatment (yes, vetspital is animal lingo for hospital). So many years before I would have been simply too hungover to think about going anywhere on New Years Day. It was nice to be awake, present, and feeling good that day.
And after a day of golfing in the blazing North Carolina heat, I can still enjoy a cold one! Like I said, I love that special drink at the end of the day. That doesn't change just because I don't drink alcohol!
A Path Forward
Give some of the AF options a try! It's a pretty cool path to explore now that the world of non-alcoholic drinks has seriously stepped up its game. So don't hesitate to dive in and experience the journey – enjoy the different flavors, soak up the good vibes, and relish the positive changes that come with choosing what's right for you. Trust me, your liver will thank you big time. And who knows, you might even find yourself raising a glass – just not the boozy kind – to life's little joys. Ready to embrace this trend? Your tastebuds are in for a treat! I promise you won’t regret it.
Check out these online stores and have your favorite AF drinks shipped directly to your door:
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