An Alcohol-Free Toast to the New Year

Holidays and other celebrations often focus on pretty cocktails as part of the merriment. It is no surprise that more and more people are choosing not to partake for a variety of reasons. To encourage an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve, there are countless social media posts touting creative alternatives to liquor, such as De Soi by Katy Perry, Curious Elixirs Craft Drinks and many more. Whether you are opting to skip a drink for a particular moment or for a lifetime, it’s entirely your choice, and no one should push you to feel uncomfortable.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the party and skip the hangover:

An Alcohol-Free New Year’s Eve

Go Ahead and Dance

If part of the fun is going out for an evening of drinking and dancing, don’t let an alcohol-free night keep you from it. Feel free to choose a pretty mocktail or flute of sparkling water with lime rather than an alcoholic beverage. Let the bartender know you’d like to be served in a pretty glass or whisky glass if it makes the experience more festive.

No Need to Offer an Excuse

A good friend won’t push you to drink, and a new acquaintance isn’t a great fit if you are made to feel uncomfortable about your alcohol-free choice. Never feel obligated to explain yourself. A simple, “I’m not drinking” is all that is required—if you feel the urge to say anything at all. If someone in your party wants to grab a drink for you, simply say, “Thank you. I’ll have a soda and lime,” with a gracious smile.

Have a Plan for Alcohol Pushers

You may feel self-conscious, thinking people are wondering why you aren’t drinking. There are tons of reasons for someone not to indulge, and none of them have to be shared with a stranger. Just say no – over and over until you start to feel confident. There is NO SHAME in refusing a drink. On the contrary, there is power in advocating for yourself. People will admire and respect you when they see you are making a decision without feeling pressured by peers.

From simply not liking the taste of liquor, to taking medication, to ingesting too many calories, to a serious addiction, the reason is yours. Be gracious, respond respectfully to an offer of a cocktail by saying, “Thank you, I am going to pass on the margarita, but I would love some cucumber, mint and soda,” and stand your ground. Enjoy the party, make new friends, engage in conversation, eat great food and dance the night away. Fun does not require a cocktail.

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