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Article Written by Athenkosi Ngembe
People who are sober curious are people who have decided to consume less alcohol or not drink at all. In recent years, the trend of quitting alcohol, whether temporarily (as seen with the Dry January trend) or permanently, has been on the rise. Many people are choosing to embrace sobriety for a variety of reasons and the benefits of this lifestyle change are becoming more widely recognised. Embracing sobriety has been associated with these following five benefits:
1. Improved Health
2. Mental Clarity
3. Improved Emotional Well-being
4. Weight Management
5. Financial Savings
One aspect of this "sober curious" lifestyle is finding enjoyable non-alcoholic drink alternatives that still have offer a taste of sophistication and fun while out with friends or family. Here are four non-alcoholic drink alternatives to consider:
1. Mocktails
Mocktails are alcoholic-free versions of classic cocktails. These refreshing and flavourful drinks can be enjoyed at any social gathering or you can make your own at home.
2. Sparkling Water Infusions
Create your own fancy drink by infusing sparkling water with fresh herbs, or even edible flowers. These drinks are not only visibly appealing, but they are also provide a burst of natural flavours.
3. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas come in a variety of flavours and can be enjoyed hot or cold. You can experiment with different blends to find your favourites, whether you prefer fruity, earthy or floral notes.
4. De-alcoholised Wine
De-alcoholised wine or non-alcoholic wine is a type of wine that has been specially processed to remove the alcohol. De-alcoholised wine still attempts to retain the flavours and aromas of traditional wine while reducing the alcoholic content to typically less that 0.5% by volume. This helps with the option of for those who are looking to enjoy the taste of wine without consuming alcohol.
Whether you choose to give up alcohol temporarily or make a long-term commitment to sobriety, the benefits of this lifestyle change can be rewarding. If you are considering quitting alcohol and finding it challenging to do so, take time to explore the resources and support available to help you on your journey towards a healthier and happier life