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What to drink instead of alcohol

December 23, 2025

Since alcohol is socially accepted, it’s often part of parties, holidays, and casual get-togethers. While some people in recovery may feel unsure about attending events where alcohol is present, withdrawing from social connection can work against long-term well-being. When you’re invited to a gathering, choosing a flavorful, nonalcoholic drink can help you stay present, confident, and comfortable without alcohol.

From flavored waters and crafted mocktails to botanical blends and alcohol-free spirits, there are many nonalcoholic options that make social settings feel more enjoyable and inclusive. Below are several alcohol-free drink alternatives to consider for social events, meals, or everyday moments.

1. Infused water

Water is an excellent nonalcoholic drink because it's healthy and easily available. For those who find plain water boring, you can dress it up by infusing it with various fruits, vegetables and herbs. You can find plenty of infused water recipes online, but starting with classic combinations like lemon and lime or cucumber with fresh mint leaves is a good choice. Experimenting with different flavors can make hydration more enjoyable and support recovery.

2. Herbal tea

Caffeine-free herbal teas are delightful all year long, whether you prefer refreshing iced tea in summer or soothing hot tea in winter. According to a report published by Penn Medicine, many tea varieties are also high in antioxidants and may help combat health conditions like inflammation, hypertension, joint pain and cognitive decline.

3. Ginger ale

Many people enjoy the slightly peppery, sweet taste of ginger in recipes like stir-fries and desserts. Ginger ale containing real ginger root is also an ideal nonalcoholic beverage because it can soothe an upset stomach and support a healthy cardiovascular system. While ginger ale is naturally caffeine-free, choose brands carefully as many options contain added sugar and artificial flavorings. Read nutrition labels carefully to ensure you pick the healthiest option for recovery.

4. Fruit juice

Fruit juice offers a ton of flavor and nutritional benefits. However, it's also best when enjoyed in moderation because consuming too much can cause blood sugar spikes. While juice provides vitamins, it may contain as much sugar as a candy bar or soda, so balance intake with whole fruits.

Tips for navigating gatherings involving alcohol

Attending social events can be manageable with proper planning. Here are a few effective strategies:

Have an exit plan, so you can politely excuse yourself and leave if you feel overwhelmed.
Bring a cooler with your preferred nonalcoholic drinks.
Keep a beverage in your hand to prevent offers of alcohol.
Invite a sponsor or sober supporter as your plus-one.
Pay attention to your triggers and step away from situations where you feel pressured to drink.

Overcoming an alcohol use disorder

Nonalcoholic drinks can help individuals enjoy social situations without risking relapse. While nonalcoholic drinks can support social situations, they do not address the underlying cause of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Achieving sustained sobriety requires evidence-based therapy, time, patience and support in a safe environment.

Some research suggests that alternating between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks may help some people cut back, but the best way to stay on track is complete abstinence paired with professional guidance. At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians offer structured programs in a welcoming, campus-based environment, so patients can focus fully on recovery. Contact our admissions counselors today.

The freedom you've been waiting for

Whether you're researching for yourself or for a loved one, Beach House Center for Recovery is here to help. We know choosing the right treatment center is an important decision. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

Our licensed clinicians are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of our staff have personal insight into recovery challenges. Whether you're ready to begin your recovery journey or seeking more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today.

Ask us why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best nonalcoholic drinks for people in recovery?

For individuals in recovery, excellent nonalcoholic options include infused water with fruits and herbs, caffeine-free herbal teas, ginger ale with real ginger root and fruit juices in moderation. Infused water is particularly hydrating and experimenting with flavors like lemon-lime or cucumber-mint can make it more enjoyable. Herbal teas offer antioxidants and can be enjoyed hot or iced year-round.

Tip: Choose a ginger ale with real ginger root (not artificial flavoring) and drink fruit juice in moderation due to its natural sugar content.

How can I navigate social gatherings where others are drinking alcohol?

You can handle social gatherings with planning and a few helpful strategies:

Invite your sponsor or another sober supporter as your plus-one for extra support.
Know your triggers and be prepared to remove yourself from situations where people pressure you to drink, which can jeopardize your recovery progress.
Have an exit plan to leave early if you feel overwhelmed.
Bring a cooler full of your favorite nonalcoholic drinks to ensure you don't run out of options.
Keep a beverage in your hand at all times to prevent others from offering you alcohol.

Are nonalcoholic drinks enough to maintain sobriety?

While nonalcoholic drinks are helpful tools for enjoying social situations without relapsing, they alone aren't sufficient to address the underlying causes of a substance use disorder. Maintaining sobriety requires time, patience and support from professional therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction. For those who have struggled to stop drinking on their own, professional treatment in a structured, campus-based environment can remove temptations and allow patients to focus fully on recovery.

What should I look for when choosing healthy nonalcoholic drinks?

When selecting nonalcoholic drinks, prioritize options with natural ingredients and minimal added sugars or artificial flavorings. Check the nutrition labels for ginger ale and fruit juices, as many have high amounts of added sugar.

Herbal teas are excellent choices because they're often high in antioxidants and can help combat inflammation, hypertension and other health conditions. Water is the healthiest option. Infusing it with natural fruits, vegetables and herbs can make it more enjoyable and encourage better hydration habits throughout recovery.

The Freedom You’ve Been Waiting For

Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.