Sobriety: A New Truth

The deeper I get into my experience and research, the more I’m noticing a very interesting trend. Many more people are choosing sobriety, whether it is for a day, a week, a month or a lifetime. The definition of sobriety is ever-changing, with previously taboo alternatives like cannabis or CBD now becoming part of the conversation.

Partial or temporary sobriety are being embraced as popular forms of harm reduction, used for mental clarity, physical health renewal, weight loss or financial gain. Often, couples, coworkers or friends band together to support each other during a sober month, seeking non-alcoholic options as a team.

Social media has become a way for some to keep themselves honest and to receive positive feedback for their healthier choices, with posts like “60 days sober today!” garnering many ‘likes’ and supportive comments.

One reason for this may be trendiness, but a growing amount of research suggests people are simply changing the way they think. Gone are the days of black and white perspectives, replaced by an expanse of grey area open to individual interpretation, flexibility and personal judgement.

Zero-Proof Cocktails

While there have always been nonalcoholic options available, they’ve historically been boring, sugary sweet or marketed to children. A large part of the population now does not drink or only drinks occasionally, with some estimates as high as 60% choosing to abstain more often than to drink. Old stigmas are being challenged and people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts than ever before.

Flying fast on the heels of this shift in consciousness is the no-proof/zeroproof/mocktail. Made with nonalcoholic spirit brands (yes, really!) such as Seedlip, Ceder's, Herbie, Whissen and Strykk, the flavor profile is what’s important for these new drinks.

I’m personally thrilled to see the status quo being challenged. In places where cannabis is legal, bartenders can be a little bit “bar” and a little bit “bud”. Imagine if your drink took care of your intense cramps or your back pain? What a deal! I’ll take that over a hangover any day. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

In any case, I’ll gladly raise my glass to my fellow industry workers who are putting in real work on themselves by challenging habits and old thinking.

Cheers, friends!

Sarah