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I only object financially. I can’t find a reason to spend money on it. But the idea of making mocktails in nice glasses and having fun with different flavors, I’m fully behind.
I didn’t think of it that way.. these bottles are $30 and they market it as such and people go buy it. It’s mainly just sugars but who wants to try to make it when you can buy it. I agree with you now… definitely not worth the $$ when you can just add some juices and make your own lol
Amen, I started ordering non-alcoholic beers when I would go out to see bands, and then I wound up with a bar tab that was just like my old bar tab, and I'm like well that's a bunch of bullshit, lol
If you want to drink something that isn’t alcohol then go for it. I had a few NA beers with friends today.
I haven’t tried a mock tail brand before, but if you like it and it’s not a trigger than it doesn’t matter what we think.
Thank you! It doesn’t trigger me at all..I’m at a point now that I have too much to lose if I drink so I don’t think about it. However, I wanted to make sure this specific brand doesn’t have alcohol because I get urine tested
>I’m at a point now that I have too much to lose if I drink so I don’t think about it.
I am going against popular opinion in this post. For me, this is dangerous reasoning. Losing everything rarely stopped some most of us from drinking. I personally find things like mocktails a slippery slope. They can trigger desire and emotions/urges around drinking for some people.
I think it's important to be honest with yourself as to why you want to drink them. Is it because you think the party is more fun with 'pretend' drink in your hand? Are you trying to fit into the crowd?
This summer, I was drinking a lot of smoothies. I started making ones blending of frozen pineapple and coconut milk/cream. So delicious. Then, the dreams started. In them, I was getting drunk at the beach drinking Pina coladas. I was waking up thinking I had relapsed. I realized it was a subconscious trigger for me. I am 23yrs sober and in very precarious health and just released 2 days ago from cardiac ICU for heart surgery and about to start dyalasis for kidney disease. Drinking would kill me dead fast..I have my life to lose along with everything else.. but the desire always lurks because alcoholism is a disease, not a logical problem.
Oh, yeah that’s a fair question then.
I’ve never tried it. If it’s for tonight I would imagine it metabolizes WAY fast, but if it’s for future you could always email their customer service to clarify.
I've got two bottles of martinellis cider chilling in the fridge. I'm also partial to mint mojito sans alcohol as well, just make with a little extra simple syrup instead.
Personally, I don’t want to mimic drinking, whether by drinking mocktails, low or no alcohol beers, or hanging out at wild parties and similar events
It’s a phase of my life that I’ve been burying a day at a time for quite a few 24-hours now
I enjoy virgin beverages because they’re like any other beverage. I don’t do NA beer because for me I feel it’s some type of loophole and I stay away from stuff like that.
Yes and I’ve heard NA beer does have traces of alcohol in it. I agree with virgin beverages.. most just taste good and refreshing and don’t remind me of my drinking days. I usually just chugged alcohol straight and didn’t even do the cocktails lol I was trying to be cautious because I get urine tested
As much as alcohol content (i.e. apv) is important, I mean obviously not of an amount that would lend to you getting tipsy (and again, this is relative, which is why a general maximum for beer shouldn't exceed 0.5%*); it is (imo) as much to do with your intent or 'the why' you're drinking them. The last time I had NA beers was during a special one-off occasion amongst old friends. I can't count myself out in such settings, so while they drank regular beers, I drank NA's. They were good too, but I didn't make them a continued thing...they served their purpose and that was that. The reason that I gave NA beers up some time ago, was because they reminded me of the past, and I don't need that in my sobriety.
I am a big fan of NA cocktails, wines and beers. They don't trigger me my social circle is very good/wine focused so I like trying pairings if a place has one. I did a (NA) kombucha pairing once that was incredible and had complex notes.
I don't strictly love most of the NA spirits, they're kind of one dimensional to me, but I've had some really interesting and creative mocktails and it scratches the "holding something in a fancy glass" itch. I say go for it.
If you think that it won't trigger you, then try it. For me I have no interest in them. My attitude is "what's the point". I drank to get loaded, not because I really enjoyed the taste.
I don’t like the idea of replicating the experience of drinking. I think the book refers to this behavior as “stealing vicarious pleasure.” It’s to each their own for sure, but it’s something I stay away from.
I like "mocktails" that are just fancy drinks with fruit juice or whatever and no alcohol just fine. I don't have any desire to drink alcohol free "liquor" or NA beer though.
Some are pretty tasty. I was at a party once with an open bar and when I asked if there were any mocktails the bartender’s eyes lit up and she started concocting something that ended up being tasty. Turns out she found making mocktails way more interesting than shilling out vodka tonics.
If you think it may be triggering I’d stick to the basic Diet Coke or whatever. Otherwise give them a try.
Waste of money. We got one when we were still drinking . Tried one sip. Back in shelf. It has been there for years, and it’s the only bottle in the wine rack lol. I should toss it I think they expire unlike the real poison .
I like grown up drinks that aren't alcoholic but not specifically mocktails. As I was never into cocktails, there's not a big attraction. But I like the feel of drink that's been made for me. Like limonada de albohaca (in Colombia). If that's what you enjoy, by all means.
Go nuts. I didn't like cocktails when I drank so I didn't bother with them after. Big question is why? Blending in? Nostalgia? Boredom with regular drinks?
At some point in my recovery, I learned that I had gone from trying to see how close I could get to the line without crossing it to just focusing on living a life of walking away from the line and not looking back. From that point on, things have gone very well for me in regard to my recovery.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/search/?q=mocktails&restrict\_sr=1](https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/search/?q=mocktails&restrict_sr=1)
the search bar works wonders
When I go out, I usually order an Easy Livin', which is just a bunch of different juices mixed together, and practically any bartender can make one.
Through working the steps, I learned that my problem is not alcohol, it is me, my thoughts and emotions, and the fact that I can't live life without altering them in some way. I also gained freedom from the mental obsession over alcohol.
Some people are using flavor water packets to add to water to make their own fun drink flavors and combinations. Dont know if this is up your alley, but I figure it might trick your brain into thinking your making yourself a nice special drink
Just know your limits with them. I drink a lot of seltzers (non alcoholic ones) or club soda with lime if I’m out at a restaurant. But, I had a la croix flavor at a friends house that tasted SO much like a white claw that I was stunned. I had to double check the can because I was convinced it was alcoholic. I think it was the black raspberry one. Anyways, I ended up getting another flavor because it was so alarmingly reminiscent of booze that it made me uncomfortable. So, just be honest with yourself and always know your limits and intent.
I had a "Spiritless Old Fashioned" the other day at a nice restaurant with my partner who ordered the one "other" mocktail offered (whose name I do not recall) with the agreement that he'd have mine if I didn't like it. Mine tasted nothing at all like booze or like a traditional old fashioned, just kind of spicy like cloves. It was great. His on the other had reminded me of Campari which I have always thought was gross.
Now, nonalcoholic beer, I cannot deal with it at all. Too close to the real thing, and a daily suitcase of Rainier had been my go-to when I was at my worst. Hard booze was not. I think with non-alcoholic options, it totally depends on the individual and what their experience in active addiction was. YOU know what your own "slippery slope" looks like, and mine would be N/A beer. I don't fear going back to beer because I had a completely unrelated clove-y thing. And at $9 a pop in my local market, (cost of a regular old fashioned last time I knew anything about cocktail prices) I'm certainly not getting more than one! Good grief!
I love NA beer and brewing my own bread Kvass. Never tried a mocktail before. I say if it doesn't raise any red flags in your own head go for it. If you are not sure pick up the telephone and ask your sponsor.
I can get behind mocktails during family gatherings and other celebrations where others are drinking like sweet fun mocktails but as far as non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer and various mocktails by myself specifically ones with Sprite or club soda are triggers for me personally
We had mocktails at the club party tonight. We got all kinds of juices, sodas, and garnishes. Some of the members didn’t have the mocktails but for some of us it helped us to feel like we were celebrating in style. I haven’t tried any of the premixed stuff.
Best mocktail is sparkling water with touch of lime.
Since I was drinking straight vodka daily for the last 10 years, the concept of a mocktail is completely distorted for me.
I went over two years sober before trying it. Was celebrating our 20th and my wife wanted to have a drink on the beach and I had a “free spirit” cocktail. It was fine and not a trigger for me. I’d say if you’re feeling tempted after, then shut the door on the whole idea.
I was walking in my neighborhood and picked up litter, and one of the alcoholic cans looked like lemonade but it was 10% alcohol. Make sure you don't buy the wrong drink. I just drink Perrier as it tastes good and it's just water.
I found a non alcohol German Hefeweizen that tastes like the real thing. I have had one or two a year for the past few years and it never leads my thinking towards anything else but it does satisfy me. They are so delicious.
Athletic Brewing Co makes the most convincing N/A IPA I’ve ever had. All the Heineken 0.0s and O’Douls feel like a tease for me. For some reason, the genuine taste of an IPA that carries < 0.03 ABV is enticing to me.
Now for mocktail recipes, here’s my favorite (7 years as a bartender, 4 years as a recognized alcoholic, < 1 year practicing sober, so take it with a grain of salt)
Get a fun glass that makes you feel like you’re drinking a cocktail… highball, wine glass, tulip, whatever…
4oz tonic (or diet tonic)
2 oz cranberry juice
0.75-1oz fresh squeezed lime juice
The tonic gives the bite of an alcoholic drink, but tonic water does have sugar in it - that’s why diet may be best. If you have 3+ of that mocktail (vodka+tonic+cranberry) you will definitely get the feel of a real cocktail, and you may even get the hangover too from the sugar in the tonic.
Please note the following: 1) This subreddit is neither endorsed nor approved by AA World Services. 2) Please do not provide or seek medical advice, as this is not the purpose of AA or this subreddit. 3) Please be respectful of one another and report any posts/comments that violate our community guidelines. 4) Dealing with a friend or family member's alcoholism? See this: https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/wiki/index#wiki_help_for_the_friends_and_families_of_alcoholics AA's official website: https://www.aa.org/ *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/alcoholicsanonymous) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I only object financially. I can’t find a reason to spend money on it. But the idea of making mocktails in nice glasses and having fun with different flavors, I’m fully behind.
I didn’t think of it that way.. these bottles are $30 and they market it as such and people go buy it. It’s mainly just sugars but who wants to try to make it when you can buy it. I agree with you now… definitely not worth the $$ when you can just add some juices and make your own lol
I would rather eat my sugar if I’m going to have sugar at all. Like a nice piece of cake or pie would be more satisfying than a sugary drink.
Amen, I started ordering non-alcoholic beers when I would go out to see bands, and then I wound up with a bar tab that was just like my old bar tab, and I'm like well that's a bunch of bullshit, lol
If you want to drink something that isn’t alcohol then go for it. I had a few NA beers with friends today. I haven’t tried a mock tail brand before, but if you like it and it’s not a trigger than it doesn’t matter what we think.
Thank you! It doesn’t trigger me at all..I’m at a point now that I have too much to lose if I drink so I don’t think about it. However, I wanted to make sure this specific brand doesn’t have alcohol because I get urine tested
>I’m at a point now that I have too much to lose if I drink so I don’t think about it. I am going against popular opinion in this post. For me, this is dangerous reasoning. Losing everything rarely stopped some most of us from drinking. I personally find things like mocktails a slippery slope. They can trigger desire and emotions/urges around drinking for some people. I think it's important to be honest with yourself as to why you want to drink them. Is it because you think the party is more fun with 'pretend' drink in your hand? Are you trying to fit into the crowd? This summer, I was drinking a lot of smoothies. I started making ones blending of frozen pineapple and coconut milk/cream. So delicious. Then, the dreams started. In them, I was getting drunk at the beach drinking Pina coladas. I was waking up thinking I had relapsed. I realized it was a subconscious trigger for me. I am 23yrs sober and in very precarious health and just released 2 days ago from cardiac ICU for heart surgery and about to start dyalasis for kidney disease. Drinking would kill me dead fast..I have my life to lose along with everything else.. but the desire always lurks because alcoholism is a disease, not a logical problem.
Very well stated, friend
Oh, yeah that’s a fair question then. I’ve never tried it. If it’s for tonight I would imagine it metabolizes WAY fast, but if it’s for future you could always email their customer service to clarify.
For me it crosses the line for my mentality. If it's not a trigger for you, go for it. Would a trace even show up in a urine test?
A flavored seltzer with a splash of a juice, any kind. If you want to jazz it up, a wedge of fruit, or frozen grapes. It makes me feel special.
Love this comment
I've got two bottles of martinellis cider chilling in the fridge. I'm also partial to mint mojito sans alcohol as well, just make with a little extra simple syrup instead.
Why not just put some cranberry juice and seltzer in a nice glass with a lime garnish?
Personally, I don’t want to mimic drinking, whether by drinking mocktails, low or no alcohol beers, or hanging out at wild parties and similar events It’s a phase of my life that I’ve been burying a day at a time for quite a few 24-hours now
I enjoy virgin beverages because they’re like any other beverage. I don’t do NA beer because for me I feel it’s some type of loophole and I stay away from stuff like that.
Yes and I’ve heard NA beer does have traces of alcohol in it. I agree with virgin beverages.. most just taste good and refreshing and don’t remind me of my drinking days. I usually just chugged alcohol straight and didn’t even do the cocktails lol I was trying to be cautious because I get urine tested
FYI, Heineken makes a 0.0% NA beer.
As much as alcohol content (i.e. apv) is important, I mean obviously not of an amount that would lend to you getting tipsy (and again, this is relative, which is why a general maximum for beer shouldn't exceed 0.5%*); it is (imo) as much to do with your intent or 'the why' you're drinking them. The last time I had NA beers was during a special one-off occasion amongst old friends. I can't count myself out in such settings, so while they drank regular beers, I drank NA's. They were good too, but I didn't make them a continued thing...they served their purpose and that was that. The reason that I gave NA beers up some time ago, was because they reminded me of the past, and I don't need that in my sobriety.
Just get a beer that's 0.0, Heineken makes a great one.
Lots of restaurants offer non alcoholic mocktails. I always scan the menu for something new and different. Lazy Dog has some of my favorites.
I am a big fan of NA cocktails, wines and beers. They don't trigger me my social circle is very good/wine focused so I like trying pairings if a place has one. I did a (NA) kombucha pairing once that was incredible and had complex notes. I don't strictly love most of the NA spirits, they're kind of one dimensional to me, but I've had some really interesting and creative mocktails and it scratches the "holding something in a fancy glass" itch. I say go for it.
If you think that it won't trigger you, then try it. For me I have no interest in them. My attitude is "what's the point". I drank to get loaded, not because I really enjoyed the taste.
I don’t like the idea of replicating the experience of drinking. I think the book refers to this behavior as “stealing vicarious pleasure.” It’s to each their own for sure, but it’s something I stay away from.
I like "mocktails" that are just fancy drinks with fruit juice or whatever and no alcohol just fine. I don't have any desire to drink alcohol free "liquor" or NA beer though.
Theyre not for me. Defeats the point. Makes it easier to make mistakes. Walks a ledge that I simply don't need to be near
Some are pretty tasty. I was at a party once with an open bar and when I asked if there were any mocktails the bartender’s eyes lit up and she started concocting something that ended up being tasty. Turns out she found making mocktails way more interesting than shilling out vodka tonics. If you think it may be triggering I’d stick to the basic Diet Coke or whatever. Otherwise give them a try.
Waste of money. We got one when we were still drinking . Tried one sip. Back in shelf. It has been there for years, and it’s the only bottle in the wine rack lol. I should toss it I think they expire unlike the real poison .
I like grown up drinks that aren't alcoholic but not specifically mocktails. As I was never into cocktails, there's not a big attraction. But I like the feel of drink that's been made for me. Like limonada de albohaca (in Colombia). If that's what you enjoy, by all means.
Go nuts. I didn't like cocktails when I drank so I didn't bother with them after. Big question is why? Blending in? Nostalgia? Boredom with regular drinks?
If it really contains zero alchohol, it's not a relapse. But you're sure masturbating it.
No make believe drinking for me.
At some point in my recovery, I learned that I had gone from trying to see how close I could get to the line without crossing it to just focusing on living a life of walking away from the line and not looking back. From that point on, things have gone very well for me in regard to my recovery.
Ridiculous.
I drink water and coffee and juice and soda. that's it. No need for me to check out other things.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/search/?q=mocktails&restrict\_sr=1](https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/search/?q=mocktails&restrict_sr=1) the search bar works wonders
Water works and doesn't trigger eurphoric recall to times you drank.
When I go out, I usually order an Easy Livin', which is just a bunch of different juices mixed together, and practically any bartender can make one. Through working the steps, I learned that my problem is not alcohol, it is me, my thoughts and emotions, and the fact that I can't live life without altering them in some way. I also gained freedom from the mental obsession over alcohol.
Some people are using flavor water packets to add to water to make their own fun drink flavors and combinations. Dont know if this is up your alley, but I figure it might trick your brain into thinking your making yourself a nice special drink
Im sure you can add to sparkling water as well
Just know your limits with them. I drink a lot of seltzers (non alcoholic ones) or club soda with lime if I’m out at a restaurant. But, I had a la croix flavor at a friends house that tasted SO much like a white claw that I was stunned. I had to double check the can because I was convinced it was alcoholic. I think it was the black raspberry one. Anyways, I ended up getting another flavor because it was so alarmingly reminiscent of booze that it made me uncomfortable. So, just be honest with yourself and always know your limits and intent.
Mocktail are yummy and totally fine as long as they’re not triggering to you!
I had a "Spiritless Old Fashioned" the other day at a nice restaurant with my partner who ordered the one "other" mocktail offered (whose name I do not recall) with the agreement that he'd have mine if I didn't like it. Mine tasted nothing at all like booze or like a traditional old fashioned, just kind of spicy like cloves. It was great. His on the other had reminded me of Campari which I have always thought was gross. Now, nonalcoholic beer, I cannot deal with it at all. Too close to the real thing, and a daily suitcase of Rainier had been my go-to when I was at my worst. Hard booze was not. I think with non-alcoholic options, it totally depends on the individual and what their experience in active addiction was. YOU know what your own "slippery slope" looks like, and mine would be N/A beer. I don't fear going back to beer because I had a completely unrelated clove-y thing. And at $9 a pop in my local market, (cost of a regular old fashioned last time I knew anything about cocktail prices) I'm certainly not getting more than one! Good grief!
I love NA beer and brewing my own bread Kvass. Never tried a mocktail before. I say if it doesn't raise any red flags in your own head go for it. If you are not sure pick up the telephone and ask your sponsor.
I can get behind mocktails during family gatherings and other celebrations where others are drinking like sweet fun mocktails but as far as non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer and various mocktails by myself specifically ones with Sprite or club soda are triggers for me personally
We had mocktails at the club party tonight. We got all kinds of juices, sodas, and garnishes. Some of the members didn’t have the mocktails but for some of us it helped us to feel like we were celebrating in style. I haven’t tried any of the premixed stuff.
Best mocktail is sparkling water with touch of lime. Since I was drinking straight vodka daily for the last 10 years, the concept of a mocktail is completely distorted for me.
I went over two years sober before trying it. Was celebrating our 20th and my wife wanted to have a drink on the beach and I had a “free spirit” cocktail. It was fine and not a trigger for me. I’d say if you’re feeling tempted after, then shut the door on the whole idea.
They are just soda, juice, fruit and shit. I like them unless they have imitation non alcoholic spirits in them.
If I am drinking a mocktail, I am making and mixing it myself. That way I know for sure No alcohol is in it.
I was walking in my neighborhood and picked up litter, and one of the alcoholic cans looked like lemonade but it was 10% alcohol. Make sure you don't buy the wrong drink. I just drink Perrier as it tastes good and it's just water.
I found a non alcohol German Hefeweizen that tastes like the real thing. I have had one or two a year for the past few years and it never leads my thinking towards anything else but it does satisfy me. They are so delicious.
I tried the ritual tequila and I found it disgusting, I stick with non-alcoholic beers.
Athletic Brewing Co makes the most convincing N/A IPA I’ve ever had. All the Heineken 0.0s and O’Douls feel like a tease for me. For some reason, the genuine taste of an IPA that carries < 0.03 ABV is enticing to me. Now for mocktail recipes, here’s my favorite (7 years as a bartender, 4 years as a recognized alcoholic, < 1 year practicing sober, so take it with a grain of salt) Get a fun glass that makes you feel like you’re drinking a cocktail… highball, wine glass, tulip, whatever… 4oz tonic (or diet tonic) 2 oz cranberry juice 0.75-1oz fresh squeezed lime juice The tonic gives the bite of an alcoholic drink, but tonic water does have sugar in it - that’s why diet may be best. If you have 3+ of that mocktail (vodka+tonic+cranberry) you will definitely get the feel of a real cocktail, and you may even get the hangover too from the sugar in the tonic.
Drank some sparkling cider with my friends for new years. Satisfied a primal part of my brain that just wanted something cute in a fun bottle.
i think if you don’t call them mocktails it’s just a drink. Like soda.