Before we dive in, let’s unpack this ‘sober curious’ business.
It’s a fairly new trend inspiring a thirst for alcohol-free alternatives that taste just as amazing, if not better, than the hard stuff. Many people are trying out sobriety for wellness reasons, as a way to give the usual post-drinking headaches, hangxiety and sleep troubles a miss.
Not to mention, with rising cozzie livs and other expenses, drinking less is a savvy way to save some cash.
If the idea of going sober is triggering social FOMO for you, don’t worry. There’s a massive range of alcohol-free wine, beer and spirits available, so you can still share a few arvo drinks with mates and enjoy the moment like usual.
Ultimately, being sober curious (kudos to author Ruby Warrington for coining the term) is about exploring your relationship with alcohol and how you might benefit from cutting it down.
@sansdrinks The best 4 alcohol-free red wines in the world #nonalcoholicdrinks #nonalcoholicwine #zeroalcoholbottleshop #zeroalcohol #sansdrinks ♬ original sound - Irene Falcone
Love the taste of wine but not the fuzzy-headed aftermath? Great news, sober curious friend, because non-alcoholic wine is here to save the day.
Non-alcoholic (or de-alcoholised) wine retains all the flavours you love but with the alcohol removed or minimised through fancy processes like reverse osmosis.
Essentially, you get to have your wine and drink it too. (Minus the hangover.)
Love a dry white? The Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc is full of delectable citrus flavours with gooseberry and passionfruit notes. Its crisp, bright finish is sure to delight.
In the mood for red? The Next Destination 2018 Barossa Valley Shiraz is a hella fine choice. Think dark chocolate, ripe berry and new French oak. Fill ‘er up.
Nothing beats cracking open a cold one with your mates. The rich flavours and refreshing bubbles are hard to pass up. The Uber home and morning regret, meanwhile, we could do without.
The good news is that as the sober curious movement catches on, more pubs are stocking non-alcoholic beer on tap or in the fridge. So next time you’re hitting up the local, why not suss out the low- or no-alc options? Just ask your bartender – you’ll probably be surprised at what’s on offer.
Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a lover of lagers, there’s a satisfying non-alcoholic beer out there for you. Heading to a house party? A Heaps Normal Quiet XPA pack of 4 will go down well in all the ways. Prepping for a month of sobriety? The Beer Cartel Alcohol Free Mixed 24 Pack includes an epic array of Aussie-brewed craft beers to try at your leisure.
Not into beer or wine? We got you. From seltzers and ciders to cocktail mixes, spirits and more, there’s still plenty of zero-alc options available to suit your palate and your lifestyle.
If you like to unwind with a good G&T, we recommend nabbing a bottle of the Sans Bar Notting Hill Stroll (Gin Substitute), whose classic flavour profile and complex mouthfeel are the real deal.
Need a refreshing spritz to brighten your day? The Spritzing In Venice Bundle (Aperitif Spritz Pack) has everything you need to make it happen.
Aperitivo? More like aperitiv-oh-yeah.
Mindful drinking is in, and for good reason. (Life’s too short for hangovers, we say.) With so many zero-alc wines, beers and spritzes now readily available, there’s a delish option to suit every sober curious soul.
Afterpay lets you bag your favourite alcohol-free bevvies now and split your payments into four easy instalments. No need to empty your wallet in one go! Time to stock up, pay better and toast to a healthier, more mindful way of living.
A new world of flavourful, energising enjoyment awaits. Cheers to that!