Vivian Marlowe
Going to a bar is a great way to spend time with friends and meet new people. However, drinking alcohol is not the only way to have fun at a bar. With the booming non-alcoholic drinks market, there are now more options than ever for those who want to stay sober while enjoying a night out. Whether you're the designated driver, avoiding alcohol for health reasons, or simply don't feel like drinking, here are some tips to help you have a great time at a bar without consuming alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-alcoholic drinks | Non-alcoholic beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, kombucha, lemonade, iced tea, soda, coffee, tea, juice |
| Food | Brunch, snacks, appetizers |
| Games | Board games, video games, Nintendo, VR |
| Dancing | |
| Conversation | Making new friends, meaningful conversations |
| Socialising | Meeting friends, going on dates, watching sports |
| Music | Feeling the music more |
| Sobriety | No hangover, more energy, better memory |
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What You'll Learn
Order non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, kombucha, or non-alcoholic wine and beer
Ordering non-alcoholic drinks is a great way to have fun at a bar without consuming alcohol. Here are some options to consider:
Mocktails
Mocktails are essentially cocktails without the alcohol. They are usually made by omitting the alcoholic ingredient from a traditional cocktail or by using non-alcoholic alternatives. Some popular mocktail options include the virgin mojito, made with mint, lime juice, and sparkling water, and the virgin margarita, which typically includes lime juice, orange juice, sparkling water, and lemon, with agave syrup or a similar sweetener to balance the citrus. Another option is a virgin piña colada, which just requires asking the bartender to leave out the rum. It will be sweeter but still looks the part. You can also ask your bartender if they can make any of their cocktails into a mocktail. However, it is important to be mindful of the extra work involved for the bartender, especially during busy times.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has gained popularity as a healthy and refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages. It has a unique tangy flavour and often contains small amounts of caffeine and probiotics.
Non-alcoholic Wine and Beer
Non-alcoholic wine and beer are also great options for those looking to avoid alcohol. Non-alcoholic wine brands like Surely offer alcohol-removed options that taste similar to their alcoholic counterparts. For example, their non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc features citrus, pear, and apple notes. Non-alcoholic beers are also widely available, with options such as Heineken 0.0 and Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild providing a beer-like experience without the alcohol.
Other Non-alcoholic Alternatives
In addition to mocktails, kombucha, and non-alcoholic wine and beer, there are other non-alcoholic drinks to consider. These include iced tea, lemonade, or a combination of the two, known as an Arnold Palmer. You can also add simple syrups and mixers to fancy up your drink. Virgin Bloody Marys are another option, made with tomato juice, lemon juice, celery salt, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. If you want something simpler, you can just stick to soda water with a dash of bitters or a non-alcoholic version of a Moscow mule, made with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and club soda.
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Play games like beer pong or flip cup, but sober
Beer pong and flip cup are drinking games that are usually played with alcohol. However, they can easily be adapted to be played sober.
For beer pong, instead of filling the cups with beer, you can fill them with water, soda, juice, or even something nasty like ketchup or soy sauce. This way, when someone knocks out your cup, you drink something that's not alcoholic. You can also play with plain seltzer water, which will teach teenagers the importance of good aim as most teens hate the taste. If you're playing with kids, water pong is a great option as it's simple and little-kid-friendly.
For flip cup, the game can easily be played without alcohol by simply filling the cups with non-alcoholic beverages.
By playing these games sober, you can still enjoy the fun of friendly competition and spending time with friends, without the need for alcohol. It's a great way to include everyone, regardless of their drinking preferences, and can lead to an enjoyable and memorable evening.
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Socialise and make new friends
Socialising and making new friends can be challenging, especially in a bar setting where alcohol is typically involved. However, it is not impossible to have a great time and connect with people without drinking. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Choose the Right Time and Day:
The first few times you go to a bar intending to socialise, pick a slow night, like an early weekday. This way, you can avoid the pressure of a busy night and have more opportunities to strike up conversations without feeling overwhelmed.
Chat with the Bartender:
The bartender can be your ally in socialising and making new friends. When they are not busy, try to initiate a friendly conversation. Mention that you like the place and ask about the usual scene. Bartenders often enjoy chatting with newcomers, especially in neighbourhood spots that thrive on regulars. Over time, they may introduce you to other regulars, helping you expand your social circle.
Participate in Activities:
Look for activities or competitions, such as a pool tournament, that you can join. Through these shared activities, you can meet people with similar interests and gradually build friendships. It often takes knowing just a few people to feel more connected to the bar's community.
Be Open and Confident:
When you choose not to drink, remember that you don't owe anyone an explanation or an apology. Own your choice positively, and stay connected to your reasons for partying sober. You might be surprised to find that you feel more connected to the people around you and more in tune with the music when sober.
Order Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
You can still enjoy a drink without consuming alcohol. Many bars offer fancy mocktails or non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails. You could also ask for a simple soda with lime or a virgin cocktail, ensuring your drink looks the part without containing alcohol.
Remember, socialising can happen anywhere there's a group of people, and shared interests are a great foundation for new friendships. Be open to conversations, and don't be afraid to initiate interactions with others. With a positive attitude and a willingness to engage, you can make new friends and have a fun night out without alcohol.
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Dance the night away
If you're looking to dance the night away at a bar without drinking alcohol, there are a few things you can do to ensure you have a great time. Firstly, it's important to feel confident in your choice to party sober. As Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious, advises, "stay connected to all the reasons you're choosing to party sober, and if anybody has a problem with this, remember you don't owe them an explanation or an apology."
You can also try some simple tricks to fit in with the crowd. For example, order a non-alcoholic drink in a fancy glass, complete with a slice of lemon, a splash of mint, a double straw, and a tiny umbrella. That way, no one will know the difference!
If you're feeling nervous about dancing, remember that you don't need to be a pro to have fun. Start small by bobbing your head to the beat before you even get to the dance floor. Once you're feeling the rhythm, move on to bouncing your whole body, gradually building up your energy to make your dancing look more natural. If you're with a group of friends, you can feed off their energy and move to the same beat, even if you're doing different things.
If you're worried about what others might think, remember that sober socialising can be empowering. As one person shared their experience: "It was probably the most fun I'd had on a night out...I felt like I had unlimited energy to dance and talk to new people." So, embrace the music, let loose on the dance floor, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being fully present and aware of your surroundings.
If you're looking for additional activities to fill your night, here are some ideas:
- Indulge in some delicious non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails.
- Try out some dance moves beforehand with online tutorials or classes.
- Play board games or video games with friends.
- Host a painting night or a dinner party.
- Go to a sports bar and enjoy activities like pool or darts.
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Enjoy a meal and a movie
Enjoying a meal and a movie is a great way to have fun at a bar without drinking alcohol. Here are some tips to elevate your experience:
Choosing the Right Bar
Select a bar that offers a dining experience along with a movie screening. Some bars have themed nights where they showcase a movie and serve a meal inspired by it. This can be a fun way to immerse yourself in the movie experience. Alternatively, you can opt for a bar that simply plays movies in the background while you dine, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Movie Selection
Consider the movie being played at the bar, and whether it's something you'd enjoy watching while eating. Some bars play classic movies, while others might showcase new releases. If you're particular about the movie, check the bar's schedule or give them a call to find out what's playing.
Food and Drink Options
Explore the bar's menu to see if they offer a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverage options. You might want to choose a bar that serves meals that complement the movie, like a themed dinner and movie night. This could range from a casual dining experience with burgers and fries to a more upscale setting with a multi-course meal.
Company
Going to a bar for a meal and a movie can be a great social outing. Invite friends or family who share your interest in movies and food, or make it a date night. If you prefer going solo, you can still enjoy the experience and make new friends by striking up conversations with fellow movie enthusiasts.
Etiquette
Remember to be mindful of other patrons and the staff during your outing. Avoid talking loudly during the movie or engaging in activities that may distract others. Be sure to tip your server and show your appreciation for their service.
Enjoying a meal and a movie at a bar can be an enjoyable and unique way to spend an evening without alcohol. It offers an opportunity to socialize, indulge in delicious food, and discover new movies or relive old favorites.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it's not weird. Many people choose not to drink alcohol for various reasons, and there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options available at bars. You can also order a soda or a non-alcoholic beer without raising any eyebrows.
There are several options for non-alcoholic drinks at bars, including non-alcoholic wine and beer, kombucha, virgin Bloody Mary, lemonade, iced tea, or an Arnold Palmer. You can also ask the bartender to surprise you with a non-alcoholic creation.
You can still have fun at a bar without alcohol by focusing on the social aspect, such as dancing, talking to new people, and connecting with your friends. You can also try caffeinated beverages to stay energised and enthusiastic.
Own your choice to party sober and remember that you don't owe anyone an explanation or an apology. Stay connected to your reasons for choosing to avoid alcohol, and don't let peer pressure get to you.
Yes, there are several benefits to partying sober. You may find that you feel the music more and feel more connected to the people you're with. You'll also wake up with your memories intact and without a hangover, which is a win-win!
