How to Celebrate without Alcohol

Posted on October 25, 2024

How to Celebrate without Alcohol

Many often associate alcohol with socialising or celebrations. Yet, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate and enjoy yourself without alcohol and the negative effects alcohol has on your body and mind. [1]

Below are our top tips and alcohol-free activities for celebrating an event or occasion, and having fun without alcohol and continuing your cycle of addiction. [2]

Turn a Cocktail into a Mocktail

Finding a non-alcoholic version of your favourite drink in most bars or supermarkets is now straightforward.

You might be surprised at the amount of options you have, from alcohol-free beer or wine to a fun mocktail. There are plenty of ways to celebrate with a drink without having to feel the effects of alcohol.

There are so many non-alcoholic drinks available if you’d prefer not to give up the taste of alcohol altogether.

If the taste of alcohol is something you’d prefer to avoid, ask the bartender to come up with a funky mocktail.

Try a Different Activity

Depending on what you prefer to do for fun, why not try centring a celebration around a different activity? This could be something active like tennis or bike riding, or something more chilled such as going to the cinema or having a movie marathon.

Another option could be inviting your friends around for a quiet evening playing board games or having a game night. This could be a great way to try a different activity with your work colleagues, away from just an after-work pint. [3]

You could also try an activity that you wouldn’t be able to drink at. For example adrenaline activities like whitewater rafting, hiking, rock-climbing, a yoga class, art class or paintball.

For a more relaxed sport, why not try an afternoon of golf?

Host a Cooking Party

Challenge family or friends to an evening of cooking your favourite meals together.

A cooking party is a fantastic way to explore new recipes and spend quality time with the people you love.

It also doesn’t need to involve any alcohol, but if you’re worried about anyone bringing an alcoholic drink like a bottle of wine, try to explain you’re not drinking and would feel more comfortable if they didn’t bring any with them. Your friends and family will understand your decision.

Boost Your Energy with an Outdoor Activity

Research shows that being active outdoors can boost your body and mind, promoting energy levels. Yet, at the same time, getting outside in nature can ease stress and make you feel more relaxed.

So try taking your celebrations outdoors. You could:

Try a group hike to somewhere scenic
Go for a picnic in the park
Go stargazing in a national park
Take a trip to the beach

Indulge in Something Sweet

Indulging in sugar doesn’t have to become a regular occurrence, but it’s fine to treat yourself on a special occasion and can be great for a celebration without alcohol.

Why not try a new dessert restaurant in your local area, or visit a favourite spot?

You could also:

Toast a celebration with milkshakes
Celebrate a birthday with an ice cream bar
Pair strawberries and marshmallows with chocolate fondue at your wedding
Host a BBQ and have s’mores

Pamper Yourself and a Friend with a Spa Day

A spa day is the ultimate alcohol-free celebration of all things health. Drink gallons of water and detox whilst you undergo relaxing massages, time spent in the jacuzzi and facials.

This activity is a fantastic way to boost your mental health and support your overall wellbeing, as well as spend time with friends.

Have a Sober Buddy for Support

It can be difficult to attend certain social scenarios if you are the only one who is not drinking. So bringing a sober friend can be helpful to keep you on track.

Your friend can help you stay confident with your no-alcohol choice and make sure you have a good time with any activity.

The Takeaway

Celebrating an occasion and having a good time without alcohol doesn’t have to be as challenging as it sounds. You can still have a fun time without alcohol.

A 2018 study shows that on average Gen Z already drinks 20% less than millennials, and millennials drink less than previous generations. This proves that attitudes to drinking are changing and are likely to only increase, so you are not alone. [4]

When you have attended several social events without drinking alcohol, your confidence and ability to have a good time will only get better.

It takes time to unlearn a habit so there’s bound to be occasions where you might feel awkward. Try journaling to keep track of how you’re feeling and to remember positive sober experiences. [5]

Go easy on yourself, leave early if you’re not having a good time or you’re feeling the pressure to drink, and remember it will get easier.