Choose not to booze – alcohol-free ways to celebrate over the festive season and into the new year

According to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) triennial survey, the number of people who had ditched the drink rose from 1.5 million to 1.9 million between 2016 and 2019. Weight gain and heavy hangovers were cited among the reasons.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that on the whole, Aussies are drinking less. And a 2022 study from La Trobe found more young Aussies are shunning alcohol than ever before. If that’s not enough evidence for you, data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis shows that the NOLO (non-alcoholic and low alcohol) drinks sector is not only on the rise, it’s also outperforming their alcoholic counterpart. 

Organisations such as Sober in the Country (SITC) and their #oktosayno campaign are gaining traction in regional areas, where the abuse of alcohol often has very public ramifications.

SITC founder, advocate and 2022 Australian of the Year Local Hero Shanna Whan is passionate about country people feeling empowered to reduce or remove alcohol from their lives.

“If we, as a rural culture, cannot embrace, accept and support our mates who want to put health, mental health, family, etc before alcohol, and if we cannot be bothered to put effort in to catering thoughtfully for all (and not just drinkers), then may I suggest, we really have no right to call ourselves progressive.”

So, if you are quitting or cutting back on alcohol for whatever reason, what are your options to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your mates?

Often country pubs have limited mocktail or zero-alcohol options for those choosing to stay off the booze, but we have found some delicious options. You might need to campaign your favourite watering hole to stock some new brands, or order online to stock up at home, but the range is growing.

ETCH Sparkling is delicious range of alcohol-free sparkling beverages that are crafted using Australian native ingredients, “showcasing the true taste of Australia,” the company says.

ETCH packaging is also striking and for those who are still wary of the peer pressure of not drinking the gorgeous cans help fit in to any social occasion.

Sobah Beverages is another Australian company, First Nations owned, that offers a surprisingly wide range of non-alcoholic craft beers.

“We're breaking down the stigma of socialising sober. You can enjoy a unique tasting non-alcoholic craft beer while out with mates,” a spokesperson said.

“We promote healthy lifestyle choices and wellness, social equity, sustainability, smash stereotypes, unite people and of course, our beers quench thirst.

“Sobah is the truly social drink. Ngaru gayaa! Cheers!”

Sans Drinks is a one-stop online shop for a huge range of non-alcoholic options, including wines, mixers and mocktail ingredients.

Sans Drinks was founded in 2020 and ignited the non-alcoholic drinks revolution in Australia opening the first alcohol-free bottle shop, on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

The website boasts a curated range of recipes for non-drinkers, including zero-alcohol mojitos, margaritas and daiquiris.

SITC has suggestions for catering for you or other who choose not to booze.

“Not everyone wants just water or a lemonade and are after more sophisticated drink options, others love a sweet soft drink. So it's best you work out what you / your alcohol-free mates like best. “Some suggestions for alcohol-free beverages to have on hand that you can grab at the supermarket or general store include: soda water (that you can mix with fresh or bottled lime juice or with a mix of lime juice and cranberry juice ... or even pineapple juice), a classic lemonade or cola, water (of course!), and, these days, you can even find cordials designed for an adult palette.

“You can also buy alcohol-free drinks online. However, alcohol-free drinks (like alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits) can be linked to relapses for some people. Others can drink these safely. But if you are at all uncertain, it's best to avoid them completely.”

Above - Non alcoholic brands are emerging, and founder of Sans Drinks Irene Falcone (centre) led the way with Sans Drinks, and online store.

If you are still finding it difficult to explain your decision not to drink, Australia’s National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFASD) says they understand.

“It can be difficult to stay alcohol-free at big events and celebrations, but standing up for what you really want to do is a powerful thing.

“You might be surprised at the support you get, or at the very least, you may start people thinking about their own alcohol habits.

“It can be particularly difficult during big events such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Australia Day, birthdays and weddings.”

NOFASD’s tips for staying alcohol-free during the silly season

• Don’t go out – and do something else instead

This may be an overly-simplified suggestion, but for those who are in the situation where staying alcohol-free is especially important it may be worth considering not going to those events which you know will be alcohol-laden and doing something else instead.

If you are holidaying in metro areas, Untoxicated and Meetup Australia offer some great alcohol-free events, and for those in rural or regional areas, Sober in the Country can link you with events. Alternatively, suggesting a catch up for fish and chips on the beach, a coffee or a different type of social activity can all be great alcohol-free options.

• Go with a backup person

Research shows that having a support person with you who is also abstaining from alcohol can help you to resist the social pressure to drink. Your back up person can be your partner, a friend, or even the host – just make sure that the person is as dedicated to staying sober as you are. For women who are pregnant, having a conversation with your partner before you attend the event can be especially helpful 

• Take non-alcoholic beverages with you

In an ideal world, each event would cater for those who want to stay alcohol-free, but we all know that isn’t always the case. Sometimes water or soft drink options just don’t cut it – just because we don’t want to drink alcohol, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the same experiences that come with drinking – such as sipping from an expensive-looking glass with crazy garnishes or weird flavour concoctions that somehow work so well together. We can still have all of this without the alcohol, but we need to be prepared.

• Eat

That’s right. At events and celebration, the desire to consume alcohol may increase as we desire the repetitive hand-to-mouth action that we associate with drinking alcohol. We can partially satisfy this behavioural need by eating the amazing food usually on offer at celebrations and events. By eating, you’re also getting your sugar fix which you usually get when drinking alcohol. This is your permission to go all out on the food so you can put away the alcohol.

• Book something the next morning

If you’re someone who struggles to say no, then it may be more difficult to resist peer pressure to drink alcohol. If you make plans with a good friend or family member the following morning then you’re less likely to drink alcohol the night before, in case you miss your morning plans.

Think about it: It’s New Year’s Eve and you really don’t want to drink. But your friends are putting some pressure on you, calling you ‘boring’ in the process. And you respond with – “I’m not drinking because I have a skydive booked in tomorrow at 9am”or “I’m going for a breakfast and beach date with my girlfriend and then we’re hitting the shops” or “I’m going on a holiday in (insert amazing resort location here) and we’re doing (list all the amazing things you’re going to do).” Who’s the boring person now hey? (You might even get them thinking about their own alcohol-fuelled plans that will probably leave them in bed the whole next day).

Resources:

SITC - Support to cut back to quit alcohol

SITC - Bush Tribe online community

TIACS free counselling

NOFASD webinars and training

Path2Help